General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: September 11, 2026, 3:50 PM ET

Golf: Lowry Lights Up Doonbeg, McIlroy Grinds

Shane Lowry delivered a masterclass at the Irish Open, carding a course-record 62 to seize control of the tournament at Doonbeg. The brilliant Lowry surged clear of the field as defending champion Rory McIlroy struggled with his putting and failed to mount a second-round charge. McIlroy, who described his opening round as possibly the longest round of his career after it took over six hours in stormy conditions, sits four shots off the pace heading into the weekend.

Tennis: Rybakina Ends Gauff's Run, Sets Up Sabalenka Final

Elena Rybakina rallied from a set down to defeat Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 on Thursday night, ending the American's US Open run and setting up a final against two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. Rybakina will also replace Gauff atop the rankings next week. The semifinal matchup between Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula has drawn significant attention, with analysts debating whether Pegula or Sabalenka will come out on top given Pegula's hot streak entering the tournament. Meanwhile, the grueling late-night finishes at Flushing Meadows have taken a toll on players, with men's semifinalists Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev among those fighting the effects of matches that stretch deep into the New York night. The tournament will pause Friday to mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, a moment that shattered the guise of safety for the tennis world's traveling circus. Behind the scenes, unsung heroes like Ayanna Campbell and other US Open workers are sparking contagious joy for competitors through chants and rhythms.

NFL: 49ers Dominate Rams in Melbourne Spectacle

The San Francisco 49ers recorded a dominant 27-7 victory over the Super Bowl-favorite Los Angeles Rams in front of more than 100,000 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking the NFL's historic debut in Australia. The lopsided result shocked many who had pegged the Rams as early championship contenders. In Dallas, the Cowboys are banking on the youth of new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, the youngest DC in franchise history, to turn around the NFL's worst defense from last season. Around the league, buzz is building on injury comebacks, potential breakouts and playoff sleepers, with questions swirling about Patrick Mahomes and how the Raiders will handle their quarterback situation.

College Football: Miami's Record-Breaking Onslaught Headlines Week 2

Miami's offense delivered a stunning performance in its home opener, amassing 856 yards and 42 first downs in a 77-7 onslaught of Florida A&M. The Hurricanes' offensive explosion set the tone for a Week 2 slate filled with intriguing storylines. Boston College will honor the legacy of Welles Crowther with its "Red Bandanna" uniforms on Friday, one of college football's most meaningful tributes carrying even more emotion than usual. The weekend's marquee matchup features a star-studded Texas-Ohio State sequel, with the Buckeyes eager to prove they are battle-tested after bowing out of the playoff early last year. The game headlines a Week 2 schedule that also raises questions about Michigan's QB play, where problems run deep. The SEC and Big Ten have a chance to set early CFP narratives with blueblood matchups, while the Big 12 and SEC stage early conference challenges and the G6 faces an elimination weekend. In off-field news, a meeting of SEC presidents and chancellors ended without any punishment for LSU.

NBA: Owners' Meetings Could Reshape League

Next week's NBA owners' meetings could prove pivotal, with the next steps in the Clippers investigation, league expansion and NBA Europe all potentially on the agenda. The decisions made in those sessions could have far-reaching implications for the league's competitive balance and international footprint.

WNBA: Cunningham Focused on Fever's Playoff Push

Sophie Cunningham said she is blocking out the commotion surrounding Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White declaring for the WNBA draft, choosing instead to focus on the Fever's remaining games and the team's playoff push. "Gonna let them do them," Cunningham said, making clear her priority is on the court.

Boxing: Garcia and Benn Set for WBC Title Showdown

The WBC welterweight title fight between Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn has generated intense buzz, with experts, former champions and a celebrity boxing fan offering their predictions. Garcia is well positioned to become boxing's next face, using the one thing that has stopped many from taking him seriously as a potential star. The buildup turned theatrical when a performative Garcia shouted, repeatedly swore and taunted a composed Benn with a boiled egg at the pre-fight news conference. Nigel Benn, who vowed to leave his son to plough his own path after he beat Chris Eubank Jr, is back by his side this week as Conor prepares for the biggest fight of his career.

FIBA Women's World Cup: Semifinals Set

The FIBA Women's World Cup semifinal matchups are set, with Team USA, France, Germany and Spain all vying for the title. Saturday's games will determine who advances to the final as each team's strengths and weaknesses come into sharper focus.

Cricket: Durham Seal Promotion; Ashes Venue Debate

Durham sealed promotion from Championship Division Two with two games to spare, defeating Middlesex by 93 runs in a commanding performance. The decision not to host a men's Ashes Test in the north next year stems from the 2023 switch that reallocated a match from Southampton to Headingley.

Rugby: Vunipola's U-Turn, Lions Women's Test, Six Nations in US

Former England prop Mako Vunipola was planning to retire as a player before a phone call from Leicester Tigers head coach Geoff Parling changed his mind, unretiring to join the club. With the first British and Irish Lions women's Test 12 months away, BBC Sport examines how preparations are going and whether the tour will be a success. The Irish Rugby Football Union said there are "currently no plans or discussions" relating to Ireland playing a Six Nations match in the United States. England captain Meg Jones wants the Red Roses to have access to fertility support and egg freezing.

Snooker: Davies Stuns World Champion Wu

Liam Davies knocked world champion Wu Yize out of the English Open in the third round, winning 4-1 to set up a clash with fellow Welshman Mark Williams.

Athletics: $10M on the Line at Ultimate Championship

The inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship begins Friday with $10M on the line. Global stars will compete in the new format, with everything you need to know about how it all works.

College Sports: UConn Lands 5-Star Bowman; Michigan Hockey Lawsuit

Five-star guard NaVorro Bowman Jr., the son of former NFL standout NaVorro Bowman, has committed to UConn, giving the Huskies their highest-ranked committed player. In a troubling development, 16 former Michigan hockey players sued the university, alleging that former coaches and school leaders turned a blind eye to decades of ritualized sexual hazing. The attorney representing the family of an Arizona State hockey player who collapsed during a workout has asked campus police to transfer the investigation to an impartial agency, according to a letter.

College Football Feature: Arch Manning's Fame a Family Affair

Texas quarterback Arch Manning has been a name since he started high school, but his also-famous grandfather had more time to adjust to the spotlight. The Manning family's dealings with fame have been a lifelong education for the young signal-caller, who continues to navigate enormous expectations.

Fantasy Baseball: Week 24 Forecaster

Set your lineups for the week ahead with our fantasy baseball preview featuring pitcher rankings, hitter ratings and schedule observations for playoff round, Week.

Golf: LIV Bankruptcy Filings Reveal Key Details

LIV Golf's bankruptcy filings have provided significant insight into the league's operations, including its plans for player compensation. The documents offer a rare glimpse into the financial inner workings of the Saudi-backed circuit.

Solheim Cup: Europe and US Tied After Opening Session

Europe and the United States are tied 2-2 after the opening session of the Solheim Cup. Nelly Korda played like the world No. 1 in a record-setting partnership with Allisen Corpuz, helping the Americans split the opening foursomes in a loud and wet start to the competition.

UConn Football: Candle Ready for East Coast Challenge

After 17 years at Toledo, new UConn football coach Jason Candle is ready to light it up on the East Coast. In a wide-ranging conversation, Candle discussed the Red Sox, Geno, pizza and the state of the Huskies' program.