Formula 1
Last updated: August 7, 2026, 4:04 PM ET
Regulation & Technical Developments
The FIA wants F1 cars to lose another 80kg under the next rules overhaul, reviving the "nimble car concept" originally promised for 2026. Meanwhile, the FIA explains why banning power-unit algorithms won't work, despite driver criticism of the 2026 regulations. Mercedes is closely monitoring upgrades for the rest of the 2026 season, with Toto Wolff stating the team is watching when to introduce them. On the other hand, Honda only realised the scale of its F1 problems in January, prompting a major upgrade at Zandvoort for Aston Martin.
Team Updates & Records
The grand chelem age record has evolved from Juan Manuel Fangio’s 38‑year‑old milestone in 1950 to younger drivers like Clark and Senna. Meanwhile, what it is like being a Williams F1 simulator driver is detailed by Victor Martins, who explains his indirect but vital impact on the car.
Football/Soccer
Last updated: August 7, 2026, 4:06 PM ET
Major Transfers and Deals
Coventry City have completed the club-record signing of Ghana midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi in a £26m deal, while Leeds United signed goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City for a club-record fee. Arsenal agreed a £75m fee with Newcastle for captain Bruno Guimarães, who was "very emotional" to leave, and Manchester City rejected Barcelona's £38.5m bid for Rodri, demanding more than £60m. Liverpool held preliminary talks with PSG over Bradley Barcola, while Chelsea set to clinch a deal for Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria for £16.3m. Real Madrid's Franco Mastantuono joined Fiorentina on a season-long loan, and Crystal Palace signed Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu after a successful trial. Hull City signed Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis for a club-record fee and also signed Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl on a five-year deal. Newcastle rejected an approach from Manchester United for Lewis Hall, while Bournemouth announced the signing of right-back Juanlu Sanchez from Sevilla for up to £11.1m. Liverpool signed Spanish midfielder Natalia Ramos from CD Tenerife Femenino, and Everton completed the signing of Christian Nørgaard from Arsenal. Millwall signed Scotland striker Lyndon Dykes on a one-year deal, and Cardiff City signed Lincoln midfielder Jack Moylan for an undisclosed fee. Wrexham signed midfielder Ben Whiteman from Preston on a three-year contract, and Birmingham City signed France youth international Chancelle Effa Effa from Le Havre. Swansea City signed free agent Ross Stewart on a three-year deal, while Hirving "Chucky" Lozano joined the LA Galaxy on an initial loan from San Diego FC. Former AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato is part of a consortium set to buy Northampton Town, and Mohamed Salah joined Turkish side Trabzonspor on a free transfer. Vinicius Junior signed a new six-year Real Madrid contract to end Arsenal's pursuit, while Jeremy Doku signed a new Manchester City contract until 2031. Micky van de Ven is close to agreeing a new five-year Tottenham contract, and Rangers signed winger Daisuke Yokota from Hannover.
Club News and Managerial Updates
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill was released from hospital after a "small procedure" and is in "good form," though there is no timeline for his return. Mikel Arteta said his Arsenal players were "fuming" after a 3-1 preseason loss to Real Betis in Dublin, while Arsenal have "big hopes" for Ceadach O'Neill according to Arteta. Liverpool legend Ian Rush urged patience for new boss Andoni Iraola, saying he should target silverware. Newcastle United appointed Matthias Jaissle as head coach to succeed Eddie Howe, with the CEO calling him a "rock star". Derek McInnes is still looking for his first win as Rangers manager after a 2-1 defeat to Jagiellonia Bialystok in Europa League qualifying. Hearts endured a 6-1 thrashing by Benfica in Lisbon, all but ending their Europa League hopes. Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi hopes to guide the club back up the table through his love of the transfer window. Atletico Madrid hold talks over a move for Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, who is expected to leave. Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel was given a trading card made with real 24-carat gold, while Marcus Rashford is expected to return to training amid debate over his future. Enzo Maresca won his first game in charge of Manchester City with a 3-1 win over the K-League All Stars. Chelsea suffered a 1-0 defeat to Juventus in a Hong Kong friendly, while Bayern Munich held off Aston Villa 2-1 in Hong Kong to close their Asia tours. Partick Thistle aim to return to the Scottish Premiership with Ben Stanway signing a new contract, while the Scottish FA will hold a "critically important" summit on the future of the game. Walsall stunned Bristol City in the Carabao Cup curtain raiser, and David Sullivan is expected to attend West Ham's EFL Cup tie despite advice to stay away. The Football Association has banned solid perimeter walls around pitches after the death of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar.
FIFA Presidency and Governance Crisis
Norway's soccer federation president called on Gianni Infantino to resign, saying there is "no trust" in him, while Mexico and Argentina expressed support for the embattled FIFA president. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney said he no longer has confidence in Infantino, and Portugal great Luís Figo joined calls for him to step down over the failed World Cup stake sale plan. UEFA's boycott of FIFA tournaments still stands, with the FA joining them in opposing his re-election. FIFA apologized for "errors" made over the plan, while senior executives including Arsène Wenger distanced themselves from the plan. FIFA was accused of blackmailing Jordan over World Cup money, and the association of European soccer leagues called for governance reform of FIFA. Former FIFA vice president also accused Infantino of blackmail, while Spain claims it "deserves" to host the 2030 World Cup final according to the sports minister.
Women's Football Updates
Emma Hayes urged US Soccer to prioritize the U.S. Under-20 Women's national team to help youth development, while France says it will compete in the U20 Women's World Cup despite a UEFA boycott threat. Manchester United appointed Eva Olid as women's manager on a two-year deal, while defender Gabby George moved to Brighton from Manchester United. Arsenal midfielder Mariona Caldentey says the club is talking up their chances of winning the Treble, and the new season of "Ted Lasso" was filmed at a real-life NWSL club for a key plot point. Erica Meg Parkinson has been named in England's preparation squad for the U20 Women's World Cup, and assistant referee Sian Massey‑Ellis retired to take up a role with the FA. Key dates for the 2026-27 women's football season have been detailed by BBC Sport.
Other Football News
England striker Ivan Toney was charged with assault after an incident at a London nightclub, and he is due to appear in court next month. The long-awaited heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will take place "where the money is," says Dana White, and Eddie Hearn expects it to be finalized by end of August. Lionel Messi scored a brace to lead Inter Miami to a 4-2 Leagues Cup win, while Argentina will not pressure Messi over the 2028 Copa América. Uganda international David Owori was killed in a street gang attack, and Alex Hughes, son of Mark Hughes, died of sudden adult death syndrome. Barcelona canceled a pre-season friendly in Morocco due to the Ceuta border crisis. The National League kicks off with Ebbsfleet suspended over unpaid debts, while the EFL Cup second-round draw takes place Monday. The World Darts Championship dates have been confirmed for December 11 to January 3, and Raymond van Barneveld was fined and suspended by the Darts Regulation Authority. Andrew Flintoff stepped down as England Lions head coach, and Jahmyr Gibbs agreed to a new three-year deal worth up to $75.7m with the Detroit Lions. Undrafted rookie Haynes King led the Panthers to a comeback win over the Cardinals in the NFL Hall of Fame game.
NBA Basketball
Last updated: August 7, 2026, 4:07 PM ET
Sixers Superteam Takes Shape
The Philadelphia 76ers have assembled a powerhouse roster, headlined by LeBron James joining the team after choosing loyalty to his own basketball compass. Sixers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey confirmed that Joel Embiid is healthy and "extra motivated" with LeBron and Jaylen Brown now on his side. Brown, who was traded from the Celtics, called the move a "crazy transition" and expressed disappointment with Boston's communication but is focused on winning. The swingman also proposed an extreme skydiving dare if the team wins a title, but LeBron quickly shot that down with a simple "Boy … naw." Brown's desire for love was rekindled after attending Donovan Mitchell and Coco Jones' wedding, which he said inspired him for his next relationship. Meanwhile, the NBA schedule makers have already highlighted the Knicks-76ers matchups as the East's new heavyweight showdown.
Free Agency and Roster Moves
The Washington Wizards and Anthony Davis' agent Rich Paul have agreed to table extension talks until after the season starts, sources told ESPN. The Phoenix Suns locked up forward Dillon Brooks on a three-year, $73 million extension through the 2029-30 season, earning an "A" grade in ESPN's free agency signings analysis. Lonnie Walker IV is returning to the NBA on a one-year, $3.3 million deal with the Denver Nuggets, his agent confirmed. Three-time slam dunk champion Mac McClung has signed with Basquet Girona, a Spanish team owned by Marc Gasol. Meanwhile, former NBA star Monta Ellis was named Alcorn State's general manager, the school announced Friday, marking a unique move for a player who skipped college. The Dallas Mavericks are offering a huge bounty for the Cooper Flagg 1-of-1 debut patch autograph card, including season tickets for 32 years and a jersey.
Legal and Off-Court News
A misdemeanor gun charge against Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden was dismissed by a Texas judge. In another legal development, federal prosecutors allege witness tampering in the ongoing NBA gambling case involving Terry Rozier, including a rat emoji posted on Instagram. Luka Doncic's ex-fiancée Anamaria Goltes is withdrawing her petition seeking child support and attorney fees from the Lakers star. Additionally, a report revealed that Kawhi Leonard had an undisclosed sponsorship deal worth millions with Daktronics, the company that designed the Clippers' videoboard, as detailed on Pablo Torre's podcast.
League-Wide Buzz and Analysis
ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks presents 10 key offseason trends in his fact vs. fiction breakdown, while also answering 10 questions for the summer of 2027, including Golden State's franchise-altering cap situation. The largest remaining free agents like Jalen Duren and James Harden are still on the market as the season approaches. The NBA offseason buzz tracker covers latest deals and trade updates, including free agent DeMar DeRozan. The Warriors' failure to land LeBron means they are again banking on continuity with an aging core. In Sacramento, the Kings are balancing a rebuild around rookie Darius Acuff Jr. while sorting out expensive veterans Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine. Victor Wembanyama will host eight to 10 Spurs teammates for workouts in France as San Antonio looks to rebound from their NBA Finals loss. The National Basketball Players Association opened the PLYRS UNTD Performance Center in Los Angeles, a "one-stop shop" for scrimmages, workouts, and recovery.
NFL Football
Last updated: August 7, 2026, 2:48 PM ET
Quarterback Battles & Preseason Debuts
Andy Reid acknowledged Friday that Patrick Mahomes will likely not play in the preseason opener despite participating in every part of training camp. Carson Beck completed 15 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown, posting a 125.4 quarterback rating in the Cardinals' 33-30 loss to the Panthers in the Hall of Fame Game. Beck made his debut Thursday night after leading Miami to the College Football Playoff final last season. Slovis found Bryson Green for a late touchdown pass in the Hall of Fame Game.
Dart sparked a dustup at Giants practice Tuesday by tossing the ball at cornerback Greg Newsome after scoring, an action that did not impress coach John Harbaugh. Vikings weigh Murray vs McCarthy for the starting quarterback job, with Murray currently favored in the competition. Watson and Sanders spent seven practices focused on pre-snap and post-snap techniques in the Browns' quarterback battle. Falcons UDFA quarterback Jack Strand has earned praise for his arm strength while working with the first-team offense. Jerry Jeudy clarified a viral video was in reference to his daughter, not the Browns' quarterback competition.
Running Back Contracts & Extensions
Jahmyr Gibbs signed a record extension with the Lions, raising questions about whether he's worth more than Bijan Robinson. Jonathan Taylor agreed to an extension worth $44M over two years with the Colts through 2028, according to his agent. Bijan Robinson said he has spoken with Gibbs about their respective contract negotiations, as both began training camp holding in. Matthew McConaughey was the first to congratulate Robinson on his new extension, reaching out within minutes of the news breaking. The Falcons extended Robinson, London, Pitts and Bergeron, but they don't have a QB1 yet. The Colts believe they can recapture their 2025 success, but they couldn't do it without Jonathan Taylor. Bucky Irving said "I've been doubted my whole life" as the Bucs' third-year back looks to bounce back.
Wide Receiver News
Stefon Diggs might have changed teams for the third time in three years, but that hasn't dented his confidence. The Commanders signed Diggs to a one-year deal worth up to $12M. Tank Dell is going for it in his return from almost two years away due to injury. Dell returned to practice Wednesday in a limited capacity after missing last season with a knee injury. Odell Beckham Jr. has impressed at Giants camp as he tries to revive his career, citing LeBron James as a comparison for maintaining a high level of play. Zay Flowers signed a four-year extension and hopes quarterback Lamar Jackson can be with the Ravens equally as long. Josh Downs' production took a downturn in 2025, one the Colts studied and plan to remedy. Saints rookie wide receiver Brock Rechsteiner was suspended for the first six games of the regular season.
Defensive Standouts & News
McVay said Aaron Donald "looked outstanding" in a workout, though he doesn't have an answer on whether the former All-Pro will return from retirement. Bucs GM Jason Licht said there are "no plans" to trade Vita Vea and still views Baker Mayfield as a franchise quarterback. Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons threw a punch in a team drill and spent the rest of practice on a side field. Micah Parsons likes his chances of playing in the Packers' Week 6 game against the Cowboys at Lambeau Field. Falcons edge rusher Jalon Walker will miss the 2026 season because of a torn ACL. C.J. Gardner-Johnson said he "can't wait" to play the Texans in Week 1 after what he called "lies."
Major Contract Extensions
The Bills reached a $78.4M extension with right guard O'Cyrus Torrence over four years, including $46M guaranteed. The Bears gave Darnell Wright a historic extension worth $116M over four years with $93M guaranteed. The Texans and Henry To'oTo'o agreed to a two-year, $16M extension. The Lions named Richard Haddad as their new president and CEO after 14 years with the NBA's Pistons.
Hall of Fame & Legacy
Larry Fitzgerald has no plans to formally retire as he prepares to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Drew Brees will be enshrined Saturday, and those who know him share tales of his success. One fan makes an impassioned case for Ottis Anderson, his favorite Super Bowl MVP. Bill Barnwell went roster by roster to identify NFL players on track for the Hall of Fame, including 17 who could retire now and get in.
Camp News & Other Notes
The Chiefs' home will once again be known simply as Arrowhead Stadium. Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has been checking in more frequently with the team, but his return to the coaching staff remains unclear. New Eagles defensive end AJ Epenesa is grateful to be in Philadelphia after a one-year deal with the Browns fell through. The Cowboys cut short their left tackle competition, installing Tyler Guyton full time with the first-team offense. Dak Prescott's teammates are buying into GOTI — "Greatest Offense There Is" — as a rallying cry for 2026. DeMeco Ryans used NASA's trip around the moon as inspiration to rally his team. The NFL's hold-in landscape includes Vita Vea and Tuli Tuipulotu tracking their contract situations. Holdouts can be brutal, and here are notable stories from each side of the bargaining table.
Fantasy Football & Analysis
Matt Bowen and Tristan Cockcroft list fantasy sleepers who just need an opportunity. Eric Moody ranks insurance running backs who are must-drafts. Knockout leagues require a different draft approach due to the depth of the league. We chose the top position battles to for each NFL team. There are five potential win-win trades teams should consider before Week.
MLB Baseball
Last updated: August 7, 2026, 2:47 PM ET
Trade Deadline Fallout
The 2026 trade deadline brought plenty of winners and losers, with the Dodgers shining while the Orioles and Brewers stumbled. Trade deadline awards highlight what we learned from the deals and which teams had the most interesting approaches. Post-deadline power rankings show where every club stands after the flurry of moves ahead of Monday's deadline. Ranking the prospects traded reveals the potential stars of tomorrow who changed organizations in these deals.
Dodgers Land Skubal
The Dodgers acquired Tarik Skubal and are now way ahead of the Yankees, the next closest team, on the World Series odds board. Skubal doesn't sympathize with people who blame the Dodgers for anything, noting every team could have traded for him. In his Los Angeles debut, the two-time Cy Young winner landed only 51 strikes on 85 pitches and got little run support in a loss to the Cubs. Follow live coverage of Skubal's first start with his new club.
Cubs Sweep Dodgers
Pete Crow-Armstrong emerged as the NL MVP favorite after slugging two home runs in a win against the Dodgers, where Shohei Ohtani also went deep twice at Wrigley Field. Kevin Gausman is happy to be in Chicago and is expected to make his Cubs debut on Friday.
Red Sox Rolling
The Red Sox extended their streak to eight games with a wild 12-11, 13-inning win over the White Sox, as Caleb Durbin lined a single to center off Erick Fedde to score Nick Sogard. Sonny Gray earned his AL-leading, career-high 14th victory with three-hit ball and eight strikeouts over six innings in a 4-0 win. Garrett Crochet is open to a relief role if he can recover in time for the stretch run after not pitching since late April. Adley Rutschman said he's just trying to fit in with a Red Sox team that has been on a roll over the last month.
Injury Report
Twins ace Joe Ryan is expected to need an IL stint after an MRI revealed a mild left glute strain. Reds right-hander Hunter Greene is back on the 15-day IL with right elbow soreness after making only five starts since coming off the injured list. Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing has a slight UCL tear in his right elbow, follow-up testing revealed. Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta exited his first rehab outing with minor tightness in his right elbow. Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage lasted only two innings before leaving with left knee discomfort. Nationals outfielder James Wood was placed on the 10-day IL with a left oblique strain suffered while batting Monday night. Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz went on the 10-day IL with a strained thumb, while Jeffrey Springs landed on the 15-day IL with hip discomfort. Triston Casas had arthroscopic surgery on his left wrist, the latest setback to land him on the injured list.
Braves Sweep Marlins
Ronald Acuña Jr. hit two home runs, including one assisted by Miami's defense, and Matt Olson added a blast as the Braves beat the Marlins 11-3 to complete a three-game sweep. Elder and Holmes have pitched like the Braves didn't need a top-line starter after the deadline criticism.
Phillies and Nationals
Cristopher Sanchez became the first 15-game winner in the majors this season, earning his fifth straight win as the Phillies beat the Nationals 7-3.
Yankees Deadline and More
The Yankees entered the deadline with question marks on their roster and left without a splashy move. George Lombard Jr. became the third-youngest Yankee to homer in his first game, doing it on a night when his little brother also went deep in his professional debut. Cardinals All-Star Jordan Walker was scratched from the lineup against the Yankees with right knee inflammation.
Discipline and Roster Moves
Mariners reliever Gabe Speier was suspended three games and manager Dan Wilson one after Speier hit Detroit's Gleyber Torres with a pitch. The Mariners also released veteran catcher Mitch Garver and outfielder Rob Refsnyder among seven roster moves. The Pirates released struggling DH Marcell Ozuna, who was hitting just .203 with eight home runs. Cleveland called up top prospect Angel Genao, who has a .309 average at Triple-A Columbus. The Brewers optioned Brandon Sproat to Triple-A after acquiring veteran starter Dustin May. The Royals activated All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. from the injured list after he missed two weeks with back tightness. Mickey Moniak reached a two-year extension with the Rockies through 2028, hitting .277 with 18 home runs and 49 RBIs this season.
Mets Notes
Freddy Peralta arranged for Mets franchise cornerstones Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor to vent and work through their disconnected relationship, multiple sources told ESPN. Mets rookie Jefry Yan had a viral celebration after his first strikeout, jumping high in the air and slapping the grass.
Around the League
Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow is stepping away from the booth after this season following a nearly four-decade run. Cody Bradford will make his first start for the Rangers since the end of the 2024 season as he comes back from elbow surgery. Spain hero Ferran Torres will throw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium after scoring the winner in the World Cup final. Looking for late-season heroes in fantasy baseball? Start with Atlanta as the fantasy trade deadline approaches.
NHL Hockey
Last updated: August 7, 2026, 2:43 PM ET
NHL Hockey
The Pittsburgh Penguins invested heavily in their future on Thursday. They signed forward Ville Koivunen to an eight-year contract worth $4 million annually, totaling $32M.
General Sports
Last updated: August 7, 2026, 2:08 PM ET
General Sports Briefing
WNBA
Chelsea Gray hit two buzzer-beating 3-pointers to lift the Las Vegas Aces past the Indiana Fever on Thursday night, the first forcing overtime and the second securing the victory after Caitlin Clark's late miscues. Two men were escorted from their courtside seats at Gainbridge Fieldhouse during the third quarter of the matchup. Clark already owns the most 20-point, 10-assist games in WNBA history, yet her game remains a work in progress entering Year. The Fever guard said Thursday that individuals should "speak when you feel like you want to speak" as she navigates life as a 24-year-old. Sophie Cunningham wants the focus to return to basketball after her comments on transgender athletes sparked heated national debate and social media backlash. Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese and Aliyah Boston headline Team USA's long-awaited youth movement for the FIBA World Cup next month. Seven teams look like WNBA playoff locks while six clubs battle for the No. 8 seed, including the Mystics, Sparks, Mercury and Sky. Minnesota and Indiana rank 1-2 in the latest power rankings after an offensive showcase, with Las Vegas rounding out the top three. The Cleveland Sirens unveiled their new logo and branding for the expansion team that will join the WNBA in 2028.
NFL Training Camps & Contracts
Brock Purdy shows off focus while Baker Mayfield feels the heat in the latest news and intel from NFL training camps across the league. Jahmyr Gibbs' new $67.5M extension is the latest in a flurry of deals shaping the 2026 preseason, and Seth Walder stacked the 10 most notable moves. Eric Karabell's annual "Do Not Draft" list identifies a Giants trio that is overvalued in fantasy drafts this summer. The No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL draft could be a quarterback such as Dante Moore or Arch Manning, or a defender like Dylan Stewart or Jeremiah Smith. Offensive lineman Cole Hutson has returned to Texas after minicamp tryouts with the Browns and Cowboys, regaining a fifth year of eligibility.
MLB Trade Deadline Fallout
The Tigers chose the Dodgers over other suitors for Tarik Skubal, the sport's top pitcher, after asking for final offers on Saturday afternoon. MLB insiders weigh in on the biggest blockbusters and which teams had the best deadline, with one exec saying "I'm glad we're not in the NL." Every club's playoff hopes have risen or fallen since the deadline, with roster completeness assessed for all 30 teams. Pete Crow-Armstrong is the new NL MVP odds leader while Shohei Ohtani leads the AL race, with Cy Young and Rookie of the Year odds also updated. The fantasy fallout from key deals can be tracked after Monday's trade deadline. The Cubs, Orioles, Red Sox, Mets and Phillies all made major moves in a wild conclusion to trade season.
College Football
Ohio State starts the 2026 season as No. 1 in the AFCA Coaches Poll, with Oregon second as the Big Ten tries to extend its run of national champions to four. Bill Connelly picked the best games of the season based on combined SP+ ratings and projected scoring margins under eight points. Steve Belichick is on medical leave and out indefinitely as North Carolina's defensive coordinator, his father Bill announced Thursday. New Purdue AD Tommy McClelland took a dig at champion Indiana, apparently forgetting the Hoosiers won the CFP national championship in January. Texas moves into the top five of the Way-Too-Early Top 25 while North Carolina falls out for UCLA, with key nonconference games circled on the calendar. Every Big Ten team's ceiling and floor ranges from winning the national title to missing the tournament entirely across all 18 programs. Lane Kiffin fuels fans' ire as college football's most hated villain, but is he the best pot-stirrer of all time? Every Power 4 fanbase has someone it loves to hate, with the stories behind the fury detailed for each program. The toughest and easiest schedule stretches are broken down for teams facing the biggest challenges in 2026. Oklahoma surges into the top 10 of the updated 2027 class rankings as summer recruiting winds down, with Alabama and UNC entering the top. Quarterbacks like Arch Manning and Dante Moore headline the 40 most important players for the 2026 season, starting with CFP-hopeful QBs. Thirty-one teams have the players and schedules to reach the playoff in 2026. Marcus Freeman wants Notre Dame focused on the opener, not the CFP, after missing the playoff at the end of last season. An Akron season-ticket holder will design the opening drive in a unique raffle, working directly with the head coach. Stephen Daley practiced in a limited role for Indiana as he ramps up from a season-ending knee injury suffered in December.
Combat Sports
Conor McGregor reiterated his desire to return to fighting after undergoing surgery on the knee injury suffered during his UFC comeback. Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja will headline UFC 331 in a flyweight title rematch in September, officials announced Thursday. Brock Lesnar, a 10-time WWE world champ and former UFC heavyweight champion, said his match at WWE Summer Slam was his last and that he's retiring from combat sports. William Zepeda climbed the lightweight rankings after dominating Lamont Roach to capture the WBC title, while Dalton Smith shook up the junior welterweight division. Claressa Shields says a fight with Lauren Price is now likely to take place in 2027, according to the pound-for-pound star.
Tennis
Cameron Norrie saved a match point in a superb fightback to beat world No. 7 Alex de Minaur at the Canadian Open. Norrie earlier progressed to the last 32 with a straight-set win over Ignacio Buse. Coco Gauff criticized the WTA gene test for creating "animosity towards the trans community" while supporting "fairness in women's sports." 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. Alex Eala is preparing for the US Open back on the hard courts that produced many of the biggest moments of her career.
Cricket
Jos Buttler became T20 cricket's all-time leading run-scorer in a nine-wicket win for Manchester Super Giants over Welsh Fire in The Hundred. A conversation with England batting coach Marcus Trescothick helped Buttler rediscover the form that took him past the all-time T20 run-scoring record. BBC Sport explores how Buttler became the highest run-getter in men's T20 cricket. London Spirit became the first side eliminated from the men's Hundred after a six-wicket defeat by MI London at Lord's. 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 at 25 after more than a year out injured. Phil Salt says he would like The Hundred to be a week longer after his side played three matches in five days. Sophia Dunkley helped Trent Rockets beat Birmingham Phoenix while Orla Prendergast took four wickets in Welsh Fire's victory. Surrey beat Kent by 95 runs in the One-Day Cup to go level with the Foxes at the top of the table. Can you guess The Hundred cricket star No. 18? Try today's player in as few attempts as possible. Try guessing The Hundred cricket star No. 17 in the latest edition of the quiz.
Golf
LIV Golf has secured funding from an outside investor that will keep the circuit alive beyond this season, according to league CEO Scott O'Neil. LIV Golf secured a deal with an unnamed lead investor for 2027 after the withdrawal of Saudi Arabian financial backing earlier this year. Robert MacIntyre, Patrick Reed, Francesco Molinari and Sepp Straka will play the Irish Open at Trump International in Doonbeg from Sept. 9-13. Players on the FedEx Cup bubble from Jackson Koivun to Brooks Koepka need a strong Wyndham Championship to make the top.
Soccer
Vitor Matos insists Swansea City can operate with three senior strikers in 2026-27 after the signing of Ross Stewart. Chief executive Tom Gorringe says Swansea are now on track to compete for a return to the Premier League. Derry City chairman Philip O'Doherty said it was "time to make a change" following the departure of manager Tiernan Lynch in "pretty much a snap decision." The 2026-27 Irish League season will start on time after proposals were overwhelmingly passed at an Extraordinary General Meeting. Can anyone stop Larne in the Irish Premiership this season after a summer of transfers, preparation and uncertainty? BBC Sport NI agreed a new three-year broadcast deal with the Irish FA and NIFL to continue free-to-air coverage of international and domestic football.
Cycling
Kimberley Le Court won stage six of the Tour de France Femmes in a sprint finish after a mechanical failure, while Marlen Reusser held the overall lead. Demi Vollering won stage five with a sprint victory over yellow jersey holder Reusser. Officials will check riders' clothing at the Tour de France Femmes to prevent attempts to make "aerodynamic gains" through bra padding.
Rugby
Scarlets managing director Jon Daniels dismissed an Ospreys merger and wants greater transparency from the Welsh Rugby Union as their future hangs in the balance. Former England prop Joe Marler will become BBC's first celebrity Gladiator, known as Mauler, when the fourth series airs in 2027. TV presenter Nick Knowles bought a stake in Championship side Cornish Pirates. Great Britain Sevens players have had to find alternative employment and teams to keep their passion alive since their contracts were stripped to part-time. St Helens will face Hull FC in Dublin as part of a Super League double-header next April, with Warrington taking on Wigan the day before. Wigan Warriors thrashed St Helens 44-6 in the opening Super Four game of the Women's Super League.
Hockey, Athletics & Other Sports
Hannah French paid tribute to the medical staff after recovering from injury in time to play in next month's women's Hockey World Cup. Eve Muirhead has come out of retirement, inspired by her role as Team GB's chef de mission at this year's Games after four years away. The European Athletics Championships will be held in Birmingham from Aug. 10-16 with full BBC coverage. London submitted its final bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships at the London Stadium, built for the 2012 Olympics. Gloucester sprinter James Arminio is racing for GB at the Under-20 World Championships just two years after first stepping on an athletics track. The British Grand Prix will remain on the MotoGP calendar until at least 2028 as Silverstone extends its partnership with Moto GP. The Preakness Stakes is moving to three weeks and a day after the Kentucky Derby and will be run on a Sunday for the first time. Lucas Jumalon, a 22-year-old poker pro from Spokane, Washington, beat Finland's Lauri Saaskilahti heads-up to win the 2026 WSOP main event and $10 million. Chad le Clos revealed his apartment was destroyed by a fatal fire in a "heartbreaking tragedy" — the night after he became the most decorated athlete in Commonwealth Games history. Jemima Lines became the first British woman selected for the America's Cup team in 90 years, hailing it a "pivotal moment." The planned NBA Europe league has the potential to take basketball in the UK to the "next level," says New York Knicks star OG Anunoby. Dick Vitale said his tests are "very good" after his fifth cancer diagnosis, making positive strides since April. Bianca Belair and Montez Ford welcomed their first child together, the WWE superstar couple who married in 2018. Spurs center Luke Kornet stopped in the rain to help a stranded motorist in San Antonio whose car broke down. A powerlifter disqualified after an alleged racially motivated act says she "does not feel safe" when competing, alleging black athletes are frequently booed.
The Ocho & Quirky Sports
The Ocho celebrates its 10th anniversary with 75 hours of the world's quirkiest, most unconventional and obscure sports. The tradition began as a "DodgeBall" joke and now features T. rex races, pumpkin tossing, death diving and sign spinning. Slippery Stairs is even harder and more painful than it looks, according to a firsthand account of the iconic Ocho event. Hundreds of competitors will take the turf at Emerald Downs for the T-Rex World Championships, honoring a tradition that began as a team-bonding experience. Diving chess, called "the strangest sport in the world," will be broadcast on The Ocho at 8 a.m. ET on Aug. 8.
Lacrosse
Four PLL games and one WLL contest are on the docket for Boston on Friday and Saturday for Throwback Weekend. The Waterdogs took the top spot in the PLL Power Rankings ahead of Week 12 with the playoffs quickly approaching.
Miscellaneous
Mrs. Met and Goldy headline the Mascot Hall of Fame Class of 2026, announced Friday morning on "Good Morning America" with five mascots on site. After firing him, the Vikings rehired Larry Fitzgerald as a ball boy and assigned him to the receivers, a move that shaped his Hall of Fame career. Mary Falconer is chasing a 2028 Olympic dream in bouldering after it helped her deal with the loss of her mother. How much attention have you paid to the past seven days in sports, including Beckham at the Commonwealth Games? Take the weekly quiz.