General Sports 24-Hour Briefing

Last updated: October 20, 2026, 5:10 PM ET

WNBA Finals

The Atlanta Dream evened the series with a commanding win, as Angel Reese posted 30 points and 16 rebounds while Allisha Gray added 18 points. The Dream took Game 2 at Ballhalla, handing the Golden State Valkyries their first home loss of the postseason. Reese's performance was widely praised as the Dream recorded their first-ever win in the Finals. Several players who have yet to fully break through are getting their moment on the sport's biggest stage, while Valkyries fan Gabby Williams arrived in style ahead of the matchup.

College Football

Auburn dismissed linebacker Xavier Atkins, who is expected to enter the transfer portal. BYU's win over Notre Dame has shifted the spotlight to the Cougars, who climbed to No. 2 and now look like a firm playoff contender. Notre Dame has moved up the market as new Heisman and CFP favorites after a chaotic Week. UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava will miss the rest of the season after knee surgery. Florida opened as No. 1 in the preseason AP Top, while the wider playoff field remains wide open at the midpoint. Bowl projections were reshuffled following the upsets, and Miami took over the top spot in the latest power rankings. Jeremiah Smith led the field in midseason awards.

Men's College Basketball

Florida topped the preseason AP poll by a wide margin. Conference player-of-the-year predictions were also published for all 32 conferences, spanning veteran seniors and high-profile transfers.

Football and Fantasy

Fantasy managers can review strength-of-schedule ratings for every team's remaining games. In the NFL season, the cheat sheet ranks each schedule by how it may affect individual positions.

Champions League and Other Soccer

Borussia Dortmund were in action as the early Tuesday fixtures kicked off in the UEFA Champions League.

Rugby and Netball

England lost to Pakistan in a sloppy one-day opener. Anna Stembridge was named England's netball coach through the 2027 World Cup. Wales made four changes ahead of their clash with Samoa, with uncapped backs Aneurin Owen and Che Hope included in the squad. England's Brad O'Neill rejected claims that his side were underprepared for the World Cup. Canada's rapid closing of the gap on world champions England was also examined.

Snooker and Other Sports

Ronnie O'Sullivan was knocked out of the NI Open, while Mark Allen also exited after losing on his return. O'Sullivan's battle to stay in the world's top 16 has become a live concern. Former world champion Cordina was cleared of assault charges after a petrol station incident. Shakur Stevenson was released from his deal with Zuffa Boxing. Glenn Irwin returned to BMW for 2027, and Kimi Antonelli is nearing F1 history as the sport's youngest possible champion. Stephen Fleming backed an English coach for the England Test role.

Coming Up

The WNBA Finals continue with the series level at one game apiece. Wales face Samoa at the World Cup.