Sports 24-Hour Briefing
×Formula 1
Last updated: October 24, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
Qualifying & Pole Position
Kimi Antonelli claimed his seventh pole autosport.com of 2026 at the United States Grand Prix, beating Max Verstappen to the top spot with George Russell down in sixth. The result has Mercedes seeing the payoff autosport.com from its recent car upgrades after a difficult stretch. Lando Norris, however, was openly frustrated after admitting he did a very bad job in qualifying.
Practice Sessions
Lewis Hamilton topped final practice autosport.com on Friday, as Ferrari completed a perfect practice record over the weekend. Verstappen enjoyed a promising start autosport.com to the event, though Red Bull identified areas still requiring improvement.
Team Matters
Cadillac's team principal dodged questions autosport.com about the driver market during the United States weekend, keeping speculation alive. Elsewhere, Honda faced an unexpected turbo lag issue autosport.com with its upgraded power unit, following a strong showing in Malaysia.
Coming Up
The United States Grand Prix race follows the qualifying autosport.com session, with Antonelli starting from pole.
Football/Soccer
Last updated: October 24, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
Champions League & Europe
Chelsea were beaten 2-0 by Tottenham at Stamford Bridg after a horror night skysports.com that saw Mike Penders punch the ball into his own net and Cole Palmer sent off. Tottenham's second-ever Premier League win espn.com at Chelsea was greeted warmly by Roberto De Zerbi, who called his side "the complete team." The result lifts Spurs to 12th, their highest league position in a long stretch, as the BBC notes bbc.co.uk.
Napoli and Roma shared six goals espn.com in a 3-3 Derby del Sole, with Scott McTominay scoring twice in a stuttering start to Napoli's Serie A campaign.
Premier League
Manchester City lost for the first time espn.com this season, going down 2-1 at Aston Villa, where Nicolas Jackson struck twice bbc.co.uk to revive his start at the club. Attention has turned to City's leaky defence bbc.co.uk and the struggles of Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marc Guehi. Arsenal, meanwhile, are level on points espn.com with City at the top.
Michael Carrick insists Manchester United bbc.co.uk can be managed effectively despite the turmoil, while Senne Lammens says the squad is united behind Carrick skysports.com. Burnley sacked Nicky Hayen bbc.co.uk after just 14 games, following a 4-1 defeat to Lincoln.
La Liga & Clásico
Barcelona host Real Madrid in El Clásico, and Hansi Flick has outlined how his side espn.com intends to contain Kylian Mbappé. José Mourinho backed himself espn.com to deliver trophies at Real Madrid ahead of the fixture. Julián Álvarez scored his first home LaLiga goal in 11 months, helping Atlético espn.com close the gap on Barça, and he later apologized to Atlético fans espn.com over his attempt to force a move to Barcelona.
MLS & Americas
Nashville SC clinched the 2026 Supporters' Shield espn.com with a 2-0 win, its first title in the competition. Messi came off the bench in Miami's defeat, as a Casemiro own goal sank Inter Miami espn.com against the Red Bulls. Joe Scally also helped Gladbach espn.com avoid a record-breaking Bundesliga start.
Transfers & Other News
Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are all chasing Brighton's Luka Vuskovic espn.com, with Liverpool also reported as interested. Bayern boss Vincent Kompany remains stable in hospital bbc.co.uk after collapsing at training, with recovery expected to take weeks. Gianni Infantino has claimed the "vast majority" espn.com of football backs his FIFA re-election bid. AC Milan condemned racist abuse espn.com directed at goalkeeper Mike Maignan after his red card against Bournemouth.
In the Women's Super League, Arsenal beat Tottenham 2-1 skysports.com in the north London derby, ending a five-game winless run.
Coming Up
Barcelona and Real Madrid meet in El Clásico espn.com on Sunday. Manchester City are set to have Erling Haaland back espn.com for Saturday's fixture. The Ballon d'Or is due to be presented espn.com on Monday.
NBA Basketball
Last updated: October 24, 2026, 3:40 PM ET
Season Openers and Early Standings
The first week of the NBA season produced a mix of standout debuts and some results that will prompt second thoughts. Ben Gollive espn.com breaks down which newcomers shined with their new teams and which may want a do-over. In Philadelphia, the Sixers turned boos into cheers espn.com with a 29-point comeback over the Cavaliers, rallying from a 24-point halftime deficit behind a game-high 32 points from Tyrese Maxey.
Giannis Antetokounmpo keeps rolling espn.com, scoring 36 points on Friday as Miami remained winless at 0-2. In Memphis, the Grizzlies flipped a deficit espn.com with a 17-0 run that stunned the Warriors, who had appeared to be in control before collapsing late.
Late Drama and Clutch Plays
Houston's Amen Thompson rose to block espn.com Victor Wembanyama's last-second attempt at the rim, preserving a Rockets win over the Spurs. Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ended his streak espn.com of 20-point games by sitting out the final stretch of a blowout, opting for respect over a record.
Injury Report
Orlando's Paolo Banchero is out multiple weeks espn.com with a low-grade high ankle sprain. Dallas will be without Cooper Flagg for its home opener after an MRI revealed espn.com a mild left shoulder sprain, and Flagg later exited a game espn.com after a hard foul by Pacers forward Nesmith. New Orleans center Yves Missi was helped off espn.com the court with a left leg injury, and LeBron James will sit out espn.com the Sixers' game against the Bucks to manage low back pain.
Trades, Contracts and Roster Moves
Jayson Tatum denied any beef espn.com with Jaylen Brown after Brown's trade to Philadelphia, saying the situation is nothing like the Shaq and Kobe era. Dalton Knecht agreed to a two-way deal espn.com with New York, while a new trend in contract talks espn.com has shifted how star negotiations unfold.
Gambling Case and League Officiating
Former player Malik Beasley is negotiating a plea deal espn.com with federal prosecutors in a gambling case. Co-defendant Eric Earnest pleaded guilty espn.com to conspiracy to commit wire fraud while denying that Billups provided him information. The NBA's referees' union confirmed espn.com that LaMelo Ball took two steps on a made three-pointer. Madison Square Garden called espn.com a phishing email sent to Knicks employees an unfortunate mistake.
Coming Up
The Sixers return to action against the Bucks with LeBron James sidelined espn.com as he manages his back.
NFL Football
Last updated: October 24, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
Injury Updates
The Ravens have ruled out Lamar Jackson espn.com with an ankle injury for Sunday's game against the Bengals, with Tyler Huntley set to start. Baker Mayfield is in line to play espn.com while Puka Nacua remains uncertain. In San Francisco, the 49ers will be without Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel and Nick Bosa, with Kirk possibly returning espn.com.
The Giants lost linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who will miss the rest of the season espn.com with a torn chest injury. In Philadelphia, the Eagles are missing their top two receivers espn.com, DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks, for Sunday's clash with Dallas. Seattle's Zach Charbonnet will sit out espn.com another week against Kansas City.
Roster Moves
The Vikings activated running back Jordan Mason espn.com from injured reserve on Saturday. The Packers activated Josh Jacobs espn.com from the exempt list, and he will make his 2026 debut against the Lions.
Predictions and Previews
Our expert panel picked out the upsets espn.com for Week, including a possible Cardinals win and big days for Tucker Kraft and Germie Bernard. Aaron Rodgers is being considered espn.com among the top 12 quarterbacks, and Cam Skattebo may rebound. A full slate guide with matchups and picks espn.com covers Cowboys at Eagles, Bengals at Ravens, and the Steelers and Saints in Paris.
Team News and Off the Field
Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders have unionized espn.com and will begin collective bargaining with the team. The NFL closed its NFL House in Paris espn.com ahead of expected street protests. Lawrence McCutcheon, a five-time Pro Bowl running back for the Rams, died at age 76 espn.com.
Player Features
Kenneth Walker III has been a standout espn.com for Kansas City since leaving Seattle, while the Seahawks' run game struggles. Bo Nix is going through his roughest stretch espn.com even as Denver keeps winning. Dak Prescott and Cee Dee Lamb insist the 2-4 Cowboys espn.com can still turn their season around. Bengals defensive end Boye Mafe uses sign language espn.com to send "I love you" to his late mother before every game.
Uniforms and Style
The Texans and Lions are going monochrome espn.com for Week, with the Lions wearing an all-black alternate top. The Falcons' stripe pattern espn.com will appear on throwback helmets after drawing social media backlash. Rookie Fernando Mendoza is carrying espn.com the legacy of Hispanic NFL players before him.
Coming Up
The Ravens and Bengals meet Sunday espn.com, with Tyler Huntley starting at quarterback for Baltimore. The Cowboys visit the Eagles espn.com this weekend in a key NFC matchup.
MLB Baseball
Last updated: October 24, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
World Series Opener
The Brewers took Game 1 espn.com in Milwaukee, surviving a ninth-inning jam and replay drama that included a seemingly game-ending double play. Milwaukee escaped the ninth espn.com with the lead intact after a late scare. Contreras and Mitchell each drove in a run espn.com to cut the Brewers' deficit in half during Game 2 action.
Rays Lineup Decisions
Tampa Bay surprised observers espn.com by starting Nick Martinez over staff ace Drew Rasmussen in Game. The Rays also insisted espn.com they will stay aggressive on the bases despite two costly baserunning miscues.
Milwaukee's Homecoming
Fans celebrated espn.com the franchise's first Fall Classic appearance in 44 years with tailgates and watch parties across the city. The Brewers' last trip came in 1982, a stretch that recalls espn.com a very different era of baseball.
Series Context
This all-dome matchup features espn.com the two teams with the best records in their respective leagues. Commissioner Rob Manfred argued espn.com that a small-market Rays-Brewers final is good for the game, though he still wants a salary cap. Analysts weighed in espn.com on MVP candidates and projected series length, while a player-by-player breakdown ranked espn.com the rosters of both clubs.
Around the League
Former Yankees slugger Hideki Matsui was named manager espn.com of Japan's Yomiuri Giants. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt dismissed espn.com Mariners rumors and confirmed he will manage Cleveland in 2027.
Coming Up
Game 2 of the World Series follows espn.com in Milwaukee with both lineups already posted.
NHL Hockey
Last updated: October 24, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
Trades & Roster Moves
The Devils landed Connor Hellebuyck espn.com from the Jets in a Friday deal that sent Mercer to Winnipeg. Hellebuyck said that sitting at home espn.com for so long was getting to him, and he is eager to return from his suspension in New Jersey.
Panthers goaltender Cooper Black espn.com set an NHL record in his debut, standing 6-9 and listed two inches taller than the goalies who previously held the mark.
Injuries
The Capitals announced espn.com that defenseman Vincent Desharnais will miss four to six weeks after an appendectomy.
Game Results
Ducks rookie Leo Carlsson espn.com scored and assisted in Anaheim's 5-4 win over the Flyers, the team that had offered him a contract before the Ducks matched it.
Power Rankings & Fantasy
The Hurricanes hold the No. 1 spot espn.com in this week's power rankings, with notable shuffling throughout the poll and fantasy pickups for all 32 teams.
Coming Up
A dozen games are on Saturday's slate espn.com, running from 1 p.m. through 10 p.m. ET, including a Ducks-Flyers rematch.
General Sports
Last updated: October 24, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
College Football
UCF espn.com pulled off a double-overtime upset of No. 2 BYU on Saturday, 39-something in a wild finish, as the Knights became the latest unbeaten team to fall. Indiana edged past Michigan espn.com in overtime, with Josh Hoover's 4-yard touchdown run giving the No. 6 Hoosiers their first win in Ann Arbor since 1967. Cincinnati took down No. 8 Texas Tech espn.com 34-27 behind four touchdown passes from JC French IV and a career-high 173 rushing yards from Cole Tabb.
Miami claimed the No. 1 ranking espn.com in style, with Malachi Toney hauling in a school-record 16 catches and Darian Mensah throwing for 387 yards in a rout of Pitt. Utah's Morgan Scalley, in his first season in charge, has the Utes espn.com on track for the College Football Playoff. Texas will be without top tailback Hollywood Smothers for Saturday's showdown with Ole Miss, a blow to the Longhorns espn.com as injuries mount. Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte addressed the AI question espn.com surrounding a failed fourth-down play in the loss to Florida.
Coaching Changes
NC State fired Dave Doeren espn.com after a 3-4 start to his 14th season, and attention has shifted to the candidates espn.com who could replace him in Raleigh.
Mixed Martial Arts
Dana White said Islam Makhachev gave no reason for the interim welterweight title bout espn.com he booked between Prates and Morales. At UFC, Alexander Volkanovski stopped Evloev bbc.co.uk for a record ninth featherweight title win, while Petr Yan retained his belt espn.com in a big win over Dvalishvili. Yan has gone all-in espn.com on his fight plan for the rematch.
Dalton Smith retained his WBC light-welterweight title bbc.co.uk in a split decision over Puello in Sheffield.
Formula 1
Kimi Antonelli took pole position bbc.co.uk for the United States Grand Prix and can become the youngest F1 world champion on Sunday, standing on the brink bbc.co.uk of history in Austin.
WNBA
The Valkyries forced Game 5 espn.com with a 67-62 win over the Dream, evening the Finals at 2-2 after stealing Game 4 espn.com on the road. Vets A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart headline the All-WNBA teams espn.com alongside Caitlin Clark. In Indiana, the Fever fired GM Amber Cox espn.com amid a front office shake-up.
Baseball
The Brewers opened the World Series bbc.co.uk with a 3-2 win over the Rays, featuring the fastest pitch in Series history.
Rugby
Ospreys crushed the Dragons bbc.co.uk 31-14 at St Helen's to complete the double over their rivals. Leinster came back to beat Munster bbc.co.uk in a bruising URC derby, while Glasgow recovered from 17 points down bbc.co.uk to beat Benetton. Ulster's winless start stretched on bbc.co.uk after a defeat to the Bulls. Leicester ended a four-year drought bbc.co.uk over Northampton with four second-half tries in the derby downpour.
England thrashed France 82-0 bbc.co.uk to keep their Rugby League World Cup hopes alive. Wales ground out a 17-0 win bbc.co.uk over Japan in Tokyo. Ireland scored six tries bbc.co.uk to beat South Africa in Cape Town. England's women were humbled bbc.co.uk 78-0 by Australia, and Canada beat England 31-22 bbc.co.uk for back-to-back defeats.
Other Sports
Britain's Jake Jarman won historic silver bbc.co.uk on the men's floor at the gymnastics world championships. Gael Monfils defended Elina Svitolina bbc.co.uk from criticism since she announced their relationship.
Coming Up
Ireland and South Africa meet again bbc.co.uk in the second of two WXV Tests. The Valkyries and Dream face Game 5 espn.com to decide the WNBA Finals.