General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: September 5, 2026, 6:58 AM ET

Combat Sports

Kurtis Campbell, now chasing UFC success, was first introduced to combat sports at age seven after being bullied at school. Former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr., who shocked Anthony Joshua in 2019, lost his comeback fight to Poland's Damian Knyba. Katie Taylor and Flora Pili both weighed in under the light-welterweight limit at Trinity College in Dublin ahead of their title fight at Croke Park on Saturday; Taylor steps on the scales for the final time in an emotional weigh-in moment. Taylor's farewell fight at Croke Park comes with 80,000 fans expected to cheer her on in Dublin, an ending few athletes ever receive. Judd Trump thrashed world number one Zhao Xintong 5-1 to advance to the semi-finals of the British Open.

College Football

Miami's Malachi Toney delivered 12 catches for a school-record 234 yards and three touchdowns in a 45-6 blowout of Stanford, as Darian Mensah and Toney shattered Canes records. LSU has left Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris—cleared earlier this week to return to college football after NFL stints—off the roster for Saturday's opener, a notable roster decision. A circuit court judge issued a temporary restraining order that clears defensive linemen Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt to return to Indiana this season. Lane Kiffin enters a new era at LSU, having chosen the program as his path of least resistance to win a title—anything short of that will invite a legion of critics; Kiffin's approach to the job is anything but boring. The College Football Playoff leaders stopped short of new eligibility rules but released a statement that strongly supports conference bans prohibiting player returns from the NFL. Week 1 has a loaded slate, with 34 games to watch as the season kicks off, including Lane vs. Dabo and Arch Manning's next steps. Notre Dame and Wisconsin are both pivoting from their classic looks for their Week 1 meeting at Lambeau Field, with alternates leading the best jerseys of the week. From UCF's "Pretzel Sword" to Wisconsin's "Badger Bakers", the new season brings renewed intensity and new concession stand offerings—here's a look at the top new foods of 2026. James Franklin returns to his family roots in Blacksburg, and the question is what success looks like after more than a decade of struggle at Virginia Tech.

Tennis

Defending US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz, feeling better than expected after a recent absence, is planning more in-season breaks He underlined his title credentials by sweeping aside Wu Yibing to reach the fourth round as the draw opens up. Serena and Venus Williams lost in their 2026 US Open doubles return but proved they can still compete on an entertaining night in New York. Key moments from that match were captured in live updates, while a preview was offered on what to expect from the pair's first doubles together. The US Open is known as the loudest and arguably the smelliest of the majors—compared to Roland Garros's chic, Australia's "Happy Slam" and traditional Wimbledon. Tournament director Eric Butorac handles player and broadcast scheduling requests—a hectic puzzle he loves, although pleasing everyone is impossible.

Women's Basketball & WNBA

Caitlin Clark and Rhyne Howard each had 14 points to lead the United States to a comprehensive opening win over China in women's basketball World Cup play. The WNBA commissioner, who oversaw massive growth but faced recent scrutiny, will retire at the end of the year—a transformative tenure that changed the league. What will the league need from the next commissioner? An analysis of Engelbert's legacy examines whether the WNBA is better off now than when she took over. The Los Angeles Sparks, who will miss the playoffs for a sixth straight season, are hiring Philadelphia 76ers executive Ariana Andonian as their new general manager.

Rugby & Super League

Leigh Leopards secured a Super League top-six finish by thumping St Helens, ending Saints' play-off hopes with a 48-10 victory. Hull KR also made sure of their play-off spot with a dominant win over Huddersfield Giants. Hull FC threatened an incredible comeback from 30-0 down against Toulouse, but the French side regrouped to post a third straight Super League victory, a deflating 44-30 defeat for the visitors. Leeds and Wigan are set for a likely "winner takes all" clash for the League Leaders' Shield at Headingley on Saturday, a showdown that will decide the top-two spot.

Motorsport

As the Italian GP at Monza approaches, Lewis Hamilton says Ferrari's new engine is "an improvement" but still down on Mercedes on the straights; he and the team are lagging behind. Pierre Gasly has lost a Monaco GP podium for a second time after his penalties were reinstated 89 days later, giving the spot to Isack Hadjar—the decision confirmed after the appeal was rejected.

Cycling

Amy Hunt's strong late-season form continued as she clocked a season's best to finish third in the 200m at the Diamond League final in Brussels, which she called the best bend I've ever run. In the Vuelta a España, Belgium's Wout van Aert surged clear of Valentin Paret-Peintre in a sprint to claim stage, a thrilling finish on the day. The UCI has proposed introducing GPS trackers at major races to pinpoint riders' locations after the death of a rider; the tracker proposal comes after safety concerns on dangerous descents.

Golf & Athletics

Strong winds at the west of Ireland might help GB&I record a rare Walker Cup win; the conditions at Lahinch could be their ally. "The pinnacle"—and it's not hyperbole: Ben Bolton and Sam Easterbrook, both from the Midlands, react to being selected for the GB&I team in an experience they call the amateur Ryder Cup. Surrey edged a one-wicket win over Yorkshire, a thrilling win to boost their fortunes. Taulupe Faletau has returned to non-contact training and Cardiff hopes he'll be ready for the URC start and will still want to play for Wales. Smriti Mandhana moved past Mithali Raj as women's cricket's all-time leading run-scorer with 10,880 runs in all formats—a serious record. Former Olympic champion Jonny Brownlee has retired at age, saying "it's over for all professional sport"—an exit shaped by the Yorkshire roots that defines the era, along with the legacy he and brother Alistair built from Yorkshire led.

Cricket & International Sports

Somerset are on top of the County Championship after an innings and 64-run victory over Glamorgan, and they boost their title hopes thoroughly moved. Pakistan's players are used to "chaos," says interim coach Mike Hesson, after the tourists dropped seven players and added seven others for the final Test against England—a roster shake-up typical of the difficult situation.

Lacrosse

The PLL playoff preview shows winners advancing to the championship game on Sept. 20, with the Archers-Outlaws and Waterdogs-Cannons expected to deliver a competitive matchup to determine who falls.

College Basketball

In basketball, there are twelve college hoops storylines to —here's Dickie V's dazzling dozen for the upcoming season, complete with a bonus top 25 that you will not want to miss.

Coming back

Jack Singleton hopes to return to rugby union after recovering from a heart attack suffered a year ago, and he's on the hunt for a new club as he seeks to relaunch his career. The future of the Haller-era is unclear as a new wave of talent rises, and the sport is set for an embrace.