General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: May 13, 2026, 5:31 PM ET

College Football & Administration

The push for an expanded College Football Playoff format continues to gain traction, with ACC commissioner Jim Phillips supporting a 24-team bracket, arguing that such a structure would inject "hope" across more athletic departments, a sentiment echoed by the majority of the league's coaches and administrators. Amidst administrative shifts elsewhere, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian took a pointed shot at Ole Miss academics, characterizing some of their programs as "basket weaving," a day after Lane Kiffin's own controversial remarks, prompting Florida coach Jon Sumrall to weigh in on the escalating debate regarding academic standards across major programs. Separately, first-year Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris completely overhauled the roster, bringing over his former quarterback and 19 other players from North Texas as part of a significant rebuild effort heading into the new season.

Golf Majors & Player Availability

As the PGA Championship approaches, Scottie Scheffler enters as the heavy favorite with his shortest pre-tournament odds at this major yet, priced at +385, while Rory McIlroy (+910) and Jon Rahm (+1400) trail, though McIlroy is managing a physical ailment; he confirmed he is "totally fine" for the event despite a sore little toe that forced him to use a "bigger and wider shoe with more cushioning" and halt practice early on Tuesday. The availability of Rahm is a boon for European golf leadership, as Captain Luke Donald stated he is "delighted" that the Spaniard will be eligible for Ryder Cup selection following the resolution of his dispute with the DP World Tour allowing him to compete. Meanwhile, on the LIV Golf circuit, Tom McKibbin expressed he harbors "no regrets" about joining, despite the financial instability following the Public Investment Fund's recent announcement regarding its future funding strategy.

European & Domestic Cricket

A weather-affected day in English cricket saw the second ODI between England and New Zealand abandoned in Northampton without a single ball bowled, frustrating both sides. However, the domestic Women's One-Day Cup provided significant action, with opener Tammy Beaumont leading The Blaze with an unbeaten 99 runs as her side secured a victory, alongside wins claimed by Hampshire and Warwickshire. In administrative changes, former wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor has been appointed England's fielding coach, marking a landmark moment as the first woman to coach an England side in a major sport, while England director Rob Key praised the recalled Ollie Robinson, asserting the Sussex seamer remains "one of the best bowlers in the world" after ending his two-year international layoff alongside uncapped trio Gay, Rew, and Baker.

Rugby Union & Football Management

International rugby saw confirmation of key retirements and disciplinary action. Wales lock Jake Ball announced he will hang up his boots at the end of the season, concluding his career with Scarlets and the national side at age, while Hampshire all-rounder Liam Dawson elected to retire from first-class cricket immediately. In coaching news, former England boss Eddie Jones has been fined and suspended for four games while serving as Japan's head coach after abusing match officials during a recent under-23 tour in Australia. Furthermore, Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill's choice to remain with the international setup over a club opportunity has reportedly "turned heads," according to former defender Stephen Craigan, who believes the decision secures the future of the national team.

Tennis & Veteran Comebacks

The lead-up to the French Open is intensifying, with Iga Swiatek showing commanding form by dispatching opponents en route to the Rome semi-finals, reasserting her dominance just before Roland Garros. In contrast, Emma Raducanu will utilize a wildcard entry in Strasbourg to gain necessary match fitness, aiming to accelerate her return to competitive play. Meanwhile, the spectacle of veteran presence continues, as 45-year-old Venus Williams will partner with 21-year-old Hailey Baptiste in the women's doubles draw at the French Open, marking a remarkable multi-generational partnership.

Athlete Motivation & Cycling Drama

Olympic champion Daniel Wiffen stated that he is drawing significant motivation from his mother's cancer recovery as he focuses his training regimen toward the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this July. In the cycling world, the grueling Giro d'Italia delivered high drama on a soaking-wet Stage Five, where Spain's Igor Arrieta won after a fierce breakaway battle, successfully outlasting Portugal's Afonso Eulalio.

Motorsports & Player Milestones

Katherine Legge is set to attempt a rare feat in American motorsports by aiming to complete the "double," which involves racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, making her the first woman to attempt that schedule. In other milestones, former England hooker Tom Youngs is transitioning from the rugby pitch to the culinary world, confirming his new burger venture is succeeding by bringing families to his farm.

NBA & WNBA Dynamics

The Oklahoma City Thunder organization is reportedly optimizing its environment to foster player happiness, a strategy that many observers believe has positioned them as favorites to contend for another NBA title. In the Western Conference playoffs, the battle remains tight, with the Spurs taking a 3-2 series lead in their ongoing matchup against the Wolves. In the WNBA, the New York Valkyries have reversed earlier negative narratives—stemming from a draft-day trade and a fan-favorite cut—by achieving an unbeaten 2-0 start in the early season rankings.

NFL & International Expansion

The NFL confirmed a record slate of international games for the 2026 season, which will feature the Philadelphia Eagles traveling overseas to play a game in London. Meanwhile, in a move that has drawn attention, England-born utility back Nikita Prothero proudly displayed a tattoo bearing the Welsh word "hiraeth," emphasizing that her switch to represent Wales is "non-negotiable".

NFL & Player Safety/Recovery

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy received a stern disciplinary measure from the NHL, earning a six-game suspension for slashing Buffalo's Zach Benson during Game 6 of their first-round series. In a more positive update from college football, Missouri star running back Ahmad Hardy has been released from the hospital after being shot early Sunday morning, and sources indicate his goal is to resume playing; Hardy was second in FBS in rushing yards prior to the incident.

Other Sports Updates

In boxing, the latest ESPN divisional rankings maintain Daniel Dubois's position at heavyweight, but David Morrell has been removed from the 175-pound rankings. Former USWNT star Alex Morgan announced on Mother's Day that she and her partner are expecting their third child, completing a "hat trick" of pregnancies for the celebrated athlete. Finally, Ronda Rousey, having engineered her own event, is seeking to rewrite the conclusion of her past MMA career following a decade-long hiatus from the sport.