Sports 24-Hour Briefing
×Formula 1
Last updated: October 19, 2026, 4:30 PM ET
Driver Development
McLaren has kept Leonardo Fornaroli on as its Formula 1 reserve driver while handing him a World Endurance Championship programme role for 2027.
Future Talent
Six Saudi Arabian high school students are taking part in a competition building pipeline aimed at developing the next generation of F1 engineers.
Football/Soccer
Last updated: October 19, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
Premier League
Tottenham finally got their first league win of the season, beating Coventry 3-1 as James Maddison returned from injury with a goal that reportedly took eighteen months in the making. Maddison called it a "dream" moment, while Dejan Kulusevski also made his long-awaited comeback in the same match. Ratings for the performance are available here.
Manchester United are in a deep slump, with the worst start since 1986 after seven games and seven points. Speculation about Michael Carrick's future is growing, with possible replacements being discussed, while Harry Maguire insisted the dressing room has moved on from a recent row. Liverpool and United are both reportedly interested in Nmecha, while Galatasaray are eyeing Bruno Fernandes.
Manchester City received a blow as Antoine Semenyo faces an eight-week absence, with Erling Haaland a doubt for Tuesday's clash. Crystal Palace were thrashed 5-0, and manager Pierre Sage now faces a fight to keep his job. Brighton's free-scoring form has prompted debate over whether they are genuine title contenders, and Diego Gómez's 55.7-yard strike against Palace earned a place among the league's best long-range goals. Arsenal were held to a blunt display, with Mikel Arteta blaming Forest's setup, and Gabriel Merson warned the defeat to Brighton had unsettled them. Jordan Henderson has become an undroppable figure at Chelsea, while Manchester City's future remains uncertain amid sanctions.
Champions League & European Football
Cristiano Ronaldo received a 30-day suspension and a £215 fine from the Portuguese federation after walking out of a national team session, and Portugal's federation president still backs his return. Luis Enrique outlined PSG's plan to restrict Lamine Yamal before their meeting with Barcelona, and Yamal and Kylian Mbappé are being compared in the Ballon d'Or race. Fabregas called the Como clash with Manchester United a "dream come true", while Mourinho dismissed the fuss over Arda Güler's elbow. AC Milan held off Atalanta for a 3-2 win at San Siro, and the Champions League power rankings have been updated ahead of Matchday.
Governance & Off the Pitch
UEFA has pressed FIFA with 42 questions over Gianni Infantino's handling of a failed private investment, giving the governing body two weeks to release key documents. Brentford have contacted police after a "dangerous" rugby ball stunt. Gabriel Balogun's red card was also reversed in the same news cycle. Morgan Gibbs-White was fined after failing to respond to police letters about a red-light offence. Saido Berahino retired at, and Sarina Wiegman signed a new England Women contract through to Euro 2029.
Scottish & Other Football
Celtic thrashed Hearts 7-1, while Rangers dropped points at Dundee. Hibs' struggles continue under Reedijk, and Duncan Ferguson has been appointed Glentoran manager. Jota said he came back stronger after wrestling with "demons" during a long injury lay-off. Celtic are reportedly on alert over Balazs Toth ahead of January.
Women's Football
The Thorns drew 2-2 with Bay FC without star forward Sophia Wilson, who was suspended. The San Diego Wave remain top of the NWSL power rankings after a fifth straight win. London City's Danielle van de Donk has been praised as a standout of the WSL season.
Coming Up
Manchester City face AEK in the Champions League on Tuesday, with Haaland's availability still in doubt. UEFA's two-week deadline for FIFA to release documents is now running. Leicester will visit Oxford City in the FA Cup first round.
NBA Basketball
Last updated: October 19, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
Roster Moves
The Milwaukee Bucks waived guard Kevin Porter Jr. on Monday, while the Los Angeles Lakers released 2024 first-round pick Dalton Knecht. The Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly waiving 2025 No. 18 pick Walton Clayton Jr. and Micah Peavy, and the New York Knicks are waiving Bruce Brown while keeping James Wiseman for the opener. The Dallas Mavericks waived center Dwight Powell after a 12-year run with the franchise.
Contracts & Extensions
The Charlotte Hornets agreed to a five-year, $209M extension with forward Brandon Miller. The Oklahoma City Thunder signed guard Cason Wallace to a five-year, $139M deal, and the Phoenix Suns extended center Oso Ighodaro for three years and $29M.
Injuries
Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons suffered a torn Achilles tendon and will undergo surgery, ending his season. In Golden State, Stephen Curry tweaked his right ankle in practice, and coach Steve Kerr said the superstar is "fine," with the Warriors expecting him to play against the Lakers.
Off the Court
Kevin Durant fired back at Suns owner Mat Ishbia on social media over how Ishbia framed his tenure in Phoenix.
Season Preview
ESPN has ranked all 30 teams with predictions for the coming campaign, and its experts have made their picks for the East, West and championship.
Coming Up
The Warriors open their season against the Lakers on Wednesday night, with Curry expected to play.
NFL Football
Last updated: October 19, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
Injuries & Roster Moves
Josh Jacobs is back at Packers practice this week and could be available Sunday after missing six games on the NFL's commissioner exempt list. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the rest of the season after doctors discovered blood clots in his lungs, and ESPN's medical reporting explains what the diagnosis means for his recovery. The Rams lost receiver Davante Adams to a ruptured hamstring that will sideline him for six to ten weeks. New England placed Romeo Doubs on injured reserve just as A.J. Brown returned, and Texans receiver Tank Dell will play Sunday in his first game since a major 2024 knee injury.
Quarterbacks
Giants coach John Harbaugh said the team is honing in on a decision at quarterback for Sunday's game against Houston, though the starter remains unsettled after the home loss to New Orleans. Broncos coach Sean Payton said Denver is not considering a benching of Bo Nix despite the offense's struggles. Aaron Rodgers threw two touchdowns to tie Peyton Manning on the all-time passing touchdown list and lifted Pittsburgh to an overtime win. Patrick Mahomes matched Tom Brady as the fastest quarterback to 100 career wins. Caleb Williams completed 30 of 36 passes for 305 yards in his return from injury for Chicago.
Coaching & Front Office
Cowboys ownership has backed Brian Schottenheimer, with Stephen Jones saying the coach has full support after Dallas started 2-4. The Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard, prompting questions about whether an overhaul is coming. Jets coach Aaron Glenn defended offensive coordinator Frank Reich despite New York's scoring struggles. Washington faces scrutiny after a tie with the Giants, with reports on what it means for coach Dan Quinn. Jim Harbaugh declined to discuss Chargers coordinator Jesse McDaniel while saying Los Angeles must address everything after a 0-6 start.
Game Results
Green Bay beat Dallas 23-13 as the Packers used third-down conversions and takeaways to frustrate the struggling Cowboys, while the Packers' defense continues to impress with Micah Parsons nearing a return from a torn ACL. Arizona upset the Rams as Chad Ryland kicked six field goals, including a game-winner from 43 yards. Buffalo beat Las Vegas with the Bills' C.J. Gardner-Johnson suspended one game for spitting at Raiders players, a penalty he expects to be minor. Chicago beat Atlanta, with Kyler Gordon returning with three sacks in his season debut. Josh Allen made an acrobatic touchdown pass to Keon Coleman that left fans uncertain who had made the play. New England fell to the Jets 26-19 as Garrett Wilson had only four catches and A.J. Brown dropped three passes in his return.
Fantasy & Betting
Malik Nabers, Kenneth Walker III and Trevor Lawrence led Week 6 winners, while several running backs disappointed. Eric Karabell ranked the top free agents worth adding, led by C.J. Stroud and Dawson Miller. Analysts highlighted three Week 7 lines that offered immediate value once odds were released. Atlanta is signing Andy Dalton and releasing Cooper Rush, according to sources. Tampa Bay will prepare as if Jayden Daniels plays even though Baker Mayfield is returning to practice Wednesday.
Coming Up
Jacobs could play Sunday for Green Bay if he clears practice this week. The Giants still have to name their starting quarterback before Sunday's game against Houston.
MLB Baseball
Last updated: October 19, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
ALCS Showdown
The Rays took control of the American League Championship Series with a 3-1 win over the Guardians on Sunday night, moving within one victory of the World Series. Tampa Bay also secured the pivotal Game 5 on the road in Cleveland. Cleveland now faces elimination in Game 6 at Tropicana Field, where the Guardians have turned to their bullpen, starting with right-hander Shawn Armstrong. Palacios put Tampa Bay on the board early in Game.
Pitching Turnaround
Freddy Peralta has revived his career after a disastrous stint with the Mets, and the Rays' gamble on him has paid off as he helps push them toward the World Series.
Cleveland's Deadline Gamble
Cleveland's aggressive trade deadline approach in August has carried the club deep into October, with the team's front office going all-in for a playoff run.
Front Office and Managerial Moves
The Athletics have hired Taylor Smith, a former Red Sox and Rays executive, as president of baseball operations. The Orioles have named Jared Banner, formerly an assistant GM with the Cubs, as their new general manager. Aaron Boone will return for his 10th season as Yankees manager in 2027, according to a source.
Free Agency and International Prospects
The qualifying offer for this year's free agents rose to $23.15M, up 5.1% from 2025. Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato, is seeking an MLB move through the posting system after a strong showing with his national team.
Coming Up
Game 6 of the ALCS takes place at Tropicana Field, with the Rays looking to close out the series and the Guardians fighting to stay alive.
NHL Hockey
Last updated: October 19, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
Flyers and Newcomers
Cole Knuble, son of former NHL player Mike Knuble, made his NHL debut with the Philadelphia Flyers, the club his father's memories of its home arena have long tied him to. Meanwhile, goalie Dylan Garand has stepped into the spotlight after injuries to Igor Shesterkin, and questions remain over how long the 24-year-old's opportunity will last.
Jets Goaltending Saga
Winnipeg continues to wait on Connor Hellebuyck, whose suspension is nearing its end without a trade in place. Sources told ESPN that at least three teams remain interested in the goaltender, keeping the Jets' options open.
Panthers Make History
Florida became the first team in NHL history to record natural hat tricks in three straight games, with Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett each scoring three goals along the way.
Fantasy and Betting Previews
Fantasy managers should look at Arvidsson and Quinn as strong pickups for points this week, while ESPN's daily slate guide covers four games on the schedule, with previews, stats and betting information.
Coming Up
Hellebuyck's suspension ends soon, which could return him to the Jets lineup if no trade is completed.
General Sports
Last updated: October 19, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
WNBA Finals
The Finals resumed with Game 2 as Golden State hosts Atlanta, with ESPN courtside for live coverage. Golden State took the opening game 68-64 to move ahead 1-0. Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase has drawn attention for her detail-obsessed approach, and her late-night film sessions are central to the team's rise. Gabby Williams arrived in a 49ers jersey for the matchup.
College Football
Miami climbed to No. 1 in the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2002, with BYU moving up to No. 2 after an upset-filled Week. Bill Connelly described the Saturday as one of the most chaotic weekends in recent memory. Florida State coach Mike Norvell called a holding penalty that wiped out a touchdown against Miami an "absolute joke". Our projections reassess the playoff race in light of the shake-up, while another analysis weighs how the committee could order the top teams.
At Texas, the staff is expected to expand reps for freshman quarterback KJ Lacey as Arch struggles. Oregon receiver Evan Stewart was arrested early Sunday on a DUI charge. Duke cornerback Kimari Robinson apologized after swatting away a trainer's arm during the UNC game. Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham declined to reveal his starting quarterback for the No. 6 Indiana game.
Rankings and Recruiting
Florida was the overwhelming choice as the No. 1 team in the preseason AP Top 25 men's basketball poll, and a team-by-team reaction covers the biggest games and projected lineups. ESPN's power rankings have Miami at the top, with two new teams entering the top. Former Purdue forward Trey Kaufman-Renn signed with Kansas amid an ongoing eligibility fight, and ESPN has ranked the 66 freshmen, transfers and international newcomers to watch this season.
NBA and Betting
ESPN's David Purdum breaks down the key betting storylines heading into 2026-27, including superteams, long shots and the MVP race.
Golf and Motorsport
Former Open champion Shane Lowry was traded to Boston Common in TGL's first trade. In NASCAR, Tyler Reddick won in Phoenix while Kyle Larson failed to finish, tightening the playoff title race.
Football and Rugby
The Arizona Cardinals stunned the Los Angeles Rams in Week, while Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was lost to injury. Charlie Jones and Tre Tucker's catches featured among the week's best plays. In rugby, Wales boss Steve Tandy named his squad for the Nations Championship, while questions persist over Wales' reliance on Tomos Williams before the World Cup. England's new Test cricket coach Stephen Fleming argued the role should go to an Englishman. Glasgow's Jamie Ritchie is finally set for his debut after a long wait, and Ieuan Evans is stepping down as British and Irish Lions chair.
Snooker, Boxing and Cricket
Ronnie O'Sullivan's poor form continued at the NI Open, where the seven-time world champion was beaten. Former world champion Liam Smith has been charged over an alleged attack. Scott Boland's four wickets exposed South Africa's batting frailties against Australia, and a rule change is reshaping one-day cricket. Bradley Wiggins' son Ben signed his first professional contract with Jayco-AlUla.
Coming Up
Golden State and Atlanta meet again in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals. Dalton Smith defends his WBC light-welterweight title against Puello. Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili meet at UFC 333 in a trilogy bout.