Formula 1
Last updated: August 7, 2026, 2:53 AM ET
Williams Simulator Role
Victor Martins detailed his simulator role and its impact on the car. He said his influence isn't direct but still significant.
FIA on Algorithms
The FIA explains why algorithm bans won't work. Drivers criticize the 2026 regulations despite fan enjoyment.
Football/Soccer
Last updated: August 7, 2026, 2:55 AM ET
Football/Soccer Briefing — Past 24 Hours
NFL Preseason Kicks Off in Canton
The NFL preseason opened with a thriller as undrafted rookie Haynes King ran in on the final play to give the Carolina Panthers a 33-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame game. King's heroics capped a dramatic comeback that set the tone for an intriguing preseason slate, with the undrafted signal-caller immediately staking his claim for a roster spot. The Panthers' resilience in the exhibition opener offered an early glimpse of the competitive depth across NFL rosters as teams begin trimming their squads ahead of the regular season.
Transfer Window Heats Up Across Europe
Chelsea face a frantic final 25 days of the transfer window as they look to trim their bloated 41-man senior squad, with a host of fringe players facing uncertain futures at Stamford Bridge. The Blues' squad-clearing operation is one of the biggest storylines of the summer, with supporters eagerly awaiting which high-profile names will be shown the door before the deadline.
The Rodri saga continues to dominate headlines, with Barcelona given the green light to open talks with Manchester City over the Spain captain, according to ESPN sources. Barcelona are now set to approach City directly and are hopeful they can beat Real Madrid to the midfielder's signature, while the player himself faces a monumental decision on his future should he opt to leave the Etihad this summer.
Mohamed Salah has made a shock move to Turkish side Trabzonspor on a free transfer, ending his Liverpool career in a deal that has sent ripples through the Premier League. The Egyptian's decision to trade the Premier League for Türkiye raises serious questions about where Liverpool go from here with time running out in the window.
Liverpool could also rival Arsenal in the chase for Ezri Konsa, according to Friday's newspaper reports, while the Reds have no intention of pursuing Djed Spence this summer. Elsewhere, Arsenal and Manchester United have sent scouts to watch Brazilian youngster Kaua Elias, with the transfer gossip mill in full swing.
Leeds United have completed a club-record deal for goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City, a significant statement of intent from the Yorkshire club. Micky van de Ven is meanwhile close to agreeing a new five-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur, securing another key piece of their long-term project.
Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku has become the latest player to commit his future to the club after signing a new contract until 2031, while Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle says a decision about Bruno Guimaraes' future was "already made" before he even arrived at the club. Manchester United are reportedly looking at a move for USMNT's Antonee Robinson as they seek defensive reinforcements.
Bournemouth have announced the signing of right-back Juanlu Sanchez from Sevilla in a deal worth up to £11.1m, while Swansea City have signed free agent Ross Stewart on a three-year deal following his departure from Southampton. Millwall have brought in Scotland striker Lyndon Dykes on a one-year deal after his contract with Charlton Athletic expired, and Birmingham City have signed France youth international Chancelle Effa Effa from Le Havre for £100K.
In a quirky development, former AC Milan and Brazil forward Alexandre Pato is part of a consortium set to buy a majority stake in League Two club Northampton Town. The most romantic signing of the summer came early, though, as Raul Jimenez returned to Wolves at 35 — a move that means so much to the club's supporters.
Arsenal's forward search continues after the Vinicius Junior dream ended, with the club now weighing alternatives after missing out on both Morgan Rogers and the Real Madrid star. Real Madrid have meanwhile splashed out on World Cup star Yan Diomande, adding him to a forward line that already features Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham. Hirving "Chucky" Lozano is finalizing a deal to join the LA Galaxy on loan from San Diego FC, while Liverpool legend Ian Rush has urged patience for new boss Andoni Iraola, saying he deserves time to succeed at Anfield but should still target silverware in his debut campaign.
Scottish Clubs Face European Test
Rangers suffered a chastening 2-1 defeat to Jagiellonia Bialystok in Europa League qualifying, with Derek McInnes still searching for his first win as manager and admitting his side were "guilty of beating ourselves" after conceding cheap goals. The Polish test proved too much for the Ibrox side, whose Europa League hopes have been dealt a significant blow. Yokota was handed his Rangers debut in the match, but the night belonged to the Polish side.
Hearts endured an even more bruising evening in Lisbon, as their hopes of progressing in the Europa League were all but ended by a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Benfica. The Scottish Premiership side were outclassed from start to finish against the Portuguese giants, while Hibs secured a vital win and Motherwell were held in Helsinki — a night of mixed results that dominated the Scottish football podcast and post-match reaction shows.
FIFA Leadership Under Fire
The world players' union FIFPRO has condemned Gianni Infantino's "abuse of presidential power" and called for change at the top of FIFA following his botched World Cup stake sale plans. FIFA has said it apologized for errors made over the failed plan, with senior staff in attendance at a summit in Morocco reaffirming their support for the president. UEFA's boycott of FIFA tournaments still stands, with the FA now joining them in opposing Infantino's re-election next year. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has also said he no longer has confidence in the FIFA president, adding to the mounting pressure on the soccer leader after his abandoned stake sale proposal.
Women's Football Developments
Emma Hayes has urged US Soccer to prioritize the U.S. Under-20 Women's national team at this year's World Cup to help American youth players match the development of top European teams. In a crossover moment for the sport, the new season of "Ted Lasso" was filmed at a real-life NWSL club for a cameo that serves as a key plot point in the show, boosting women's soccer visibility.
Manchester United have appointed Eva Olid to take over as manager less than a month out from the WSL season, a strategic shift that raises questions about the club's direction. Defender Gabby George has completed a move to Brighton from Manchester United before the start of the season, while Liverpool have signed Spanish midfielder Natalia Ramos from CD Tenerife Femenino, subject to visa approval. Our writers have also looked at each WSL club's transfer business and proposed a big question they should be asking themselves ahead of the new campaign.
Around the Leagues
Mikel Arteta said his Arsenal players were "fuming" after defensive errors saw them fall to a 3-1 preseason defeat to Real Betis in Dublin. Spain "deserves" to host the 2030 World Cup final, according to the country's sports minister Milagros Tolón, while Argentina has announced 15 July as National Football Teams Day to mark their 2026 World Cup semi-final victory over England.
The Carabao Cup is back for the 2026/27 season with every first-round tie available to watch live on Sky Sports, and the curtain raiser delivered a shock as Walsall stunned Bristol City in the first round. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is impressed with the maturity shown by Northern Ireland international Ceadach O'Neill, saying the club have "big hopes" for the youngster. The Scottish FA will no longer use a key match incident review panel, a significant change to how refereeing decisions are scrutinized north of the border.
In The Hundred, a Sikandar Raza masterclass inspired MI London to a derby win that condemned London Spirit to an early elimination, while Melie Kerr's defiant half-century and decisive death bowling from Hayley Matthews helped MI London women secure their belated first win of the season against the same opponents.
In sadder news, the football world has been mourning the death of Mark Hughes' son Alex, who was found collapsed at his home in Macclesfield and died of sudden adult death syndrome. Bangor striker Ben Arthurs is free to play in his club's first game of the new Irish Premiership season having completed a three-month anti-doping ban, while Ebbsfleet United's first three National League South games have been suspended because of the club's financial problems.
Beyond Football
Cameron Norrie has found his form again, five years on from winning his biggest title in Indian Wells, as the Briton dumped out third seed Alex de Minaur to reach the fourth round of the National Bank Open in Montreal. Eddie Hearn believes Henry Pollock has the superstar status to awaken rugby union's sleeping giant, but insists the England and Lions flanker must be rewarded in line with his market value, taking aim at the "terrible" salary cap restricting the sport's future.
The PDC World Championship dates have been confirmed for Friday December 11 to Sunday January 3 with a record 180,000 tickets on offer. Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua is still expected to be announced in August, even if the all-British heavyweight clash is relocated to America, according to Hearn. Jake Paul's rematch with Tommy Fury "makes most sense" as the American star targets a return to boxing by January, while Aaron McKenna fights for the world title this Saturday with ambitions to unify at 160lbs and eventually fight at heavyweight. Former heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has claimed a failed drugs test that resulted in his suspension was caused by exposure to cocaine being used by his nutritionist.
In cricket, returning captain Joe Root and England have named their 16-man squad for the opening two Tests against Pakistan, with Jacob Bethell missing the entire series while Ollie Pope and Brydon Carse have been recalled. Eve Muirhead has come out of retirement to chase another Winter Olympics gold, targeting the mixed doubles event in 2030 after a successful transition to another career.
NBA Basketball
Last updated: August 7, 2026, 2:54 AM ET
Contracts and Roster Moves
The Phoenix Suns locked up Dillon Brooks on a three-year, $73 million extension that keeps the forward in Phoenix through the 2029-30 season, his agent told ESPN. Lonnie Walker IV agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million deal with the Denver Nuggets, agent George S. Langberg of GSL Sports Group confirmed Wednesday night. Three-time NBA slam dunk champion Mac McClung signed with Basquet Girona, a Spanish club owned by three-time All-Star Marc Gasol. The Wizards and Anthony Davis will table extension talks until after the season begins, with agent Rich Paul agreeing to wait, sources told ESPN.
76ers Buzz
Jaylen Brown called his Sixers trade a "crazy transition" and voiced disappointment over the Celtics' communication before the move, though his focus is now on winning and fitting in with his new teammates. Sixers president Mike Gansey says Joel Embiid is healthy and "extra motivated" now that LeBron James and Brown are on his side. But LeBron James quickly rejected Brown's extreme title celebration idea involving skydiving if the renovated team wins a championship. League insiders are already circling Knicks-76ers matchups on the 2026-27 schedule as the East's new heavyweight showdown.
Off-Court and Legal
Federal prosecutors alleged witness tampering in the Terry Rozier gambling case, including a key defendant posting a rat emoji on Instagram. Luka Doncic's ex-fiancée Anamaria Goltes withdrew her child support petition against the Lakers star, dropping her request for attorney fees as well. Kawhi Leonard had an undisclosed sponsorship deal worth millions with Daktronics, the company that designed the Clippers' videoboard, per Pablo Torre's podcast.
Around the League
The Mavericks are offering season tickets for 32 years plus a signed jersey as a bounty for Cooper Flagg's 1-of-1 debut patch autograph card. The NBPA opened PLYRS UNTD Performance Center in Los Angeles this week, providing a one-stop shop for players to scrimmage, work out and recover.
NFL Football
Last updated: August 7, 2026, 2:55 AM ET
Hall of Fame Weekend
Drew Brees will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, with teammates and coaches revealing that his greatness came from preparation, anticipation, and precision rather than raw arm strength. Larry Fitzgerald explained why he'll never retire as he prepares for his own enshrinement, insisting he has not formally stepped away from football or the Cardinals. One fan's Hall of Fame quest for Super Bowl MVP Ottis Anderson weaves history and psychology into an impassioned argument for the overlooked running back. A roster-by-roster projection of future Hall of Famers identifies 17 active players who could retire today and still earn induction.
Running Back Paydays
Jonathan Taylor signed a two-year, $44 million extension with the Colts, the latest star back to land a major contract this offseason. The Colts believe they can recapture their 2025 magic with Taylor anchoring an offense that carried them through the early part of last season. Jahmyr Gibbs signed a record extension with the Lions, sparking debate over whether he's worth more than Bijan Robinson. Robinson and Gibbs talked about contracts amid their respective hold-ins, with both backs sharing advice as they navigated negotiations.
Preseason Action
Carson Beck's debut was a "good first stepping stone" as he completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown with a 125.4 quarterback rating in the Cardinals' 33-30 loss to the Panthers. Kedon Slovis' late TD pass to Bryson Green lifted the Cardinals over the Panthers in the Hall of Fame Game.
Team News & Transactions
Brock Rechsteiner was suspended six games by the NFL, a significant setback for the Saints' rookie wide receiver. The Buccaneers have "no plans" to trade Vita Vea and still view Baker Mayfield as a franchise quarterback, according to GM Jason Licht. Sean McVay said Aaron Donald "looked outstanding" in a Rams workout, though the coach offered no answer on whether the All-Pro will return. C.J. Gardner-Johnson "can't wait" to face the Texans in Week, citing "lies" from his former team as motivation. Henry To'oTo'o agreed to a two-year, $16 million extension with the Texans, locking in a key defender. Stefon Diggs signed a one-year deal worth up to $12 million with the Commanders, raising questions about fit and role. Arrowhead Stadium dropped the GEHA Field name and will once again be known simply as Arrowhead Stadium. Tank Dell returned to practice for the first time since his 2024 knee injury, taking the field in a limited capacity.
Quarterback Competitions
Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders have spent seven camp practices focused on pre-snap and post-snap techniques in the Browns' quarterback battle. Jerry Jeudy clarified his viral video was about his daughter, not the Browns' quarterback competition.
Training Camp Notes
Odell Beckham Jr. cited LeBron James as a comparison for maintaining a high level of play while impressing at Giants camp in his comeback bid. Zay Flowers hopes Lamar Jackson gets a deal to match his own four-year extension with the Ravens, keeping the duo together long-term. Josh Downs understands his time is now after his production took a downturn in 2025, with the Colts studying ways to get him back on track.
Fantasy & More
Ten fantasy sleepers who just need a chance are highlighted by Matt Bowen and Tristan Cockcroft as prime opportunity targets. Five NFL trades that make too much sense could be win-win deals teams should consider before Week. DeMeco Ryans used NASA's moon trip as inspiration in a passionate speech rallying the Texans around sky-high expectations.
MLB Baseball
Last updated: August 7, 2026, 2:53 AM ET
Braves Complete Sweep
Ronald Acuña Jr. hit two home runs — including one gifted by a Miami outfield flyball miscue — and Matt Olson added a blast as the Braves routed the Marlins 11-3 to complete a three-game sweep. Despite facing heavy criticism for failing to land a top-line starter at the deadline, Bryce Elder and Grant Holmes have pitched like Atlanta never needed one, giving the rotation a late-season boost.
Red Sox Keep Rolling
Caleb Durbin lined a go-ahead single to center field in the 13th inning to score Nick Sogard, and the Red Sox extended their winning streak to eight games with a wild 12-11 comeback victory over the White Sox. Sonny Gray pitched three-hit ball with eight strikeouts over six innings Wednesday, earning his AL-leading 14th win in a 4-0 shutout. Triston Casas underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left wrist, the latest setback for the first baseman. Garrett Crochet says he's open to a relief role if he can recover from his injury in time for the stretch run.
Pitching Notes and Injuries
Cristopher Sanchez became the first 15-game winner in the majors this season, earning his fifth straight win as the Phillies topped the Nationals 7-3. Joe Ryan is expected to hit the IL after an MRI revealed a mild left glute strain for the struggling Twins ace, a significant blow to Minnesota's rotation.
Discipline and Broadcast Departure
Mariners reliever Gabe Speier was suspended three games and manager Dan Wilson one game after Speier plunked Detroit's Gleyber Torres in the eighth inning Wednesday night. Mike Krukow is stepping away from the Giants broadcast booth after this season, ending a beloved nearly four-decade run for the former pitcher.
Trade Deadline Fallout
The Yankees entered the deadline with roster question marks and left without a splashy move, leaving fans wondering if they did enough. The latest power rankings show how each club's standing shifted following Monday's flurry of activity, with several contenders reshuffling their rosters. Awards were handed out for the most interesting deadline elements, including titles for the teams that made the boldest moves.
Cubs and Mets Highlights
Pete Crow-Armstrong emerged as the NL MVP favorite after slugging two home runs in a win over the Dodgers, a game where Shohei Ohtani also went deep twice at Wrigley Field. Freddy Peralta arranged a meeting in June for Mets cornerstones Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor to vent and repair their disconnected relationship, per multiple sources. Rookie Jefry Yan celebrated his first MLB strikeout with a viral jump, grass-slap celebration that quickly became a fan favorite.
Fantasy Focus
Several teams made strong postseason pushes at the trade deadline, and late-season heroes emerging from Atlanta could provide fantasy value as league trade deadlines approach.
NHL Hockey
Last updated: August 7, 2026, 2:52 AM ET
Penguins Commit Big to Koivunen
The Pittsburgh Penguins committed to forward Ville Koivunen with an eight-year, $32 million extension, paying $4 million per season.
General Sports
Last updated: August 7, 2026, 2:56 AM ET
WNBA: Aces Survive Fever in Thriller
Chelsea Gray delivered two buzzer-beating 3-pointers after Caitlin Clark's uncharacteristic miscues, the first forcing overtime and the second sealing a dramatic Aces win over the Fever on Thursday night. Two men were escorted from courtside seats at Gainbridge Fieldhouse during the third quarter of the contest, adding an unusual subplot to the heated matchup. Clark said Thursday it is up to individuals to "speak when you feel like you want to speak" when addressing political issues, noting she is "trying to navigate life" as a 24-year-old.
USA Basketball's long-awaited youth movement is here as Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese and Aliyah Boston will make their first major international appearances next month. Seven teams look like WNBA playoff locks while the Mystics, Sparks, Mercury, Sky, Fire or Tempo battle for the No. 8 seed in a crowded race.
MLB Trade Deadline Fallout
Baseball insiders graded the biggest blockbusters and weighed in on which teams had the best deadline, with executives and scouts offering blunt assessments of the Skubal and Rutschman deals. The Cubs, Orioles, Red Sox, Mets and Phillies all made significant moves in a wild conclusion to trade season, and our analysts break down how each franchise really fared.
College Football Notebook
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick announced Thursday that his son, defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, is on medical leave and out indefinitely. New Purdue athletic director Tommy McClelland took a dig at rival Indiana, apparently forgetting the Hoosiers won the CFP national championship in January when he said "we are here to win championships." ESPN's schedule evaluation breaks down which teams face the toughest challenges and which have the easiest roads ahead this season. No one fuels fans' ire more than Lane Kiffin these days, but Ryan McGee ranks the biggest pot-stirrers of all time in his Supervillain Power Rankings.
Big Ten Preview
Every Big Ten team's ceiling and floor are examined across all 18 programs, from winning the national title to missing the tournament entirely.
Cricket: Hundred, Tests and Retirements
London Spirit became the first side eliminated from the men's Hundred after a six-wicket defeat by MI London at Lord's. England white-ball coach Brendon McCullum backs Harry Brook as a future Test captain but says Joe Root will do an "amazing job" in his second stint. Hampshire and England fast bowler John Turner has retired from cricket aged 25 after more than a year out injured. Test your cricket knowledge with our latest "Who am I?" Hundred star quiz.
Tennis: Gauff, Alcaraz
Coco Gauff said she supports "fairness in women's sports" but criticized how the WTA's gene testing creates "animosity towards the trans community." Carlos Alcaraz's wrist injury has kept him out for 114 days and counting, with BBC Sport analyzing why wrist injuries are so difficult to manage.
Cycling and Athletics
Kimberley Le Court won a sprint finish to seal victory in stage six of the Tour de France Femmes, as Swiss rider Marlen Reusser holds the overall lead. The European Athletics Championships in Birmingham run from 10-16 August with a full timetable and BBC coverage times available. London submitted its final bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, with the London Stadium, built for the 2012 Olympics, as the proposed venue.
Rugby League and Moto GP
Wigan Warriors kicked off the new Super Four format of the Women's Super League with a thumping 44-6 win at St Helens. St Helens will face Hull FC in Dublin as part of a Super League double-header next April, the day after Warrington Wolves take on Wigan Warriors. The British Grand Prix will remain on the Moto GP calendar until at least 2028 as Silverstone extends its partnership with the series.
The Ocho and T-Rex Races
ESPN's 75-hour Ocho tradition showcases obscure competitions from T. rex races and pumpkin tossing to death diving and sign spinning, a decade after a "Dodge Ball" joke started it all. Hundreds of competitors are poised to take the turf at Emerald Downs this year, honoring a tradition that began as a team-bonding experience.
Poker, Curling and Fantasy
Lucas Jumalon, a 22-year-old poker pro from Spokane, Washington, beat Finland's Lauri Saaskilahti heads-up to win the 2026 World Series of Poker main event and $10 million, becoming the second-youngest winner ever. Winter Olympic gold medallist Eve Muirhead has revoked her retirement, saying being Team GB's chef de mission at this year's Games inspired her return after four years away. Eric Karabell's annual "Do Not Draft" list is back, highlighting players going earlier than they should in fantasy drafts this summer.
Soccer
Swansea City chief executive Tom Gorringe says the club is now on track to compete for a return to the Premier League with foundations in place. The Irish Premiership 2026-27 season has arrived after a summer of transfers and preparation, with the big question being who can stop Larne.