Football's transfer market sees increased M&A activity post-World Cup. Liverpool FC is in talks with a Mittal-backed consortium for a stake sale valuing the club at over $6bn. Leicester City's Thai owners also seek a sale after relegation, while Crystal Palace looks for investors. The World Cup's US viewership surge may boost Premier League and Champions League clubs' appeal, but smaller clubs remain hard sells; Premier League clubs posted a combined £1bn pre-tax loss last year. FIFA's Gianni Infantino may expand the Club World Cup to 48 teams, creating new revenue for elite clubs.

The Hundred cricket tournament returns with new ownership after the ECB sold stakes for £500mn to IPL owners and Silicon Valley executives. Salary caps have risen, but international audience growth remains elusive.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow feature only 10 events, half the previous edition. Low athlete participation and poor TV viewership raise questions about viability. Former England captain Kevin Keegan has died aged 75.