General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: April 13, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

WNBA Draft & League Expansion

The WNBA draft reached historic heights as the national champion UCLA program produced five first-round picks—Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, Angela Dugalic, and Gianna Kneepkens—and six selections overall, setting a new benchmark for collegiate representation in the league's premier selection event. Following the draft, which saw Azzi Fudd selected as the No. 1 overall pick by Dallas, reuniting her with former teammate Olivia Miles who went second to Minnesota, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the league is actively pursuing its first international game by 2027, signaling aggressive global growth plans beyond North America. The league's focus on strategy was also evident off the court, with experts releasing top 10 tips for winning ESPN fantasy women's basketball, covering everything from research to roster construction ahead of the new season.

College Basketball Recruiting & Roster Moves

North Carolina, under new coach Michael Malone, secured its first major transfer addition with Virginia Tech's Neoklis Avdalas committing to the Tar Heels, while simultaneously facing a significant recruiting setback as five-star guard Dylan Mingo reopened his commitment, instantly becoming the top uncommitted guard in the 2024 senior class after previously pledging to UNC in February. Further disruption in the 2027 class occurred when four-star quarterback Kamden Lopati, ranked as the ESPN No. 2 passer in that cycle, decommitted from Illinois, according to sources close to the situation. Meanwhile, on the field, Alabama QB Keelon Russell, a 2025 five-star recruit, provided a "video game" dimension to the Crimson Tide offense during the spring game after redshirting last season.

Wrestling & Combat Sports Updates

The final episode of WWE 'Raw' provided key analysis ahead of Wrestle Mania 42 in Las Vegas, setting the stage for the marquee event in the entertainment sector. In mixed martial arts, the recent UFC 327 card earned high grades, with nearly every bout exceeding expectations and delivering the high-octane action fans anticipated. Separately, world champion boxer Terence Crawford was found guilty of careless driving on Monday and assessed a $75 fine stemming from a traffic stop conducted last year.

International & Endurance Sports News

The editor of the prestigious Wisden Almanack delivered scathing criticism of the England cricket team's performance during their Ashes tour of Australia, describing their play as "feckless, reckless and legless." In Welsh rugby, CEO Abi Tierney warned that further delays to controversial professional game proposals will cause the national side to fall further behind their international counterparts, as the WRU prepares for another crisis meeting. On the roads, the legendary Paris-Roubaix race was once again described as the most volatile journey of daring and dust, a brutal contest that even top talents like Tadej Pogacar have yet to conquer.

Golf, Tennis & Player Health

Scottie Scheffler is currently listed as the overwhelming favorite to win the next four major golf championships, with odds set at 4-1 or shorter for the 2026 PGA Championship, U.S. Open, Open Championship, and the 2027 Masters, positioning him ahead of Rory McIlroy in the immediate future. McIlroy, however, recently secured a back-to-back Masters defense after overturning a significant Saturday deficit, prompting discussions about where his cumulative major count now ranks against all-time greats. In tennis, Daniil Medvedev faced financial penalty after smashing his racket seven times during a Monte Carlo Masters defeat, resulting in a $7,000 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct. Furthermore, ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale announced he is beginning immunotherapy treatment soon after revealing a diagnosis of melanoma in his lung and liver cavity.

NBA Playoff Seeding & Football Coaching Shifts

The Denver Nuggets clinched the third seed in the Western Conference after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 128-118, propelled by a strong first-half performance from Nikola Jokic, who scored 23 points before halftime. With the conclusion of the regular season, the Eastern and Western Conference playoff brackets are now finalized across the league. Looking toward the college gridiron, new Florida coach Jon Sumrall issued a direct challenge to his players, particularly the offensive line, stating it was time to "wake this beast up" through increased strength and conditioning efforts.