Sports 24-Hour Briefing
×Formula 1
Last updated: October 4, 2026, 6:03 AM ET
F1 Bahrain GP Delayed
The start of Formula 1's Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia has been delayed due to thunderstorms hitting Sepang, bringing a chaotic opening to the weekend. F1 Bahrain GP was forced to wait as rain lashed the circuit, frustrating teams and drivers alike. George Russell called for the FIA to step in regarding cooling vest mandates, arguing the current regulations leave drivers vulnerable in extreme conditions. Russell cooling vest comments have reignited the safety debate.
Red Bull Bounce Back
Max Verstappen and Red Bull recovered from paper car struggles to challenge at the front, overturning a disappointing Monza showing with a strong showing in qualifying. Lando Norris straightline speed issue was clarified by McLaren, who explained the recurring aerodynamic glitch that cost him crucial tenths on the straights. Mercedes' new upgrade at Sepang remains a big question mark as the team searches for consistency.
Wet Weather Prospects
While F1 has already reached the 16th round of the 2026 season, fans have why Malaysia would be the perfect place for the championship's first wet-weather race, given the unpredictable Sepang conditions.
Football/Soccer
Last updated: October 4, 2026, 6:04 AM ET
International Friendlies
Argentina routed Burkina Faso 7-0 on Saturday in an international friendly at the Estadio Antonio Vespucio Liberti, extending their unbeaten run under new management. Argentina score 7 past makeshift Burkina Faso after travel woes disrupted the visitors' preparation. Lamine Yamal continued his impressive scoring streak, further cementing his status as one of Spain's brightest talents. Spain's de la Fuente praised the young forward's legendary potential after another goal-filled performance.
Nations League Action
England continued their dominant form in the Nations League, putting World Cup heartbreak firmly behind them with a convincing victory. England thrash Croatia 7-0 in Zagreb, marking their first major step toward Euro 2028 qualification. The result signals a strong resurgence for the Three Lions under the Tuchel project, who produced a display described as complete and reinvigorating. Luka Modric expressed his disappointment after Croatia handed biggest-ever loss by England, admitting the result was a new low for the nation. Meanwhile, Seven heaven for England in Croatia dominated the post-match discussion, highlighting the scale of the victory.
Youth Breakthroughs
The United States men's national team continues to integrate exciting young talent, with Cavan Sullivan making history in the latest USMNT win over Mexico. The 17-year-old forward became the youngest USMNT scorer with a stunner in the victory, a result that puts World Cup disappointment firmly behind them. USMNT player ratings gave Sullivan and Hall 9/10 marks for their performances, proving the youngsters are all right. Ireland's pre-Israel presser was abruptly ended amid racism allegations, a concerning incident ahead of their contentious Nations League game.
Snooker and Darts
Luke Humphries targets a record-breaking fourth consecutive World Grand Prix title after reaching the final. He will face Gerwyn Price in the championship decider, a rematch set for World Grand Prix final in 2023 repeat. Wakefield's Walmsley lived out a Grand Final dream, though uncertainty lies ahead regarding a 2027 deal. Powell on Wakefield's phenomenal run revealed members of his playing squad were amazed by the title charge.
Horse Racing
Daryz seeks to retain his Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe crown in the 2026 renewal of the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Caballo De Mar brought an end to Scandinavia's eight-race winning run when repeating the Cadran clash at Paris Longchamp. Bahrain GP saw Verstappen-Hamilton secure the front row for the 8am start, setting the stage for an exciting Formula 1 weekend.
NBA Basketball
Last updated: October 4, 2026, 6:04 AM ET
NBA Expansion & Business
The NBA's push toward a 31st and 32nd team is accelerating, with Las Vegas emerging as the frontrunner for the 2027-28 season while Seattle's bid faces delays. The Miami Heat are partnering with Rockstar Games for a Grand Theft Auto VI-themed promotional event titled "A Night in Vice City," capitalizing on the game's November 19 release.
Roster Moves & Contracts
The Jalen Duren standoff with the Pistons is over; the guard signed a five-year, $200 million fully guaranteed extension to remain in Detroit. The Memphis Grizzlies have waived guard Jordan Hawkins just three weeks after acquiring him in a trade from the Pelicans.
Scrimmage & Personnel
LeBron James and Jaylen Brown both scrimmaged for the 76ers, drawing throngs of fans who waited in lines more than 10-deep for a first look at the new-look roster. The Trail Blazers hired and fired new play-by-play announcer Braiden Bell on the same day after resurfaced social media posts from 2012-13 drew backlash.
Culture & Fantasy
Ziaire Williams proposed to girlfriend Paris Timan at a Bruno Mars show in Inglewood, with the singer complementing the moment during his second of five performances. For fans preparing for the season, our ESPN Fantasy Basketball draft guide offers everything needed to win your league this year.
NFL Football
Last updated: October 4, 2026, 6:05 AM ET
NFL Football
Week 4 Injury Report
The league's injury picture is crowded heading into Sunday's slate. Carolina placed 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette on injured reserve, ruling the receiver out for at least the next four games. The Bears will be without left tackle Braxton Jones, who was placed on IR with Theo Benedet set to start in his place against the Jets. Seattle placed starting running back Jadarian Price on IR with a chest injury, a significant blow to their ground game. The Colts will be without veteran wideout Keenan Allen for their London matchup due to a groin injury, further thinning an already depleted receiving corps. New Orleans is ruling out linebacker Kaden Elliss and edge rusher Carl Granderson against Atlanta. For the Rams, Aaron Donald will sit out versus Philadelphia, but Puka Nacua is active. Chicago is expected to start Tyson Bagent at quarterback against the Jets. The full inactives watch includes updates on Daniels, DeVonta Smith, and others.
Ownership & Discipline
San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York has been suspended for six games and fined $500,000 for a personal conduct violation, a rare punishment for an NFL owner. Meanwhile, Commanders owner Josh Harris connected with fans in London, covering drinks for roughly 3,000 supporters at a bar rally ahead of the team's international game.
Matchups & Storylines
The league's marquee quarterback duel this week features Trevor Lawrence and Joe Burrow in a matchup with major playoff implications. Our comprehensive guide breaks down all 15 games, including New England looking to bounce back from a tough loss. The Patriots are preaching patience with receiver Romeo Doubs, who signed a four-year deal in March but has yet to find his rhythm in 2026. ESPN's expert predictions call for big days from Lamar Jackson and Jameson Williams, while also forecasting a Cowboys upset. Finally, our all-time rosters for 23 teams with multiple Super Bowls feature 13 players who made more than one squad, a testament to their sustained greatness.
MLB Baseball
Last updated: October 4, 2026, 6:05 AM ET
ALDS Game 1
The Yankees saw Aaron Judge officially ruled out of the ALDS roster, yet their plan to beat Tampa Bay rests on a deep pitching staff that delivered in Game. Drew Rasmussen and Bryan Baker combined on a one-hitter, blanking New York's left-handed hitters in a near-perfect outing as the Rays took a 1-0 series lead.
The White Sox shut out the Guardians 3-0 in their ALDS opener, with Chicago's starters setting the tone from the first pitch.
NLDS Game 1
Tarik Skubal proved "as advertised" in his postseason debut, striking out nine Braves over six innings of one-run ball while retiring 15 straight hitters, staking the Dodgers to a 1-0 NLDS lead. Milwaukee escaped Game 1 against San Diego after a potential go-ahead home run by the Padres struck the American Family Field roof and dropped for an out, preserving a Brewers victory.
Division Series Roundup
Saturday's full slate produced notable storylines across all four series, from unexpected bullpen dominance to controversial ballpark quirks that shaped the outcomes.
Cubs Offseason
to the winter, Cubs president Jed Hoyer identified "quality" pitching as the club's top offseason priority, signaling a significant overhaul to a rotation that ranked near the bottom of the National League in ERA this season.
NHL Hockey
Last updated: October 4, 2026, 6:05 AM ET
Sabres & Injury Returns
Buffalo Sabres forward Jiri Kulich scored the game-winner in his return from a nearly year-long battle with blood clot issues, capping an emotional comeback after months of uncertainty about whether he would play again. Meanwhile, Arizona State appointed former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Scott Bales to lead an independent review of the on-ice collapse of hockey player Mayich.
Red Wings & Panthers Troubles
Detroit booed Dylan Larkin during their season-opening loss after the team placed him on injured reserve amid his ongoing trade request, deepening an already tense situation. Florida placed captain Aleksander Barkov on long-term injured reserve after just two games — a significant blow for a player who missed all of 2025-26.
Canadiens Tribute
The hockey world mourned the passing of Lyle Odelein at, the rugged defenseman who helped the Montreal Canadiens capture the Stanley Cup in 1993.
General Sports
Last updated: October 4, 2026, 6:06 AM ET
College Football Reality Check
Week 5 delivered a return to order in college football as Alabama and Ohio State reasserted themselves atop the sport. The Crimson Tide looked every bit like their usual selves in a dominant outing, while the Buckeyes cruised past Iowa 31-14. Meanwhile, the CFP projection picture is starting to take shape, with Ohio State leading a growing crop of one-loss teams that could crowd the selection committee's top.
The week's most electric performance came from Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith, who declared himself "the best player in the country" after a record-setting day that likely cemented his status as the Heisman front-runner. The performance even drew a reaction from LeBron James, who took to social media with a simple directive: "THROW IT TO 4!" Chris Olave also chimed in, congratulating Smith for breaking his record.
Alabama also brought the week's best trolling, posting "Not enough cowbells" on social media after its trip to Starkville — a needle aimed squarely at Mississippi State's famous clanging tradition.
In other Week 5 action, the best plays and moments were captured live as the slate unfolded. Clemson, meanwhile, suffered its second-worst home loss under Dabo Swinney in a 41-13 drubbing at the hands of Miami, but the Tigers insisted their "season ain't over" and remain hopeful for an ACC title run. Colorado State made a coaching change mid-game, firing defensive coordinator Tyson Summers after a 56-26 loss to Oregon State — head coach Jim Mora made the call after Summers left the sideline in the first half.
NFL
The Los Angeles Chargers are in crisis mode. At 0-3 after another heartbreaking loss, the spiraling franchise faces tough questions about whether Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert can salvage the season. The slow start has prompted a realistic reassessment of the current roster and coaching situation.
UFC
UFC 332 was a record-setting night of violence. The card smashed the record with nine first-round knockouts and 11 total finishes — an unprecedented display of finishing ability. The night's top performers validated their billing, with Payton Talbott finishing another former champion in Deiveson Figueiredo.
In the co-main event, Natalia Silva was crowned the new women's flyweight champion with a unanimous decision over Wang Cong, earning the "new queen" moniker.
Boxing
British light-heavyweight Ben Whittaker survived a dramatic late onslaught to secure a points win, holding on after a scare in the final rounds.
Tennis
The China Open has been a graveyard for top seeds. World number two Aryna Sabalenka was stunned by Bartunkova, following Elena Rybakina out the door in Beijing. On the men's side, Alexander Zverev set up a blockbuster meeting with Novak Djokovic, while Great Britain's Sonay Kartal continued her impressive run to reach the last-32.
Darts
The World Grand Prix final is set. World number two Luke Humphries clinched his spot and will face Gerwyn Price for the title.
Snooker
Wu Yize thrashed Judd Trump 6-2, winning six consecutive frames to set up an all-Chinese final against Yuan Sijun in Shenzhen.
Formula 1
Max Verstappen could be tough to beat at Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix after an "incredible" Red Bull upgrade enlivened the grid in Malaysia — even Lewis Hamilton admits the Dutchman will be hard to stop.
Rugby Union
The English Premiership has a new leader. Gloucester thrashed Harlequins 48-0 at Kingsholm to go top of the early table in a dominant display. Leicester Tigers held off Newcastle for their first win of the season in a tense, hard-fought contest. Louis Rees-Zammit starred with a double as Bristol powered past reigning champions Northampton 34-26.
In the URC, Glasgow and Ulster played out a thrilling 33-33 draw at Scotstoun, with George Horne's late penalty hitting the post. The Dragons celebrated derby success against the Scarlets in a 10-try thriller, while Cardiff and the Dragons continue to impress early in the season — several Wales hopefuls are staking their claims.
MLB
The MLB divisional round is set, and the odds for every game in each series are out. Favorites and underdogs are clearly defined as the postseason heats up.
WNBA
The WNBA semifinals open Sunday, and the matchups are intriguing. Here's a guide to the keys for Las Vegas-Golden State and New York-Atlanta.
Charity
Sir Kevin Sinfield completed his final ultramarathon challenge, crossing the finish line at Old Trafford after seven ultramarathons in seven days for the MND charity cause.