2020–21 Belgian First Division B, Number of teams by provinces
While Club NXT is a team from West Flanders, they are playing their home matches in Lokeren, which is located in East Flanders.


2020–21 Belgian National Division 1
The 2020–21 Belgian National Division 1 was the fifth season of the third-tier football league in Belgium and the first under its new name after changing from First Amateur Division to National Division 1. Eventually, the season was cancelled in January 2021 with just a few matches played, as measures taken by the Belgian government against the spread of COVID-19 prohibited amateur football.


2020–21 Belgian National Division 1
Just before the season started, Roeselare went bankrupt. Initially, it seemed as though a third-party would be willing to take over the club, with Roeselare forfeiting its first two matches while negotiations continued, eventually however the club folded and the league was to be played with only 15 teams. All results were removed and Roeselare ended in last place.


2020–21 Belgian National Division 1
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the league had started later than initially planned, with the first matches played only in September. Mid -October, with only the first four matchdays partially completed, the league was stopped as the second wave of the COVID-19 cases was in full force. With amateur football allowed again as from February 2021, it was decided in early December 2020 to restart the amateur leagues from mid-February 2021, in case the pandemic has evolved positively. Any matches from the first four matchdays which still need to be played can be played already from the beginning of February.


2020–21 Belgian National Division 1
In any case, the 2020–21 season was shortened, consisting of only the first half of the season, meaning a single round-robin tournament in which all teams play each other just once. All direct promotion and relegation places were to remain valid, but all post-season playoff tournaments were canceled, with no extra promotion and relegation rounds taking place, which meant that:


2020–21 Belgian National Division 1
With the planned restarting date coming closer, but COVID-19 figures still high, on 12 January 2021 a first meeting was held between representatives of both the Flemish and Francophone amateur football; the Belgian FA; the union of professional football clubs; and politicians, on whether to cancel the season entirely. The representatives concluded to postpone the decision to 25 January 2021, taking into account the result of the COVID-19 consultation committee of 22 January in which the possibility of relaxing the lockdown measures would be decided. Eventually, the decision was taken to cancel the season entirely. As a result, no teams were promoted or relegated from the league.


2020–21 Bellarmine Knights men's basketball team
The 2020–21 Bellarmine Knights men's basketball team represented Bellarmine University in the 2020–21 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Knights, led by 16th-year head coach Scott Davenport, played their home games at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky as members of the ASUN Conference. They finished the season 14-8 and 10-3 in ASUN play to finish in second place in the conference. They earned the second seed in the ASUN Tournament, losing in the quarterfinals to Stetson. They were invited to the College Basketball Invitational (the program’s first ever Division I postseason event), where they defeated Army in the quarterfinals and lost to Pepperdine in the semifinals.


2020–21 Bellarmine Knights men's basketball team
The season marked Bellarmine's first year of a four-year transition period from Division II to Division I. As a result, the Knights were not eligible for NCAA postseason play but were allowed to participate in the ASUN Tournament.


2020–21 Bellarmine Knights men's basketball team, Previous season
The Knights finished the 2019–20 season with a 20–8 overall record, including a 13–7 mark in GLVC play to finish in fifth place. It was a turbulent season for the team to say the least. They began the season 14-0, and had earned a number one overall ranking in the Division II Top 25 polls. After falling at home in a heartbreaking overtime loss to Indianapolis, 81-76, the Knights never quite found their dominant footing again. They lost six of their next eight games, including one to annual GLVC bottom feeder William Jewell.


2020–21 Bellarmine Knights men's basketball team, Previous season
With the losing skid, the Knights fell out of the rankings all together and were faced with a tough climb to even make the NCAA Tournament. They won three of their final four games to close out the regular season. As the 5th seed in the 2020 GLVC Tournament, they were defeated by No. 4 seeded Southern Indiana in the quarterfinals, 76-73. They received the 5 seed in the Midwest Region of the NCAA DII Tournament. But, like many sporting events, the tournament was cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.


2020–21 Bellarmine Knights men's basketball team, Schedule and results
Bellarmine was scheduled to begin their season on November 25 on the road against Chattanooga, but due to "unforeseen circumstances", this game, along with their home opener on November 28 against Transylvania, and their game on December 1 against Dayton, were postponed. Their game against Chattanooga was rescheduled for December 9, at home, and their game against Transylvania was rescheduled for January 1, 2021. Their game against Dayton was canceled.


2020–21 Bellarmine Knights men's basketball team, Schedule and results
After a preseason shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Knights ended up playing their first game at the Division I level on the road against the sixth-ranked Duke Blue Devils. It was a historic night for the program albeit in a quieter than usual Cameron Indoor Stadium. Despite staying close for the first half, Bellarmine ended up falling short to Duke, 76–54. Junior guard Dylan Penn entered the history books during the game, as he was responsible for scoring the first ever points in Bellarmine’s history at the Division I level.


2020–21 Bellarmine Knights men's basketball team, Schedule and results
Two days after the loss to Duke, Bellarmine made a different kind of history for the program, which was undoubtedly more positive. On December 6th, 2020, the Knights traveled to the doorsteps of Howard University and dismantled the Bison, 84–63, to notch their first ever win at the Division I level. Sophomore guard Alec Pfriem came off the bench and notched the program’s first ever double-double in Division I, scoring 14 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. The double-double was also the first of Pfriem’s collegiate career.


2020–21 Bellarmine Knights men's basketball team, Schedule and results
The Knights entered ASUN play with a 3–3 record, including losses to high-profile ACC opponents in Duke and Notre Dame. After narrowly being swept at home by preseason conference favorite Lipscomb, the Knights got back to playing their brand of basketball. They went on the road and swept Florida Gulf Coast in a dominant two-day set, behind the contributions of senior forward Ethan Claycomb. He was named ASUN Player of the Week, becoming the first Bellarmine athlete in any sport to earn such an honor during the Knights' brief ASUN history.


2020–21 Bellarmine Knights men's basketball team, Schedule and results
The Knights continued their success at home in the following weekend against Stetson, pulling off comeback wins on back-to-back nights to extend their winning streak to four. The second win was particularly special, however, as the Knights pulled off an unbelievable comeback. Trailing by 20 with less than 19 minutes to go in the game, Bellarmine shot 84 percent from the field in the second half (21 of 25) en route to rallying past the Hatters for a 76–65 victory.


2020–21 Bellarmine Knights men's basketball team, Schedule and results
Bellarmine continued their winning streak over the next few weeks, sweeping Kennesaw State, Jacksonville, and North Alabama to get to a 10-2 record in ASUN play, which placed them at the top of the conference.


2020–21 Belmont Bruins men's basketball team
The 2020–21 Belmont Bruins men's basketball team represented Belmont University in the 2020–21 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Bruins, led by second-year head coach Casey Alexander, played their home games at the Curb Event Center in Nashville, Tennessee as members of the Ohio Valley Conference. In a season limited due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Bruins finished the season 26–4, 18–2 in OVC play to win the regular season championship. They defeated SIU–Edwardsville and Jacksonville State before losing to Morehead State in the OVC Tournament championship game. Because of a limited National Invitation Tournament due to COVID-19, the Bruins did not receive an automatic bid to the NIT for being regular season champions. They did not receive an at-large bid to the NIT either.


2020–21 Belmont Bruins men's basketball team, Previous season
The Bruins finished the 2019–20 season 26–7, 15–3 in OVC play to finish in a tie for the regular season championship. They defeated Eastern Kentucky and Murray State to win the championship of the OVC Tournament. As a result, they received the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. However, the NCAA Tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.


2020–21 Bemidji State Beavers men's ice hockey season
The 2020–21 Bemidji State Beavers men's ice hockey season was the 65th season of play for the program, the 22nd at the Division I level and the 11th in the WCHA conference. The Beavers represented Bemidji State University and were coached by Tom Serratore, in his 20th season.


2020–21 Bemidji State Beavers men's ice hockey season, Season
As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the entire college ice hockey season was delayed. Because the NCAA had previously announced that all winter sports athletes would retain whatever eligibility they possessed through at least the following year, none of Bemidji State's players would lose a season of play. However, the NCAA also approved a change in its transfer regulations that would allow players to transfer and play immediately rather than having to sit out a season, as the rules previously required.


2020–21 Bemidji State Beavers men's ice hockey season, Season
Bemidji State's start to the season was a bit rocky but the team started playing better by the beginning of January and took 3 out of four games from a highly ranked Bowling Green squad. After flirting with a ranking of their own for a few weeks, the Beavers put a string of wins together towards the end of the regular season that placed them firmly in the top-20. The team's performance against the top teams in the WCHA made it possible that BSU would make the NCAA Tournament without a conference title, but sweeping Michigan Tech in the quarterfinals all but guaranteed them a spot.


2020–21 Bemidji State Beavers men's ice hockey season, Season
The Beavers were ranked 13th by the NCAA selection committee and were placed opposite Wisconsin for the first tournament game. The Beavers played well from the start, recording 16 shots and taking an early lead after the first period. After the Badgers cut their lead in half the game tightened up but BSU continued to fire the puck on goal and regained their two-goal lead late in the second. A gaffe by Wisconsin's netminder allowed Owen Sillinger to score the team's 4th goal and the Beavers added another early in the third.


2020–21 Bemidji State Beavers men's ice hockey season, Season
Wisconsin fought back to score twice in the final frame but the Beaver's lead was too great and an empty net goal with less than 2 seconds remaining sent Bemidji State to the regional final. The Beaver's performance in their second game was nightmarish for the team. BSU ended up recording just 18 shots all game and were unable to score on any of their six power play opportunities, which included a 5-minute major. To make matters worse, Massachusetts opened the scoring with a short-handed goal and never let the Beavers onto the game, winning the match 4–0.


2020–21 Benevento Calcio season
The 2020–21 season was the first season of Benevento back in the top-flight of Italian football following promotion from Serie B. It was also only be the club's second ever season in Serie A. In addition to the domestic league, Benevento participated in this season's edition of the Coppa Italia. The season covered the period from 7 August 2020 to 30 June 2021.


2020–21 Benevento Calcio season, Players, Squad information
Players and squad numbers last updated on 20 August 2020. Appearances include league matches only. Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2020–21 Benevento Calcio season, Pre-season and friendlies
Benevento began their pre-season on August 17 in Seefeld in Tirol, Austria. Filippo Inzaghi announced a squad of 30 players would take part in the training camp.


2020–21 Bengaluru FC season
The 2020–21 season was Bengaluru FC's eighth season as a club since its establishment in 2013.


2020–21 Bengaluru FC season, Background, Transfers
During the course of 2019–20 season, Bengaluru FC extended contracts of Juanan, Thongkhosiem Haokip and Edmund Lalrindika. At the end of the season, Bengaluru FC extended contracts of Udanta Singh, Erik Paartalu, Dimas Delgado, Ajay Chhetri, Leon Augustine, Roshan Singh and Namgyal Bhutia.


2020–21 Bengaluru FC season, Background, Transfers
On 3 June Bengaluru FC announced signing of defender Pratik Chaudhari and club's former goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte. Both the players signed with the club for two seasons. On 5 June Bengaluru FC announced signing of defenders Joe Zoherliana and Wungngayam Muirang on two year deal. On 20 June Bengaluru FC announced signing of Brazilian forward Cleiton Silva on one year deal. In August 2020, Bengaluru signed left back Ajith Kumar from Chennai City F.C. on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee. On 18 September Bengaluru FC signed midfielder Huidrom Thoi Singh from Reliance Foundation Young Champs. On 3 October Bengaluru FC announced signing of goalkeeper Lara Sharma for three years. On 20 October Bengaluru FC announced signing of Spanish defender Fran González and Norwegian striker Kristian Opseth on season long deals.


2020–21 Bengaluru FC season, Background, Transfers
Bengaluru FC did not renew the contract of Spanish midfielder Nili as he joined Greek side Levadiakos. Jamaican striker Kevaughn Frater signed for Israeli club Maccabi Netanya. Defender Nishu Kumar and goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill signed for Kerala Blasters. On 13 September 2020, Spanish striker Manuel Onwu completed the move to Odisha FC after being on the loan the previous season. Defender Gursimrat Singh Gill signed for Bengaluru United Brazilian midfielder Raphael Augusto's contract with the club was terminated on mutual agreement, owing to personal reasons. Bengaluru FC did not renew the contract of Spanish defender Albert Serrán Defender Sairuat Kima joined Sudeva FC. Midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdoh and defender Rino Anto joined East Bengal.


2020–21 Bengaluru FC season, Background, Transfers
In the winter transfer window, Ajay Chhetri was loaned out to SC East Bengal till the end of the season.


2020–21 Bengaluru FC season, Pre-season and friendlies
Bengaluru FC started pre-season with a friendly against Hyderabad FC on 7 November 2020 at Dempo SC ground, in Goa. Bengaluru drew the game 1–1 with Wungngayam Muirang scoring the opening goal in first half. Aridane Santana scored from spot to equalise for Hyderabad in second half.


2020–21 Bengaluru FC season, Competitions, AFC Cup
ATK, who finished runners-up in the league phase of the 2019–20 Indian Super League season, merged with 2019–20 I-League champions Mohun Bagan and qualified automatically to the AFC Cup group stage. Third-placed team in 2019–20 Indian Super League season, Bengaluru FC qualified for 2021 AFC Cup qualifiers. This will be Bengaluru's sixth appearance in the tournament.


2020–21 Bengaluru FC season, Competitions, AFC Cup, Qualifying play-offs
Due to the lockdown and travel restrictions in Bangladesh, the AFC Sub-Committee decided that Abahani Limited Dhaka are considered to have withdrawn from the AFC Cup 2021 and awarded the Playoff Stage slot to Eagles FC. Playoff Stage match supposed to be hosted by Bengaluru FC, moved to Maldives, which is hosting  Group D matches, where the winner of Playoff will be placed. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic Play-off round between Bengaluru FC and Eagles FC scheduled for May 2021 postponed to 15 August 2021.


2020–21 Bengaluru FC season, Coaching Staff, Management
After poor outings during the ongoing season, on 6 January 2021, it was announced that Carles Cuadrat and Bengaluru FC decided to mutually part ways. Naushad Moosa, the assistant coach and the head coach of Bengaluru FC B, was appointed as a caretaker coach. Soon after the departure of Carles, the fitness coach Mikel Guillen too parted ways with the club.


2020–21 Bengaluru FC season, Player statistics, Disciplinary record
Missed a game, against East Bengal (7 yellow cards)(2 February 2021)


2020–21 Bentley Falcons men's ice hockey season
The 2020-21 Bentley Falcons men's ice hockey season was the 44th season of play for the program, the 22nd at the Division I level, and the 18th season in the Atlantic Hockey conference. The Falcons represented Bentley University and were coached by Ryan Soderquist, in his 19th season.


2020–21 Bentley Falcons men's ice hockey season, Season
As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the entire college ice hockey season was delayed. Because the NCAA had previously announced that all winter sports athletes would retain whatever eligibility they possessed through at least the following year, none of Bentley's players would lose a season of play. However, the NCAA also approved a change in its transfer regulations that would allow players to transfer and play immediately rather than having to sit out a season, as the rules previously required.


2020–21 Bentley Falcons men's ice hockey season, Season
Bentley didn't play well in the first month of the season, beginning 1–5. After a COVID-19-extended break, the Falcons returned to the ice in late January and won consecutive games. Their good play didn't last, however, and the team followed the mini-resurgence with five straight losses. Despite a poor record, Bentley was the host to start the Atlantic Hockey Tournament. The Falcons played Air Force and won decisively, 7–3. As the team was preparing to take on top seed American International, Bentley University began to see a surge in positive COVID cases. Due the school's protocols, Bentley withdrew from the remainder of the tournament on March 11 and ended their season.


2020–21 Bermudian Premier Division
The 2020–21 Bermudian Premier Division is the 58th season of the Bermudian Premier Division, the highest tier of football in Bermuda. The season began on 26 September 2020 and is scheduled to conclude on 11 April 2021. North Village Rams are the current champions from the previous season.


2020–21 Bermudian Premier Division, Teams, Team changes
Though Somerset Eagles finished in 9th place the previous season, the club was reprieved from relegation and the Premier League will be played with 11 teams this season.


2020–21 Beşiktaş J.K. season
The 2020–21 Beşiktaş J.K. season was the club's 117th season in existence and the club's 61st consecutive season in the top flight of Turkish football. In addition to the domestic league, Beşiktaş participated in this season's editions of the Turkish Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Europa League. This season covered the period from 1 August 2020 to 30 June 2021.


2020–21 Beşiktaş J.K. season, Season events
On 1 August, Lille announced the signing of Burak Yılmaz.


2020–21 Beşiktaş J.K. season, Season events
On 12 August, Beşiktaş announced the signing of Fabrice N'Sakala to a one-year contract, from Alanyaspor.


2020–21 Beşiktaş J.K. season, Season events
On 17 August, Beşiktaş announced the signing of Bernard Mensah on a one-year loan deal from Kayserispor.


2020–21 Beşiktaş J.K. season, Season events
On 20 August, Beşiktaş announced the signing of Welinton to a one-year contract, from Alanyaspor.


2020–21 Beşiktaş J.K. season, Season events
On 28 August, Beşiktaş announced the signing of Atakan Üner from Altınordu.


2020–21 Beşiktaş J.K. season, Season events
On 2 September, Francisco Montero joined Beşiktaş on a season-long loan deal from Atlético Madrid.


2020–21 Beşiktaş J.K. season, Season events
On 3 September, the Turkish Football Federation announced that all games during the first half of the Süper Lig season, would be played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey.


2020–21 Beşiktaş J.K. season, Season events
On 14 September, Beşiktaş announced the signing of Josef de Souza from Al-Ahli.


2020–21 Beşiktaş J.K. season, Season events
On 18 September, Beşiktaş announced the return of Gökhan Töre from Yeni Malatyaspor.


2020–21 Beşiktaş J.K. season, Season events
On 26 September, Beşiktaş announced the return of Vincent Aboubakar from Porto.


2020–21 Beşiktaş J.K. season, Season events
On 2 October, Beşiktaş announced the signing of Valentin Rosier on a season-long loan deal from Sporting CP.


2020–21 Beşiktaş J.K. season, Season events
On 5 October, Beşiktaş announced the signing of Rachid Ghezzal on a season-long loan deal from Leicester City.


2020–21 Beşiktaş J.K. season, Season events
On 1 February, Beşiktaş announced the return of Cenk Tosun on loan for the remainder of the season, and the permanent signing of Bilal Ceylan. Also on the same day Jeremain Lens, Tyler Boyd, Erdoğan Kaya and Güven Yalçın all the left the club on loan, whilst Nicolas Isimat-Mirin's contract was terminated by mutual consent.


2020–21 Beşiktaş J.K. season, Squad, Out on loan
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2020–21 Beşiktaş J.K. season, Competitions, Süper Lig, Results by round
Note: Since the league has been expanded to 21 teams each team will earn a bye twice this season.


2020–21 Biathlon IBU Cup
The 2020–21 Biathlon IBU Cup was a multi-race tournament over a season of biathlon, organised by the International Biathlon Union. IBU Cup was the second-rank competition in biathlon after the Biathlon World Cup. The season started on 14 January 2021 in Arber, Germany and ended on 14 March 2021 in Obertilliach, Austria. The defending overall champions from the 2019–20 Biathlon IBU Cup were Lucas Fratzscher from Germany and Elisabeth Högberg from Sweden.


2020–21 Biathlon IBU Cup, Calendar
Below is the IBU Cup calendar for the 2020–21 season.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup
The  2020–21 Biathlon World Cup (BWC) was a multi-race series over a season of biathlon, organised by the International Biathlon Union. The season started on 28 November 2020 in Kontiolahti, Finland and ended on 21 March 2021 in Östersund, Sweden.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup
Starting from this season a blue bib will be introduced for the best biathlete under the age of 25.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup, Calendar
Below is the IBU World Cup calendar for the 2020–21 season.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup, Points distribution
The table shows the number of points won in the 2020/21 Biathlon World Cup for men and women. Relay events do not impact individual rankings.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup, Retirements
The following notable biathletes retired during or after the 2020–21 season:


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Individual Men
The 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Individual Men started on 28 November 2020 in Kontiolahti and will finished on 17 February 2021 in Pokljuka.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Individual Men, Competition format
The individual race is the oldest biathlon event; the distance is skied over five laps. The biathlete shoots four times at any shooting lane, in the order of prone, standing, prone, standing, totalling 20 targets. Competitors' starts are staggered, normally by 30 seconds. The distance skied is usually 20 kilometres (12.4 mi) with a fixed penalty time of one minute per missed target that is added to the skiing time of the biathlete. In the "Short Individual" the distance is 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) with a penalty time of 45 seconds per missed target.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Individual Women
The 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Individual Women started on 28 November 2020 in Kontiolahti and will finished on 16 February 2021 in Pokljuka.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Individual Women, Competition format
The individual race is the oldest biathlon event; the distance is skied over five laps. The biathlete shoots four times at any shooting lane, in the order of prone, standing, prone, standing, totalling 20 targets. Competitors' starts are staggered, normally by 30 seconds. The distance skied is usually 20 kilometres (12.4 mi) with a fixed penalty time of one minute per missed target that is added to the skiing time of the biathlete. In the "Short Individual" the distance is 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) with a penalty time of 45 seconds per missed target.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Mass start Men
The 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Mass start Men started on 20 December 2020 in Hochfilzen and will finished on 21 March 2021 in Östersund


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Mass start Men, Competition format
In the mass start, all biathletes start at the same time and the first across the finish line wins.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Mass start Men, Competition format
In this 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) competition, the distance is skied over five laps; there are four bouts of shooting (two prone and two standing, in that order) with the first shooting bout being at the lane corresponding to the competitor's bib number (bib #10 shoots at lane #10 regardless of position in race), with the rest of the shooting bouts being on a first-come, first-served basis (if a competitor arrives at the lane in fifth place, they shoot at lane 5).


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Mass start Men, Competition format
As in the sprint and pursuit, competitors must ski one 150 metres (490 ft) penalty loop for each miss. Here again, to avoid unwanted congestion, World Cup Mass starts are held with only the 30 top ranking athletes on the start line (half that of the pursuit) as here all contestants start simultaneously.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Mass start Women
The 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Mass start Women started on 20 December 2020 in Hochfilzen and will finished on 21 March 2021 in Östersund


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Mass start Women, Competition format
In the mass start, all biathletes start at the same time and the first across the finish line wins.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Mass start Women, Competition format
In this 12.5 kilometres (7.8 mi) competition, the distance is skied over five laps; there are four bouts of shooting (two prone and two standing, in that order) with the first shooting bout being at the lane corresponding to the competitor's bib number (bib #10 shoots at lane #10 regardless of position in race), with the rest of the shooting bouts being on a first-come, first-served basis (if a competitor arrives at the lane in fifth place, they shoot at lane 5).


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Mass start Women, Competition format
As in the sprint and pursuit, competitors must ski one 150 metres (490 ft) penalty loop for each miss. Here again, to avoid unwanted congestion, World Cup Mass starts are held with only the 30 top ranking athletes on the start line (half that of the pursuit) as here all contestants start simultaneously.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Mixed Relay
The 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Mixed Relay started on 10 January 2021 in Oberhof and will finished on 14 March 2021 in Nové Město


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Mixed Relay, Competition format
The relay teams consist of four biathletes. Legs 1 and 2 are skied by either the two men or the two women; legs 3 and 4 are skied by the remaining athletes. The race concists of either four 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) legs or four 7.5 kilometres (4.7 mi) legs. Every athlete's leg is skied over three laps, with two shooting rounds: one prone and one standing.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Mixed Relay, Competition format
For every round of five targets there are eight bullets available, though the last three can only be single-loaded manually from the spare round holders or from bullets deposited by the athlete into trays or onto the mat at the firing line. If after eight bullets there are still standing targets, one 150 metres (490 ft) penalty loop must be taken for each remaining target. The first-leg participants all start at the same time, and as in cross-country skiing relays, every athlete of a team must touch the team's next-leg participant to perform a valid changeover.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Mixed Relay, Competition format
On the first shooting stage of the first leg, the participant must shoot in the lane corresponding to their bib number (bib #10 shoots at lane #10 regardless of their position in the race), then for the remainder of the relay, the athletes shoot at the lane corresponding to the position they arrived (arrive at the range in 5th place, shoot at lane five).


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Mixed Relay, Competition format
The single mixed relay involves one male and one female biathlete each completing two legs consisting of one prone and one standing shoot. The starting biathletes all start the race at the same time and complete one 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) leg before exchanging with their partner who completes another 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) leg. The athlete then exchanges back with their partner who completes another 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) leg before exchanging back and completing a final 4.5 kilometres (2.8 mi) leg, which includes an extra lap after the final shoot. The rules regarding shooting are the same as in the regular mixed relay.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Nation Men
The Nation's Cup Score Men in the 2019–20 Biathlon World Cup is led by Norway, who is the defending titlist. Each nation's score comprises the points earned by its three best placed athletes in every Sprint and Individual competition, the points earned in the Men's Relay competitions, and half of the points earned in the Mixed Relay competitions.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Nation Men
For this season only the best 19 results out of 25 will be counted towards the standings.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Nation Women
The Nation's Cup Score Women in the 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup is led by Norway, who is the defending titlist. Each nation's score comprises the points earned by its three best placed athletes in every Sprint and Individual competition, the points earned in the Women's Relay competitions, and half of the points earned in the Mixed Relay competitions.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Nation Women
For this season only the best 19 results out of 25 will be counted towards the standings.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Overall Men
In the men's 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup total score, for each participating athlete the points earned in all Individual, Sprint, Pursuit and Mass start competitions held during the season are added up with the four lowest scores subtracted at the end of the season to give that athlete's final score. This includes the results from the Biathlon World Championships 2021 (held between the World Cup stages in Antholz-Anterselva and Nové Město).


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Overall Men, Standings
In each event places 1 to 40 (1 to 30 in a Mass start) are awarded points, a victory being worth 60 points. The full point system is shown in the table on the right. In a Mass start event only 30 athletes are allowed to participate and the points awarded for ranks 22 to 30 differ from the system used in other events. Equal placings (ties) give an equal number of points.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Overall Men, Standings
An athlete's total World Cup Score is the sum of all World Cup points earned in the season, minus the points from 4 events in which the athlete got their worst scores. Ties in this score are broken by comparing the tied athletes' number of victories. If this number is the same for the athletes in question, the number of second places is compared, and so on. If a tie cannot be broken by this procedure, it remains a tie.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Overall Women
In the women's 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup total score, for each participating athlete the points earned in all Individual, Sprint, Pursuit and Mass start competitions held during the season are added up with the two lowest scores subtracted at the end of the season to give that athlete's final score. This includes the results from the Biathlon World Championships 2021 (held between the World Cup stages in Antholz-Anterselva and Nové Město).


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Overall Women, Standings
In each event places 1 to 40 (1 to 30 in a Mass start) are awarded points, a victory being worth 60 points. The full point system is shown in the table on the right. In a Mass start event only 30 athletes are allowed to participate and the points awarded for ranks 22 to 30 differ from the system used in other events. Equal placings (ties) give an equal number of points.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Overall Women, Standings
An athlete's total World Cup Score is the sum of all World Cup points earned in the season, minus the points from 2 events in which the athlete got their worst scores. Ties in this score are broken by comparing the tied athletes' number of victories. If this number is the same for the athletes in question, the number of second places is compared, and so on. If a tie cannot be broken by this procedure, it remains a tie.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Pursuit Men
The 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Pursuit Men started on 5 December 2020 in Kontiolahti and will finished on 20 March 2021 in Östersund


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Pursuit Men, Competition format
The 12.5 kilometres (7.8 mi) pursuit race is skied over five laps. The biathlete shoots four times at any shooting lane, in the order of prone, prone, standing, standing, totalling 20 targets. For each missed target a biathlete has to run a 150 metres (490 ft) penalty loop. Competitors' starts are staggered, according to the result of the previous sprint race.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Pursuit Women
The 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Pursuit Women started on 6 December 2020 in Kontiolahti and will finished on 20 March 2021 in Östersund


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Pursuit Women, Competition format
The 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) pursuit race is skied over five laps. The biathlete shoots four times at any shooting lane, in the order of prone, prone, standing, standing, totalling 20 targets. For each missed target a biathlete has to run a 150 metres (490 ft) penalty loop. Competitors' starts are staggered, according to the result of the previous sprint race.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Relay Men
The 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Relay Men started on 6 December 2020 in Kontiolahti and will finished on 5 March 2021 in Nové Město


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Relay Men, Competition format
The relay teams consist of four biathletes. Every athlete's leg is skied over three 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi) laps for a total of 7.5 kilometres (4.7 mi), with two shooting rounds: one prone and one standing. For every round of five targets there are eight bullets available, though the last three can only be single-loaded manually from the spare round holders or from bullets deposited by the athlete into trays or onto the mat at the firing line.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Relay Men, Competition format
If after eight bullets there are still standing targets, one 150 metres (490 ft) penalty loop must be taken for each remaining target. The first-leg participants start all at the same time, and as in cross-country skiing relays, every athlete of a team must touch the team's next-leg participant to perform a valid changeover.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Relay Men, Competition format
On the first shooting stage of the first leg, the participant must shoot in the lane corresponding to their bib number (bib #10 shoots at lane #10 regardless of their position in the race), then for the remainder of the relay, the athletes shoot at the lane corresponding to the position they arrived (arrive at the range in 5th place, shoot at lane five).


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Relay Women
The 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Relay Women started on 5 December 2020 in Kontiolahti and will finish on 4 March 2021 in Nové Město


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Relay Women, Competition format
The relay teams consist of four biathletes. Every athlete's leg is skied over three 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) laps for a total of 6 kilometres (3.7 mi), with two shooting rounds: one prone and one standing. For every round of five targets there are eight bullets available, though the last three can only be single-loaded manually from the spare round holders or from bullets deposited by the athlete into trays or onto the mat at the firing line.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Relay Women, Competition format
If after eight bullets there are still standing targets, one 150 metres (490 ft) penalty loop must be taken for each remaining target. The first-leg participants start all at the same time, and as in cross-country skiing relays, every athlete of a team must touch the team's next-leg participant to perform a valid changeover.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Relay Women, Competition format
On the first shooting stage of the first leg, the participant must shoot in the lane corresponding to their bib number (bib #10 shoots at lane #10 regardless of their position in the race), then for the remainder of the relay, the athletes shoot at the lane corresponding to the position they arrived (arrive at the range in 5th place, shoot at lane five).


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Sprint Men
The 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Sprint Men started on 29 November 2020 in Kontiolahti and will finished on 19 March 2021 in Östersund


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Sprint Men, Competition format
The 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) sprint race is the third oldest biathlon event; the distance is skied over three laps. The biathlete shoots two times at any shooting lane, first prone, then standing, totalling 10 targets. For each missed target the biathlete has to complete a penalty lap of around 150 metres (490 ft). Competitors' starts are staggered, normally by 30 seconds.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Sprint Women
The 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Sprint Women started on 29 November 2020 in Kontiolahti and will finished on 18 March 2021 in Östersund


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Sprint Women, Competition format
The 7.5 kilometres (4.7 mi) sprint race is the third oldest biathlon event; the distance is skied over three laps. The biathlete shoots two times at any shooting lane, first prone, then standing, totalling 10 targets. For each missed target the biathlete has to complete a penalty lap of around 150 metres (490 ft). Competitors' starts are staggered, normally by 30 seconds.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Stage 1
The 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Stage 1 was the opening event of the season and is held in Kontiolahti, Finland, from 28 to 29 November 2020.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Stage 10
The 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Stage 10 is the 10th event of the season and will held in Östersund, Sweden, from 19 to 21 March 2021. Originally it was scheduled to be held at Oslo-Holmenkollen, Norway, but due to the restrictions, imposed by the Norwegian government due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on 13 February it was announced that the final round will be held at Östersund.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Stage 2
The 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Stage 2 was the second event of the season and was held in Kontiolahti, Finland, from 3 to 6 December 2020. This event was originally scheduled to be held in Östersund, Sweden, but was rescheduled to Kontiolahti to limit travel in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Stage 3
The 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Stage 3 was the third event of the season and was held in Hochfilzen, Austria, from 11 to 13 December 2020.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Stage 4
The 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Stage 4 was the fourth event of the season and was held in Hochfilzen, Austria, from 17 to 20 December 2020.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Stage 5
The 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Stage 5 was the fifth event of the season and was held in Oberhof, Germany, from 8 to 10 January 2021.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Stage 6
The 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Stage 6 was the sixth event of the season and was held in Oberhof, Germany, from 13 to 17 January 2021.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Stage 7
The 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Stage 7 was the 7th event of the season and was held in Antholz-Anterselva, Italy, from 21 to 24 January 2021.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Stage 8
The 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Stage 8 was the 8th event of the season and was held in Nové Město, Czech Republic, from 4 to 7 March 2021.


2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Stage 9
The 2020–21 Biathlon World Cup – Stage 9 was the 9th event of the season and was held in Nové Město, Czech Republic, from 11 to 14 March 2021.


2020–21 Big 12 Conference men's basketball season
The 2020–21 Big 12 men's basketball season began with practices in October 2020, followed by the start of the 2020–21 NCAA Division I men's basketball season in November. Regular season conference play began in December 2020 and concluded in March 2020. The Big 12 Tournament is was held from March 11–14, 2021 and was played at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Baylor won their first ever National Championship, becoming the first Big 12 team to win the National Championship since Kansas in 2008.


2020–21 Big 12 Conference men's basketball season, Coaches, Coaching changes
There were no head coaching changes following the 2019–20 Big 12 Conference men's basketball season.


2020–21 Big 12 Conference men's basketball season, Coaches, Head coaches
Note: Stats are through the beginning of the season. All stats and records are from time at current school only.


2020–21 Big 12 Conference men's basketball season, Honors and awards, All-Americans
To earn "consensus" status, a player must win honors from a majority of the following teams: the Associated Press, the USBWA, Sporting News, and the National Association of Basketball Coaches.


2020–21 Big Bash League season
The 2020–21 Big Bash League season or BBL|10 was the tenth season of the Big Bash League, the professional men's Twenty20 domestic cricket competition in Australia, with 61 matches played. On 15 July 2020, Cricket Australia confirmed the fixtures for the tournament. The tournament started on 10 December 2020, and finished on 6 February 2021, with the majority of the matches played at night.


2020–21 Big Bash League season
The Sydney Sixers were the defending champions, and they successfully defended their title following a 27-run victory over the Perth Scorchers in the final.


2020–21 Big Bash League season, New rules
Several changes for the season, including bonus points, substitutions and free hits for wides, were suggested by Cricket Australia. However, on 16 November 2020, Cricket Australia announced three changes to the BBL's playing conditions, which will add a more strategic element to the T20 tournament. All three rules are designed to maximise interest throughout the full 40 overs of a contest and ensure strategic thinking is rewarded. The three new rules are as follows:


2020–21 Big Bash League season, New rules
The 'Power Surge' is a two-over period during which the fielding team is allowed only two players outside the inner fielding circle. The batting side can call for this at any point from the 11th over of their innings. The fielding restrictions replicate those of the usual Powerplay at the beginning of an innings, which has been shortened to four overs.


2020–21 Big Bash League season, New rules
An 'X-factor Player', named as either the 12th or 13th player on the team sheet, can come into the game beyond the 10th over of the first innings and replace any player who is yet to bat, or has bowled no more than one over. The X-factor substitute was first used in the game eight of the tournament, on 15 December 2020. The Adelaide Strikers replaced Danny Briggs with Matthew Short, and the Hobart Hurricanes replaced Johan Botha with Mac Wright.


2020–21 Big Bash League season, New rules
The 'Bash Boost' will be a bonus point awarded halfway through the second innings. The team chasing will receive the bonus point if they're above the equivalent 10-over score of their opposition, while if they're trailing, the fielding side will receive the point. If the score at the 10-over mark is equal, both teams will get 0.5 points each. In case of a no result, both teams are given two points each and no Bash Boost is awarded.


2020–21 Big Bash League season, New rules
If a match has been shortened before a ball is bowled, the midway point of the innings is recalculated and points are given to who was above during the midway point. If a match is impacted by rain and is shortened, the Bash Boost target will be calculated via the DLS method. Teams will also now be awarded three points for winning the match, as opposed to the traditional two.


2020–21 Big Bash League season, Teams
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, teams will play 'home' games at neutral venues. These are marked with an *.


2020–21 Big Bash League season, Win-loss table
Below is a summary of results for each team's fourteen regular season matches, plus finals where applicable, in chronological order. A team's opponent for any given match is listed above the margin of victory/defeat.


2020–21 Big Bash League season, Fixtures
On 23 November 2020, Cricket Australia confirmed the full schedule for the tournament. 45 of the 61 games – including all the finals – were shown on Channel Seven, while Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports broadcast all of the matches. On 5 November 2020, Cricket Australia announced the revised dates, start times and matchups for all 56 regular season games, with venues confirmed for the first 21 matches up until 31 December 2020.


2020–21 Big East Conference men's basketball season
The 2020–21 Big East Conference men's basketball season began with practices in October 2020, followed by the start of the 2020–21 NCAA Division I men's basketball season in November. Conference play began in January 2021.


2020–21 Big East Conference men's basketball season, Preseason, Preseason poll
Prior to the season, the Big East conducted a poll of Big East coaches. Coaches do not place their own team on their ballots.


2020–21 Big East Conference men's basketball season, Regular season, Conference matrix
This table summarizes the head-to-head results between teams in conference play.


2020–21 Big East Conference men's basketball season, Regular season, Player of the week
Throughout the season, the Big East Conference named a player of the week and a freshman of the week each Monday.


2020–21 Big Easy Tour
The 2020–21 Big Easy Tour is the 10th season of the Big Easy Tour, and the third in which events received Official World Golf Ranking points.


2020–21 Big Easy Tour, Schedule
The following table details the tournament schedule and winners. Regular events have prize money of R 60,000.


2020–21 Big Sky Conference men's basketball season
The 2020–21 Big Sky Conference men's basketball season began with practices in October 2020, followed by the start of the 2020–21 NCAA Division I men's basketball season in November. Conference play begins in January 2021 and will conclude in March 2021.


2020–21 Big Sky Conference men's basketball season, Preseason Awards
Preseason awards were announced by the league office on November 11, 2020.


2020–21 Big South Conference men's basketball season
The 2020–21 Big South Conference men's basketball season began with practices in October 2020, followed by the start of the 2020–21 NCAA Division I men's basketball season in November. Conference play begins in January 2021 and will conclude in March 2021.


2020–21 Big South Conference men's basketball season, Preseason Awards
The preseason coaches' poll was announced by the league office on November 10, 2020.


2020–21 Big South Conference men's basketball season, Honors
Preseason honors were announced by the league office on November 10, 2020.


2020–21 Big Ten Conference men's basketball season
The 2020–21 Big Ten men's basketball season began with practices in October 2020, followed by the start of the 2020–21 NCAA Division I men's basketball season in November 2020. The regular season ended in March 2021.


2020–21 Big Ten Conference men's basketball season
The Big Ten announced the season schedule on November 18, 2020 with games starting on December 13 and featuring games played on December 25 and 26. The schedule had built-in collapsible byes to attempt to make up for expected COVID-19 issues. The conference played the highest percentage of scheduled conference games in the nation, having only four games that could not be played.


2020–21 Big Ten Conference men's basketball season
With a win over rival Michigan State on March 4, 2021, Michigan won the Big Ten regular season championship based on winning percentage as the Wolverines did not play a full 20-game schedule due to COVID-19 issues.


2020–21 Big Ten Conference men's basketball season
The Big Ten Tournament was originally to be held at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois from March 10–14, 2021. However, on February 9, the conference announced the tournament would be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana to better deal with testing concerns raised by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Illinois defeated Ohio State in the championship game to win the Big Ten Tournament and receive the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.


2020–21 Big Ten Conference men's basketball season
Iowa big man Luka Garza was named Big Ten Player of the Year for the second consecutive year. Michigan coach Juwan Howard was named Big Ten Coach of the Year. Garza and Illinois point guard Ayo Dosunmu were consensus first-team All-Americans.


2020–21 Big Ten Conference men's basketball season
In addition to Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Purdue, Rutgers, and Wisconsin received bids to the NCAA Tournament. The nine bids to the tournament marked a conference record.


2020–21 Big Ten Conference men's basketball season, Head coaches, Coaching changes prior to the season, Penn State
On October 21, 2020, Pat Chambers resigned after an internal investigation by the school into inappropriate conduct by Chambers. It had been reported in July that former player Rasir Bolton had left the program due to comments to him by Chambers. New allegations surfaced after the school's investigation. Assistant coach Jim Ferry will serve as interim coach for the 2020–21 season.


2020–21 Big Ten Conference men's basketball season, Preseason, Preseason All-Big Ten
On November 8, 2020, a panel of conference media selected a 10-member preseason All-Big Ten Team and Player of the Year.


2020–21 Big Ten Conference men's basketball season, Regular season, Player of the week
Throughout the conference regular season, the Big Ten offices named one or two players of the week and one or two freshmen of the week each Monday.


2020–21 Big Ten Conference men's basketball season, Regular season, Conference matrix
This table summarizes the head-to-head results between teams in conference play. Each team was scheduled to play 20 conference games, and at least one game against each opponent. However, due to COVID-19 pandemic protocols some games were cancelled, officially declared as "no contest".


2020–21 Big Ten Conference men's basketball season, Honors and awards, All-Big Ten awards and teams
On March 9, 2021, the Big Ten announced most of its conference awards.


2020–21 Big Ten Conference men's basketball season, Postseason, NCAA Tournament
The winner of the Big Ten Tournament, Illinois, received the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Nine Big Ten teams received bids to the NCAA Tournament, the most of any conference in the tournament and the most in the conference's history.


2020–21 Big Ten Conference women's basketball season
The 2020–21 Big Ten women's basketball season began with practices in October 2020, followed by the start of the 2020–21 NCAA Division I women's basketball season in November 2020. The regular season will end in March, 2021.


2020–21 Big Ten Conference women's basketball season
The Big Ten Tournament will be played at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana in March 2021.


2020–21 Big Ten Conference women's basketball season, Preseason, Preseason conference poll
The Big Ten released the preseason ranking on November 11, 2020 which featured a ranking by both media and coaches.


2020–21 Big Ten Conference women's basketball season, Honors and awards, All-Big Ten awards and teams
On March 8, 2021, the Big Ten announced its conference awards.


2020–21 Big Ten men's ice hockey season
The 2020–21 Big Ten men's ice hockey season was the 31st season of play for the Big Ten Conference's men's ice hockey division and took place during the 2020–21 NCAA Division I men's ice hockey season. The start to the regular season was delayed until November 13, 2020 and concluded on March 6, 2021. The conference tournament was held at the Compton Family Ice Arena in Notre Dame, Indiana.


2020–21 Big Ten men's ice hockey season, Season
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Big Ten season did not begin until mid-November, 6 weeks later than usual. As a result of the pandemic, the Big Ten only scheduled conference opponents during the regular season with one exception. Arizona State, an independent program, entered into a scheduling alliance with the Big Ten for this season. The team agreed to play its entire season on the road and would not be eligible for the Big Ten Tournament.


2020–21 Big Ten men's ice hockey season, Season
The regular season was highlighted by the prominence of Minnesota for most of the year and the scoring exploits of Cole Caufield. Caufield averaged a goal per game pace for the year and led both the Big Ten and the nation in both goals and points. The conference was able to earn 3 at-large bids for member schools, resulting in more than half of the Big Ten making the NCAA Tournament.


2020–21 Big Ten men's ice hockey season, Season
Unfortunately, while the conference was able to avoid too much trouble from COVID during the regular season, both Michigan and Notre Dame had players test positive just before their regional semifinal games and were forced to withdraw. As a result, their matchup with Boston College was ruled a no-contest and the Eagles automatically advanced to the Northeast Regional Final. Similarly, on March 26, the NCAA announced Michigan was forced to withdraw as well due to COVID protocols. Minnesota provided the conference with its only tournament victory, defeating Omaha 7–2 before losing in the quarterfinals to in-state rival Minnesota State.


2020–21 Big Ten men's ice hockey season, Season
After the season, Michigan made national headlines by having 3 players be drafted in the first five selections of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The Wolverines had an incoming freshman taken 4th overall as well.


2020–21 Big Ten men's ice hockey season, Statistics, Leading scorers
GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes


2020–21 Big Ten men's ice hockey season, Statistics, Leading goaltenders
Minimum 1/3 of team's minutes played in conference games. GP = Games played; Min = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GA = Goals against; SO = Shutouts; SV% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average


2020–21 Big West Conference men's basketball season
The 2020–21 Big West Conference men's basketball season began with practices in October 2020, followed by the start of the 2020–21 NCAA Division I men's basketball season in November. Conference play begins in January 2021 and will conclude in March 2021. As of January, 2021 games against UC San Diego are counted as non-conference games as their results will not be counted in the league standings during their transition period.


2020–21 Big West Conference men's basketball season, Preseason Awards
Preseason awards were announced by the league office on November 11, 2020.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup
The 2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup is the 58th edition of the international women's tennis team's tournament and the first to be styled as the  Billie Jean King Cup.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup
For this edition, the format of the cup has changed. The main modification is the World Group taking place at one location and in one week, with twelve teams divided in four round-robin groups of three teams each, with the winners of each group advancing to the semi-finals. The series between the teams in this stage will feature two singles matches and one doubles match. As the World Group will now take place as one single tournament, the event has been named the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. The lower zone groups I, II and III will be composed of round-robin group play deciding promotion or relegation.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup, Billie Jean King Cup Finals
Date : 1–6 November 2021 Venue: O2 Arena, Prague, Czech Republic Surface: Hard (i)


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup, Billie Jean King Cup Finals
12 nations will take part in the Finals, formerly known as World Group. The qualification is as follows:


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup, Billie Jean King Cup Finals, Qualifying round
Sixteen teams played for eight spots in the Finals, in series decided on a home and away basis.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup, Billie Jean King Cup Finals, Qualifying round
The 8 losing teams from the qualifying round played the new Play-offs, which rankedthe 8 nations that were promoted from the Regional Group I from Americas, Europe/Africa and Asia/Oceania, to see who had to play the 2022 Qualifiers and who stayed in the Regional Group I in 2022.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup, Play-offs
Sixteen teams played for eight spots in the 2021 Qualifying Round, in series decided on a home and away basis.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup, Play-offs
Eight winners advanced to the 2022 Qualifying Round and eight losers contest their respective regional Group I event in 2022.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup, Americas Zone, Group II
Venue 1: Centro de Alto Rendimiento Fred Maduro, Panama City, Panama (clay)   Venue 2: Club de Tenis La Paz, La Paz, Bolivia (clay)


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup, Americas Zone, Group II
Dates: 23–26 June 2021 (Panama City) and 27–30 October 2021 (La Paz)


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup, Asia/Oceania Zone, Group I
Venue: Aviation Club Tennis Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (hard)


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup, Asia/Oceania Zone, Group II
Venue 1: Renouf Tennis Centre, Wellington, New Zealand (hard)   Venue 2: Sri Lanka Tennis Association Complex, Colombo, Sri Lanka (clay)


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup, Asia/Oceania Zone, Group II
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event in Sri Lanka could not be held. The Billie Jean King Cup committee has decided that in light of the challenges of identifying and appointing a new host nation during the remainder of the 2021 tennis season, the event will no longer take place in 2021. The seven competing nations, Hong Kong China, Iran, Malaysia, Oman, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan and Vietnam, will remain in Asia/Oceania Group II, where they will compete in the 2022 competition.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup, Europe/Africa Zone, Group I
Venue 1: Tallinn Tennis Center, Tallinn, Estonia (indoor hard)   Venue 2: Centre National de Tennis, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg (indoor hard)


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Americas Zone
The Americas Zone is one of three zones of regional competition in the 2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Americas Zone, Group I
The seven teams were divided into two pools of three and four teams. The two pool winners took part in a play-off to determine the nation advancing to the Play-offs. The nations finishing last (in Pool A) and second last (in Pool B) took part in a relegation play-off, with the losing nation relegated to Group II for 2022. The nation finishing last in Pool B was automatically relegated to Group II for 2022.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Americas Zone, Group II
The fifteen teams will compete across two different venues, with 8 nations taking part in La Paz, and 7 nations taking part in Panama City. In La Paz, the eight teams were divided into two pools of four teams. The winners of each pool will play-off to determine the nation advancing to Group I in 2022. In Panama City, the seven teams were divided into two pools of four and three teams, with the winning nation promoted to Group I in 2022.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Zone
The Asia/Oceania Zone is one of three zones of regional competition in the 2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Zone, Group I
The six teams competed in one pool, with the teams finishing 1st and 2nd place in the pool advancing to the Play-offs. The nations finishing 5th and 6th in the pool were relegated to Group II for 2022. The event was moved and postponed a month from Dongguan, China to Dubai due to the COVID-19 pandemic.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Zone, Group II
The eighteen teams will compete across two different venues, with 10 nations taking part in Colombo, and 8 nations taking part in Wellington. In Colombo, ten teams will compete across 2 pools (Pools A & B). The winners of each pool will play-off to determine which nation will advance to Asia/Oceania Group I in 2022. In Wellington, eight teams will compete across two Pools of 4 teams (Pools A & B). The winners of each pool will play-off to determine which nation will advance to Asia/Oceania Group I in 2022.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Zone, Group II
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event in Sri Lanka could not be held. The Billie Jean King Cup committee has decided that in light of the challenges of identifying and appointing a new host nation during the remainder of the 2021 tennis season, the event will no longer take place in 2021. The seven competing nations, Hong Kong China, Iran, Malaysia, Oman, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan and Vietnam, will remain in Asia/Oceania Group II, where they will compete in the 2022 competition.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group II – Play-offs
The play-offs of the 2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group II were the final stages of the Group II zonal competition involving teams from Asia and Oceania. Using the positions determined in their pools, the eighteen teams faced off to determine their placing in the 2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group II. The top two teams advanced to Group I for 2022.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group II – Play-offs, Promotional play-offs
The first-placed teams of each pool played against one another in a head-to-head round. The winners of each round advanced to the 2022 Asia/Oceania Zone Group I.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group II – Play-offs, 3rd to 4th place play-offs
The second-placed teams of each pool played against one another in a head-to-head round to determine the 3rd and 4th placings.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group II – Play-offs, 5th to 6th place play-offs
The third-placed teams of each pool played against one another in a head-to-head round to determine the 5th and 6th placings.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group II – Play-offs, 7th to 8th place play-offs
The second-placed teams of each pool played against one another in a head-to-head round to determine the 7th and 8th placings.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Europe/Africa Zone
The Europe/Africa Zone is one of three zones of regional competition in the 2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Europe/Africa Zone, Group I
The thirteen teams were split across the two venues, with 7 teams competing in Tallinn and the other 6 competing in Esch-sur-Alzette. In Tallinn, the seven teams were split into two Pools of three and four teams with the teams finishing 1st and 2nd place in the pool competing in promotional playoffs for advancement to the Play-offs. In Esch-sur-Alzette, the nations were split into two pools of 3 teams, with the nations finishing first and second competing in promotional playoffs for advancement to the Play-offs. The nations finishing last in the each of the pools competed in relegation playoffs, with one nation from each venue relegated to Group II in 2022.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Europe/Africa Zone, Group II
The eight teams are split into two pools of 4. The 1st and 2nd placed teams of each pool will play-off to determine the nation advancing to Group I in 2022. The third and fourth placed teams will play-off to determine the nations relegated to Group III in 2022.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Europe/Africa Zone, Group III
The 21 teams are split into three pools of 4 teams and three pools of 3 teams. The 1st placed teams of each pool will play-off to determine the two nations advancing to Group II in 2022.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Finals
The Finals, formerly known as World Group, will be the highest level of Billie Jean King Cup competition in 2020–21. It was originally scheduled to be played on indoor clay courts at the László Papp Budapest Sports Arena in Budapest, Hungary from 14 until 19 April 2020, but was postponed due to COVID-19. The ties will be contested in a best-of-three rubbers format and will be played on one day. There will be two singles followed by a doubles.


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Finals, Participating teams
12 nations will take part in the Finals, formerly known as World Group. The qualification is as follows:


2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Finals, Format
The 12 teams are divided in four round robin groups of three teams each. The four group winners will qualify for the semifinals.


2020–21 Binghamton Bearcats men's basketball team
The 2020–21 Binghamton Bearcats men's basketball team represented Binghamton University in the 2020–21 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. They played their home games at the Binghamton University Events Center in Vestal, New York and were led by ninth-year head coach Tommy Dempsey. In a season limited due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, they finished the season 4–14, 4–10 in America East play to finish in ninth place. They lost to Hartford in the first round of the America East Tournament.


2020–21 Binghamton Bearcats men's basketball team, Previous season
The Bearcats finished the 2019–20 season 10–19, 4–12 in America East play to finish in last place. As a result, they failed to qualify for the America East Tournament.


2020–21 Binghamton Bearcats men's basketball team, Schedule and results
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Bearcats' schedule is subject to change, including the cancellation or postponement of individual games, the cancellation of the entire season, or games played either with minimal fans or without fans in attendance and just essential personnel.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season
The 2020–21 season is Birmingham City Football Club's 118th season in the English football league system and 10th consecutive season in the second-tier Championship. As with all English Football League clubs, the first team competed in the EFL Cup, in which they lost to Cambridge United in the first round, and in the FA Cup, in which they lost to Manchester City in the third round.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season
Aitor Karanka was appointed head coach on 31 July 2020, and was replaced by Lee Bowyer on 16 March 2021, with the team 21st in the table with ten matches left. With five wins and two draws from the next eight, Birmingham avoided relegation with two matches to spare, and eventually finished 18th.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season
The season covers the period from July 2020 to 30 June 2021.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, Background and pre-season
With nine matches of the 2019–20 season still to play and Birmingham lying 16th in the table, football was interrupted for three months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. On 8 June – 12 days before the Championship resumed behind closed doors – the club confirmed that head coach Pep Clotet would leave at the end of the season to "explore other coaching opportunities"; after a series of poor results, he left by mutual consent on 8 July. Steve Spooner and Craig Gardner acted as caretakers for the last four matches.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, Background and pre-season
Birmingham accrued just three points after the resumption, extending a winless run to 14 league matches, and finished 20th, avoiding relegation on the final day thanks to favourable results elsewhere and a 12-point deduction because of Wigan Athletic's entering administration. On 31 July, former Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest manager Aitor Karanka was appointed as head coach on a three-year contract.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, Background and pre-season
Of the senior players, goalkeeper David Stockdale, defenders Jonathan Grounds and Cheick Keita, and wingers Jacques Maghoma and Kerim Mrabti were released at the end of their contracts; Lee Camp extended his contract to cover the last nine games of the season, and then left; and midfielder Craig Gardner retired to concentrate on coaching. Forward Álvaro Giménez' loan at Cádiz was converted to a permanent move after that club were promoted.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, Background and pre-season
Jude Bellingham, who became Birmingham's youngest first-team debutant at the age of 16 years 38 days and youngest goalscorer 25 days later, set more records, for transfer fee received by the club and as the world's most expensive 17-year-old, when he joined Borussia Dortmund for a fee reported as an initial £25 million.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, Background and pre-season
Karanka's first signing was defender George Friend, who rejected a contract extension at Middlesbrough in favour of rejoining his former manager. He was followed by midfielder Jon Toral, who was Birmingham's Player of the Season when on loan from Arsenal in 2015–16, wingers Iván Sánchez, fresh from helping Elche gain promotion to the Spanish top flight, and West Bromwich Albion's Jonathan Leko, the first signing for whom a fee – reported as £1 million – was paid, goalkeepers Andrés Prieto and Neil Etheridge, and another former Middlesbrough player, midfielder Adam Clayton.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, Background and pre-season
After a loan spell in 2019–20 during which he scored seven goals in eight league games before lockdown but none after, Scott Hogan arrived from Aston Villa on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee, and Mikel San José, a Spanish international midfielder or defender released after eleven years with Athletic Bilbao, signed for two years.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, Background and pre-season
In June 2020, the club announced a four-year partnership with Nike as supplier of kits, which carry the logo of the club's principal sponsor, Irish bookmaker BoyleSports. The home kit consists of a blue shirt with white collar, sleeves and trim, white shorts and blue socks.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, Background and pre-season
Birmingham played four pre-season friendlies: at home to Charlton Athletic, Leicester City and Walsall, and away to Tottenham Hotspur.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, September–October
After 16 winless matches in all competitions, Birmingham City's Championship campaign began at home to Brentford on 12 September. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, no fans were present. The team lined up in new head coach Aitor Karanka's preferred 4–2–3–1 formation. In goal, making his Football League debut, was the 19-year-old Zach Jeacock, selected in place of the injured Andrés Prieto and ahead of the newly arrived Neil Etheridge. Captain Harlee Dean partnered George Friend in central defence, with Maxime Colin and Kristian Pedersen at full back.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, September–October
Ivan Šunjić and newcomer Adam Clayton occupied central midfield, with Jérémie Bela wide left and Iván Sánchez, making his first appearance in English football, wide right. Jon Toral played behind last season's Player of the Season and top scorer Lukas Jutkiewicz, who had been injured throughout pre-season.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, September–October
Although the visitors hit the woodwork twice and might well have been awarded a penalty when Pedersen appeared to pull down Pontus Jansson, Birmingham's organisation and apparent team spirit were much improved from the 2019–20 version, and the only goal came after 37 minutes when Sánchez whipped in a corner and Bela, unmarked in the six-yard box, glanced a header past the goalkeeper at his near post.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, September–October
Etheridge made his debut in a solid defensive performance in a goalless draw at Swansea City, marred by Swansea coach Alan Tate "raising his arm to the neck area of Toral before shoving him to the ground" at half-time, for which the Football Association gave him a four-match touchline ban and a fine. At home to Rotherham United, Birmingham switched to a 4–4–2 formation to accommodate the debut of Scott Hogan. Neither side were effective in attack, and after 87 minutes, Bela's clumsy tackle gave away a penalty from which the visitors scored. Minutes later, Toral won a penalty, and Bela showed what Karanka called "personality" to fulfil his role as designated taker and secure the draw.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, September–October
Without Jutkiewicz, who had tested positive for coronavirus, Birmingham failed to score in the three matches after the international break. Their first league defeat of the season came against Sheffield Wednesday via a penalty awarded for what the victim, Callum Paterson, described as "a bit of a nudge in the back" by Clayton. Their second came three days later away to promotion favourites Norwich City: their well-organised defensive shape held out until the last five minutes when Clayton was sent off and Norwich took advantage.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, September–October
A more attacking formation, with Jonathan Leko partnering Hogan up front, achieved a goalless draw at Queens Park Rangers. Gary Gardner's header from Bela's free kick opened the scoring at home to Huddersfield Town, who equalised late on; even later, Leko's shot hit the bar and Jutkiewicz, who had come on after an hour, tapped in the rebound to secure Birmingham's second win of the season via their first goal from open play. They won again at Preston North End, via Riley McGree's first goal for Birmingham, two minutes into his first start, and another Gardner header, to end October in mid-table.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, November–December
Birmingham went winless through November. At home to Wycombe Wanderers, who had gained their first ever point at Championship level the previous week, Marc Roberts scored his first goal for 2+1⁄2 years while several team-mates failed to take their chances. Wycombe took advantage of their hosts' ineffective second-half performance, first to equalise and then to force a winner via Pedersen's own goal. Karanka said afterwards that Wycombe "showed more determination than us to win the game. But they controlled the second half – we couldn't keep the ball or pass the ball and we didn't create anything."


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, November–December
The 3–1 loss to a superior AFC Bournemouth team brought an improvement in attitude and a first goal of the season for Hogan, who said he was feeling fitter and sharper, noting that he'd "always been able to [score] quite consistently in the past when [he'd] played regularly." Despite the new regulations that allowed five changes from a nine-man bench, Hogan was one of eight unused substitutes in the goalless draw with Coventry City, the first league meeting between the clubs since Coventry began their groundshare at St Andrew's. Etheridge's goalkeeping earned Birmingham a draw away to Luton Town, although Šunjić's stoppage-time shot would have secured all three points but for a fine save from his compatriot Simon Sluga, and the month ended with a dull goalless draw with Millwall that left Birmingham 17th in the table.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, November–December
December opened with a well-worked goal from Hogan at home to Barnsley, but what BBC Sport dubbed a "contentious penalty", when Pedersen was judged to have tripped Callum Brittain, and a late deflected shot extended Birmingham's winless run to six games. The defensive nature of the visit to Bristol City was enlivened by the arrival of Alen Halilović for a 20-minute debut, and Dean's header from a corner gave Birmingham all three points. Uncharacteristically, Karanka made only one (enforced) team change for the next match.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, November–December
In front of 2,000 socially distanced fans at the Madejski Stadium, Jon Toral demonstrated what the Birmingham Mail called "an inexplicable difference to the form he had showed so far this season" to score twice in the first half. After Reading made the score 1–2, Dean received a second yellow card for a foul in the penalty area and was sent off. Etheridge saved the kick, and Birmingham held on for a second consecutive win. Toral remained unused in a defensive setup at home to Watford, it was Pedersen's turn to be sent off for conceding a penalty, and Troy Deeney converted for his fifth goal against Birmingham.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, November–December
Jake Clarke-Salter's error led to Cardiff City's opening goal, Roberts equalised, and Sánchez "slalomed through three defenders and picked out the far corner with an absolute piledriver" to give Birmingham the lead and join the now seven-way tie for top scorer with two goals. The goal was voted Birmingham's Goal of the Season. Etheridge saved a penalty, awarded for Clarke-Salter's hand-ball, but Cardiff scored twice late on.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, November–December
Colin gave Birmingham an early lead at home to Middlesbrough before the mistakes set in: two half-time substitutions and three more after an hour made little impact and the match ended as a 4–1 loss. A goalless draw at Nottingham Forest was followed by a 4–0 loss at home to Derby County summed up by Karanka as "like going to the cinema and watching the same film. One mistake, one goal. Two mistakes, two goals. Three mistakes, three goals. ... I expected ups and downs this season, but not these same individual mistakes every single game."


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, January–March
Birmingham went into 2021 18th in the table, seven points above the relegation places. A 2–0 loss to Blackburn Rovers – their eighth home defeat of the season, the most in the top four divisions – was followed by George Friend's man-of-the-match performance on his return to Middlesbrough, where a well-worked goal by Hogan gave Birmingham their first win in seven. Two more winless home games, a loss to Preston North End and a draw with Coventry City, left Birmingham 20th in the table, four points above Rotherham United who had two games in hand, and Karanka still talking about mistakes, goals and Groundhog Day.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, January–March
Goalless at rock-bottom Wycombe Wanderers, with Hogan, new signing Sam Cosgrove, and three other attacking players on the bench, Karanka made no changes until Roberts was sent off in the 88th minute. He claimed that "even one second lack of concentration can be dangerous. We were going to be fighting to the last second and one mistake of concentration could have been difficult for us."


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, January–March
Birmingham had the better of the first half away to AFC Bournemouth: Hogan opened the scoring with the aid of a goalkeeping error, and after Sánchez had a shot cleared off the line, Pedersen's angled volley was disallowed for offside. In a game of two poor defences, the hosts regained the lead, Hogan equalised, but his side could not hold on. The defeat placed them in the relegation zone, and earned the head coach the 100% confidence of his superiors. After his team lost 1–0 at home to Luton Town and dropped to 23rd, he said if they kept playing like that they would not stay up.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, January–March
The positive intent shown by selecting two strikers at Millwall was blunted two minutes into the game when Mikel San José underhit a backpass and Jed Wallace beat Etheridge to the ball and scored; the match ended 2–0. Fellow relegation candidates Sheffield Wednesday had a man sent off just after half-time, and Hogan scored some 15 minutes later; it remained the only goal of the game thanks to Etheridge's "stunning" late save.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, January–March
Birmingham produced what Karanka claimed to be "the best 45 minutes we have played this season" to hold table-topping Norwich City to 1–1, thanks in part to Etheridge's penalty save, but luck went against them in the second half, when a deflection made it easy for Teemu Pukki to score his second, and they conceded again on the break deep into stoppage time. At Queens Park Rangers, Birmingham missed several chances and conceded against the run of play. After an hour, Karanka made a triple change: in the last ten minutes, Pedersen headed an equaliser from substitute Roberts' long throw, and it was another substitute, Alen Halilović, whose curling 20 yd (18 m) shot secured Birmingham's first home win since October.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, January–March
The next three games brought one point, via Marc Roberts' equaliser away to Huddersfield Town, but no change to the negativity surrounding the club. A change of formation, introducing Jutkiewicz, a striker whose game relied on crosses into the box, while omitting the wingers who might supply them, failed to produce a shot on target against Barnsley, preceded a capitulation to Bristol City. Karanka was asked if he would resign; he replied "No chance".


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, January–March
The Daily Mirror's Neil Moxley reported that, when captain Harlee Dean was asked whether the manager still had the backing of the players, the silence became awkward. The following day, 14 March, rumours began to emerge that Karanka had been sacked, not by the unpopular chief executive but by a senior director. On the 15th, Lee Bowyer, who had been a member of Birmingham's 2011 League Cup-winning side, resigned his post as manager of Charlton Athletic. The next day, 16 March, a brief statement on the club website confirmed that Karanka had "stepped down as head coach." Shortly afterwards, Bowyer was announced as his replacement. The board "highlight[ed] his man-management skills and motivational qualities", while Bowyer said he was "absolutely delighted and it's great to be back", and stressed his priority was to lift the whole club.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, The last ten matches
Both Bowyer and Dean stressed the value of clear, simple instructions and of encouragement. In the first match, at home to Reading, Bowyer recalled Jutkiewicz, played him alongside Hogan and with wingers to supply the crosses – a system preferred by both forwards – and four minutes into the match, he headed home from Bela's cross to score his 50th goal for Birmingham and first in 24 games. Reading equalised before Dean's header from a corner won the match; his goal celebration, a shrug of the shoulders, seemed to mock Karanka's mannerism.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, The last ten matches
Although Birmingham lost 3–0 away to second-placed Watford, the manager's appreciation of the need for formation changes and the team's ability to implement them illustrated the increased focus on shape work under Bowyer. The same applied to the next match, at home to Swansea City, in which the half-time replacement of the enthusiastic but yellow-carded Steve Seddon by Friend strengthened the defence and Hogan's last-minute penalty, after Jutkiewicz had missed an earlier one, won the game. They followed up with a goalless draw away to Brentford, in which the highlights were Etheridge's goalkeeping and the performance of McGree out of position at wing-back.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, The last ten matches
With Stoke City's defence expecting yet another long throw, Roberts threw short, Colin passed it back to him, and his "first-time curling cross was headed home powerfully by Jutkiewicz" for his 50th league goal for Birmingham. His 51st completed a 2–0 win. Six points behind Birmingham but still with two games in hand, Rotherham United held out until Dean's 88th-minute header went in off a defender.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, The last ten matches
Away to another relegation candidate, Nottingham Forest, Birmingham led through Roberts' fourth goal of the season until six minutes into stoppage time, when the referee awarded a penalty for what he saw as a foul by Jutkiewicz. After the match, Bowyer was critical of the quality of officiating at Championship level, and correctly predicted he would receive an apology for the mistake from the head of refereeing. Another two Jutkiewic goals helped Birmingham come from behind to beat Derby County 2–1 and secure their Championship status with two matches of the season remaining.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Championship, The last ten matches
Bowyer used the last two fixtures to look at fringe players, in appreciation of their contribution as part of the squad and to see how the younger players coped with starting a competitive fixture. Both were heavy defeats. The matches saw first-team debuts for Ryan Stirk and Keke Simmonds, first starts for Sam Cosgrove and Amari Miller, first appearances of the season for Nico Gordon and Connal Trueman, a chance to bid farewell to the long-serving Josh Dacres-Cogley, and Jutkiewicz's eighth goal of the season, which was enough to make him the club's top scorer.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, FA Cup
As with all teams in the top two divisions, Birmingham entered the competition in the third round, in which they were drawn to play away to Premier League club Manchester City.


2020–21 Birmingham City F.C. season, EFL Cup
Birmingham were drawn to play at home to League Two club Cambridge United in the first round. They went into the match with an 18-year-old debutant, Adan George, as lone striker in the absence of the injured Lukas Jutkiewicz. They conceded after 18 minutes when debutant goalkeeper Andrés Prieto misjudged a set-piece, and came closest to an equaliser shortly afterwards when Jérémie Bela hit the crossbar with a shot from distance. The team remained winless since February, and Karanka said that he and his staff needed to change what he perceived as a "losing mentality" after the previous season had ended with such a poor run of results.


2020–21 Birmingham City W.F.C. season
The 2020–21 Birmingham City W.F.C. season was the club's 53rd season in existence and their 10th in the FA Women's Super League, the highest level of the football pyramid, having been founding members of the league in 2011. Along with competing in the WSL, the club will contested two domestic cup competitions: the FA Cup and the League Cup.


2020–21 Birmingham City W.F.C. season
Carla Ward was appointed manager ahead of the new season on 13 August 2020, taking over from Charlie Baxter who had been put in charge on an interim basis following the departure of Marta Tejedor during the previous campaign.


2020–21 Birmingham City W.F.C. season
On 5 April 2021, it was revealed a formal letter signed by all Birmingham City players had been sent to the club's board with a list of complaints including concerns about working conditions, lack of gym facilities, medical support, travel provisions, squad size and part-time coaching staff which would contradict WSL licencing rules. Numerous requests by the squad to meet with the board had previously been rejected and there was a fear that the club was not committed to funding a full-time team for the following season with only three players under contract past June 2021.


2020–21 Birmingham City W.F.C. season
The letter received support from the PFA as well as mass social media coverage from former and current players around the WSL. On 8 April, the letter was addressed in a club statement with the board expressing their disappointment an internal issue was made public, refuting the factual accuracy of many of the points reported and citing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as context for both the financial strain and practical difficulties with regards to providing adequate facilities but reaffirming they were still committed to supporting the team. The statement also confirmed a deal had been agreed to host the women's team's home games at the club's main St Andrew's stadium for the 2021–22 season.


2020–21 Birmingham City W.F.C. season
On 14 May 2021, Ward announced her resignation effective as of the team's final game of the season on 16 May.


2020–21 Birmingham City W.F.C. season, Squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2020–21 Birmingham City W.F.C. season, Women's FA Cup
As a member of the top two tiers, Birmingham City will enter the FA Cup in the fourth round proper. Originally scheduled to take place on 31 January 2021, it was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Due to the delay, the competition only reached the fifth round before the end of the season. It resumed at the quarter-final stage the following season on 29 September 2021, at which point Scott Booth was Birmingham City manager.


2020–21 Birmingham City W.F.C. season, Squad statistics, Appearances
Starting appearances are listed first, followed by substitute appearances after the + symbol where applicable.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season
The 2020–21 season was Blackburn Rovers' 133nd season as a professional football club and it participated in the Championship for a third consecutive season. Along with competing in the Championship, the club also participated in the FA Cup and EFL Cup. The season covered the period from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, June
On the 24 Rovers announced their retained list Danny Graham, Stewart Downing, Dominic Samuel, Jayson Leutwiler, Richie Smallwood & Sam Hart discussions will be held regarding their future at the club.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, June
From the development squad Rovers took the option to extend Matthew Platt contract by 12 months until 2021, whilst Brad Lyons & Ben Paton have both been offered new contracts, Jordan Eastham has signed a contract till 2022 while Sam Burns, Dan Pike, Jalil Saadi, Sam Durrant & James Connelly have signed contracts until 2021. Luke Brennan & Flavien Enzo Boyomo have been offered professional contracts but have yet to sign. Chanka Zimba, Jack Evans & Charley Doyle will not be retained by the club.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, July
On the 1 Rovers announced the signing of young attacking midfielder Tyrhys Dolan from Preston North End on a 2-year deal following his release. Rovers also announced young winger Luke Brennan has signed his 1st professional deal, a 2-year contract until 2022, Also midfield duo Brad Lyons & Ben Paton signed 1 year deals until 2021.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, July
On the 7 Forest Green Rovers announced the signing of Jack Evans following his release from Rovers.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, July
On the 24 Rovers announced Danny Graham, Dominic Samuel, Jayson Leutwiler, Richie Smallwood & Sam Hart will not be offered new contracts by the club, Discussions continue to be held with Stewart Downing about extending his stay with Rovers.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, July
On the 28 Rovers announced u23 midfielder Tom White had joined Bolton Wanderers on loan until the end of the season.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, July
On the 29 Rovers announced u23 defender Matthew Platt had joined Barrow on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, August
On the 11 Hull City announced the signing of Richie Smallwood following his release from Rovers.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, August
On the 12 Atlético Albacete announced the signing of Flavien Enzo Boyomo after he rejected a new contract from Rovers.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, August
On the 16 Rovers confirmed their agreement with official principal sponsor 10bet had ended 2 years into a 3-year deal.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, August
On the 17 Rovers announced an extension to their partnership with Totally Wicked.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, August
On the 26 Rovers announced the signing of Belgium goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski from Gent for an undisclosed fee, on a 2-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, August
On the 28 Rovers announced Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors will remain our back-of-shirt sponsor for a third successive season.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, August
On the 29 Rovers announced a new multi year shirt sponsor with leading performance and recovery compression wear brand Recoverite Compression, The new deal will see the Recoverite Compression brand on the front of all first team, Under-23s, youth and replica kits.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, September
On the 2 Rovers announced the signing of young striker Connor McBride from Celtic on a free transfer, he signed a 2-year deal with the option of a further 12 months. Also  Stalybridge Celtic announced the signing of Charley Doyle following his release from Rovers.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, September
On the 4 Cardiff City announced the signing of Chanka Zimba following his release from Rovers.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, September
On the 7 Sunderland announced the signing of Danny Graham following his release from Rovers.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, September
On the 11 Fleetwood Town announced the signing of Jayson Leutwiler following his release from Rovers.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, September
On the 15 Rovers announced the signing of defender Daniel Ayala following his release from Middlesbrough on a 3-year deal until 2023.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, September
On the 21 Gillingham announced the signing of Dominic Samuel following his release from Rovers.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, September
On the 28 Rovers announced the signing of young goalkeeper Felix Goddard following his release from Manchester City on a 2-year scholarship.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, October
On the 6 Rovers announced u23 midfielder Stefan Mols had joined Intercity on loan until the end of the season. Also Rovers announced the signing of Greek u21 goalkeeper Antonis Stergiakis from Slavia Sofia on a 3-year deal until 2023 with the option of a further 12 months.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, October
On the 16 Rovers announced the signing of defender Barry Douglas on loan from Leeds United until the end of the season, Rovers also announced the signing of midfielder Tom Trybull on loan from Norwich City until the end of the season, Rovers also announced defender Charlie Mulgrew had joined Fleetwood Town on loan until the end of the season, Rovers also announced the signing of goalkeeper Aynsley Pears from Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee on a 4-year deal until 2024, Rovers also announced goalkeeper Andy Fisher had joined Milton Keynes Dons on a permanent deal, Rovers also announced the signing of Harvey Elliott on loan from Liverpool until the end of the season.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, November
On the 2 Rovers announced midfielder Stewart Downing had rejoined the club.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, November
On the 9 Rovers announced defender Tyler Magloire had joined Hartlepool United on loan until 9 January.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, November
On the 11 Southend United announced the signing of Sam Hart following his release from Rovers.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Summer activity, November
On the 13 Rovers announced winger Luke Brennan had joined AFC Fylde on loan until the end of the season.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Winter activity, December
On the 23 Rovers announced attacking midfielder Bradley Dack had signed new 2 and half year deal until 2023, with the option of a further 12 months.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Winter activity, December
On the 31 Rovers announced winger Harry Chapman had joined Shrewsbury Town on loan until the end of the season.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Winter activity, January
On the 6 Rovers announced midfielder Brad Lyons had joined Morecambe on loan until the end of the season, Also defender Hayden Carter joined Burton Albion on loan until the end of the season.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Winter activity, January
On the 12 Rovers announced goalkeeper Joe Hilton had joined Fleetwood Town on an emergency 7 day loan.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Winter activity, January
On the 13 Rovers announced midfielder Luke Brennan had been recalled from his loan at AFC Fylde.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Winter activity, January
On the 14 Rovers announced the signing of defender Jarrad Branthwaite on loan from Everton until the end of the season.


2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season, Winter activity, January
On the 15 Rovers announced young midfielder Joe Nolan had signed a professional contract until 2022 following a successful trial.