Sports 24-Hour Briefing
×Formula 1
Last updated: October 10, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
Singapore Sprint and Qualifying
Max Verstappen claimed pole for the Singapore Grand Prix, extending his recent dominance at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. The Dutchman then won the chaotic wet sprint from pole after George Russell crashed out. Russell admitted the error was his own, calling his Saturday "very bad."
Verstappen and Red Bull
Attention has turned to whether Verstappen's pole is down to driving or engine power, with some questioning the margin he holds over rivals. Verstappen himself urged Red Bull to address its poor getaways, a problem that also surfaced in Malaysia. The Dutchman has said he expects to change his approach to fix the starting issues.
McLaren Tensions
McLaren has described a clash between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as serious, with the team refocusing on its race strategy after the incident.
Football/Soccer
Last updated: October 10, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
Premier League: Man Utd, Spurs and Arsenal
Manchester United could only draw 1-1 with ten-man Tottenham at Old Trafford, leaving them with the worst start in 40 years. Ahead of the game, Gary Neville warned of a worrying few weeks if the squad did not get a grip, and BBC Sport's assessment described Michael Carrick facing boos and fading belief. ESPN argued that failing to beat Spurs after being up a goal and a man shows how much trouble the club is in, while Sky Sports noted that Tottenham rescued a point despite a red card. Roberto De Zerbi later admitted he kissed Bentancur after the dismissal, and Tottenham will fly to Marbella for a training camp. Michael Carrick also said there is no timeline for Benjamin Sesko's return from injury.
Arsenal came from behind to beat Leeds 2-1 as the Premier League resumed, scoring twice in eight minutes at the Emirates, and Mikel Arteta said the win returned the team's identity. The result was played out under the cloud of Man City's guilty verdict, and ESPN questioned whether City's sanctions could push the club's fanbase to suffer. A whistleblower behind the case, Rui Pinto, will remain in witness protection after a U-turn, and Man Utd fans unveiled a ticker banner aimed at City at Old Trafford. Elsewhere, Brighton won at Sunderland with ten players to stay third, and Ipswich's late show kept Fulham winless under Alvaro Arbeloa. Arbeloa said he does not feel fear despite mounting pressure.
Chelsea
Chelsea thrashed Bournemouth 5-1, with Jordan Henderson netting a brace at, and BBC Sport credited Henderson and Moises Caicedo for the midfield work that underpinned the win. Cole Palmer signed a new deal keeping him at the club until 2034.
La Liga and Europe
Anthony Gordon opened his account for Barcelona in a 3-0 win over Getafe, and Hansi Flick praised Gordon and Gabriel Jesus for filling the Raphinha void, though Raphinha's injury concerns will sideline him for two fixtures. Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior was benched by Mourinho after a red card for pulling an opponent's hair, and Vini later apologised to teammates and fans. Mourinho said Kylian Mbappé will start and called criticism of him "ridiculous." Cristiano Ronaldo was provisionally suspended by the Portuguese FA after a walkout. In Germany, Augsburg's Robin Fellhauer scored the fastest Bundesliga goal ever, beating Manuel Neuer. Rayo Vallecano's match against Athletic Club was suspended after a paper-plane protest.
USWNT
The USWNT lost 2-0 to world champions Spain, with Patri Guijarro and Eva Navarro scoring in the opening 14 minutes. ESPN's player ratings gave Wilson 8/10 as a bright spot, and the match was described as a lesson from Spain. Emma Hayes said the team needs a collective effort to top the world No. 1, and ESPN outlined what the USWNT can learn from the defeat. Crystal Dunn was honored before the friendly.
Scotland, Rangers and Hearts
Rangers moved top of the Premiership after Ryan Naderi scored twice in a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock. Hearts thrashed St Mirren 5-0 for their biggest home win since 2023, and Ashley Hay's stoppage-time winner gave Dundee a 2-1 comeback over Falkirk. Hibernian's new boss Marink Reedijk bemoaned his side's imprecision.
Championship and Lower Leagues
Swansea beat Norwich 2-1 as Adam Idah headed in to extend their lead at the top. Birmingham won the derby at West Brom via a Priske penalty. Stoke won at Bolton with ten men, and Preston lost to Millwall on Graham Alexander's debut. Derby's home win drought continued after a late Wrexham leveller, and Blackburn beat Cardiff 2-1. Boro's savage debut and Middlesbrough's 1-0 win over Wolves were highlights, and Bristol City held Charlton to extend their winless run to six games.
Transfers and Gossip
AC Milan are reportedly keen on Bournemouth's Alex Scott, and Man Utd's JJ Gabriel has renewed talks with Bayern Munich. Celtic have passed on a deal for Bakayoko. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander bought a stake in Atlético Madrid.
Other Sport
Lewis Hamilton said Ferrari will do "whatever it takes" to beat Max Verstappen at Singapore, and Verstappen won the wet sprint after George Russell crashed out. Northampton beat Bath 71-48 in a record-scoring classic, while New Zealand beat Australia 50-19 to retain the Bledisloe Cup. Matt Renshaw made 190 for Australia against South Africa in Durban.
NBA Basketball
Last updated: October 10, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
Contract Extensions
Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski has agreed to a five-year, $110 million extension, locking in a key young piece for Golden State's future. Detroit faces a similar test after Jalen Duren signed a five-year, $200 million deal, and the Pistons now face the pressure of building around him.
Sixers and LeBron
LeBron James made his Philadelphia debut in a preseason game, finishing with 10 points, five assists and a few early adjustments, as he said the game is still the game. Joel Embiid, meanwhile, called himself an easy target after a report claimed LeBron had criticized his conditioning, which he disputed as not true.
Warriors' Rookie Watch
Golden State is counting on No. 11 pick Yaxel Lendeborg to become a meaningful part of the franchise's future after several failed draft attempts.
Rivalries and Off-Court News
Tyrese Haliburton said he hopes to repair his relationship with Damian Lillard after a stolen Dame Time celebration strained things between them. Retired star Russell Westbrook said he wants to carry the torch for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, citing his gold medal experience.
Roster Needs League-Wide
Every team has a weakness, even the title contenders, and a new breakdown identifies the biggest roster hole on all 30 NBA rosters.
NFL Football
Last updated: October 10, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
Trades & Roster Moves
The Eagles and Ravens are close to a trade sending Cam Jurgens to Philadelphia, with sources saying Baltimore had the center undergo a physical at the Eagles facility before the deal was finalized. Separately, the Cardinals are finalizing a deal to move wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., a significant shift for a franchise looking to reshape its passing game.
Injuries & Roster Updates
Rams edge rusher Myles Garrett is making good progress after knee surgery, though the team has not set a timetable for his return. In Minnesota, the Vikings elevated Odell Beckham Jr. from the practice squad amid receiver injuries, but have not decided whether he will play against the Saints. Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins was placed on injured reserve with a calf injury, and Colts defensive end Arden Key was placed on IR with a hamstring injury.
The Bills received a mixed update, as DJ Moore returned to practice in a noncontact jersey and could play against the Rams, while receiver Palmer and defensive tackle Oliver are out. Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald practiced in full Friday and plans to play Monday night against the Bills after missing a previous game. Bears running back Kyle Monangai is out for Sunday's game against the Packers, with quarterback Caleb Williams listed as questionable.
Week 5 Previews & Predictions
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley and receiver DeVonta Smith are among five Philadelphia players ruled out for the London game against the Jaguars. In San Francisco, defensive end Mykel Williams is set for his season debut after tearing his ACL last November. Our experts have released their Week 5 best bets and player props, while a panel of analysts made their crystal ball predictions covering upsets, sleepers, and touchdown scorers. Analysts also suggested Rams running back Kyren Williams could finish among the top five fantasy backs.
League & Community News
The Cowboys honored the Dallas Stars with a tribute that opened the week's stylish game-day arrivals. Off the field, Christian McCaffrey and Olivia Culpo announced the birth of their second child.
Early Season Struggles
Two winless teams meet when the Texans and Titans face off desperate for their first victory after 0-4 starts, with coaches Robert Saleh and DeMeco Ryans setting their friendship aside for the game.
MLB Baseball
Last updated: October 10, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
Postseason Pitching
The White Sox are testing an unorthodox approach to their playoff push, with the Pitching Chaos Squared plan leaning heavily on relievers rather than traditional starters as they chase a spot in the ALCS.
NLCS Matchups
Tarik Skubal will take the mound for the Dodgers in Game 1 of the NLCS against the Brewers, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto following in Game.
Brewers Star
Jackson Chourio is off to a record-setting October at just 22 years old, and early numbers place his postseason production among the best in recent memory. Attention is also turning to the race for this year's Mr. October, as players across the bracket compete to lift their teams.
Front Office News
Sam Fuld declined an offer to become the Athletics' president of baseball operations, according to sources, after the Phillies executive's candidacy for the role was withdrawn.
League Proposal
Major League Baseball has proposed a shorter regular season of 154 games, down from, while expanding the division series to best-of-seven.
NHL Hockey
Last updated: October 10, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
Rangers Goaltending Crisis
The New York Rangers suffered a major blow when Igor Shesterkin was helped off the ice in the second period of a loss to the Capitals, and the team has since confirmed he will miss the rest of the season with a right knee injury. The 2022 Vezina Trophy winner was a central reason New York got off to such a hot start, and the lower-body injury leaves the club searching for answers in net.
Sharks Captain Returns
San Jose's recently named captain, Macklin Celebrini, returned from a two-game absence and scored the Sharks' first goal in a loss to the Oilers. The 20-year-old center's comeback offered a bright spot for a team still searching for consistency.
Blue Jackets Goaltending Milestone
Veteran netminder Cam Talbot earned the win for Columbus, becoming the first goaltender in league history to record victories with nine different teams. The 39-year-old's journey through the NHL was celebrated after a performance the organization described as outstanding.
Discipline and Roster Moves
Chicago forward Frank Nazar received a two-game suspension without pay for an illegal check to the head. Nashville, meanwhile, bolstered its blue line by acquiring defenseman Jayden Struble from Montreal, adding the 25-year-old to a group looking for depth.
Injuries and Retirements
Ottawa will be without forward William Eklund for an extended period after he injured his ankle on a hard hit during the Senators' win over Philadelphia. Defenseman Matt Dumba, who won the 2020 King Clancy Memorial Trophy, announced his retirement after 13 NHL seasons with five teams. The league also mourned Bobby Gould, the former longtime Capitals forward who died at 69 after an 11-year playing career.
Rankings and Tonight's Slate
ESPN released its first regular-season update to the Top 100 player rankings, tallying how many players from each team made the list. Fans have a full night ahead, with 14 games on Saturday's schedule, starting at 1 p.m. ET and running through two 10 p.m. starts.
General Sports
Last updated: October 10, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
College Football
Oklahoma stunned No. 1 Texas with a last-second 47-yard field goal, handing the Longhorns their first loss of the season in the Red River Rivalry. Oklahoma then made sure to troll its rivals after Tate Sandell's winning kick, leading the week's top jabs. Indiana extended its winning streak to 22 games, with Nick Marsh scoring a 44-yard fourth-down touchdown to push No. 7 Indiana past Nebraska on the strength of its "indomitable will."
UCLA remained undefeated after beating Oregon 17-15 despite an injury to starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava, with Knight accounting for two touchdowns. ESPN's look at Bob Chesney's turnaround shows the Bruins off to a 4-0 start. North Carolina knocked off Pitt 21-17 as Billy Edwards Jr. threw a 75-yard touchdown pass, giving Belichick his first win over a ranked opponent. Florida State suffered another "extremely poor performance" in a 44-20 loss to Louisville, with Norvell shouldering the blame.
Previewing the week ahead, Georgia-Alabama headlines a slate of 32 games that will get real, while Gunner Stockton looks to lead Georgia toward another national title. Alabama believes it has fixed Ryan Coleman-Williams' drop issues after using VR technology to uncover a depth perception problem. For first-time visitors, ESPN offers tips for the State Fair of Texas ahead of Red River.
NFL
The Week 5 game guide offers previews, predictions and picks for 14 more games. Ahead of kickoff, inactives showed Lamar Jackson and Monangai out, with Chase and Jeanty listed as questionable. Analysts examined the wild endings across the league and why coaches must adapt. Looking to the future, ESPN ranked the top 15 quarterbacks in the 2027 NFL draft class.
WNBA
The WNBA Finals are set after Oklahoma's rival sweeps in Friday's semifinals. The Dream swept the Liberty 85-83 to reach the Finals for the first time since 2013, with Angel Reese scoring 22 points and saying the "job is not done." The Valkyries ousted the Aces to become the quickest expansion team to reach the Finals. A'ja Wilson's historic MVP season ended abruptly in the semifinal loss. Liberty stars declined to confirm DeMarco's future as head coach. The Fever's early playoff exit raises questions despite Caitlin Clark's return.
Soccer & Boxing
Arsenal edged Leeds 2-1 as Guimaraes rescued the Gunners, though a Hincapie injury adds to their concerns. Former UFC fighter Michael "Venom" Page signed with KSI's Misfits Boxing. Lewis Crocker is focused on returning to the welterweight title picture.
Rugby
Leinster scored five tries in a 29-5 win over Cardiff in Dublin. Edinburgh moved top of the United Rugby Championship table after a bonus-point win over Zebre. Northampton outgunned Bath 71-48 in a 119-point, 18-try thriller. Saracens kept their grip on Bristol, with Noah Caluori scoring in a 30-7 win. All Blacks retained the Bledisloe Cup with a 50-19 win over Australia, their 23rd straight year holding the trophy. Ulster drew 26-26 with Munster, prompting Richie Murphy to criticize a slow start.
Cricket & Motorsport
Matt Renshaw's epic 190 put Australia in control after nine years and 280 days. In Formula One, Max Verstappen won the Singapore sprint after Russell crashed out, and Verstappen took pole as McLaren struggled, with his revival raising concern inside the paddock. The Giro di Lombardia was delayed by a rider protest over safety. NASCAR honored Kyle Busch as more than 10,000 fans gathered for a celebration of life, where his 11-year-old son led a burnout.
Other Developments
The College Football Playoff will continue talks with ESPN over rights for a possible 24-team playoff. Ahead of Money in the Bank, ESPN's WWE contributors made their picks for the ladder match winners. Coco Gauff appeared in Gunna's new video for "Pop It." Jezelle "GG" Banks, the No. 4 player in the SC Next class of 2027, committed to South Carolina. Wales hope a return home will rejuvenate their Women's World Cup qualifying campaign after an unconvincing win in Albania.