General Sports 24 Hours

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

NBA & WNBA RUMBLINGS

The Oklahoma City Thunder's organizational success is being attributed to a deliberate focus on player contentment, a strategy that has positioned the young team as a favorite to secure the next NBA championship. In stark contrast, the Los Angeles Lakers face an awkward offseason decision regarding LeBron James' potential return, as his second-round exit underscored a mutual need that neither side seems eager to fully acknowledge. Meanwhile, the WNBA saw the Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd celebrate earning her MBA from UConn by having her teammates gift her a symbolic diploma, even as the league's power dynamics shift, evidenced by the reversal of narrative for the Valkyries following a 2-0 start despite earlier draft-day criticism.

NHL & EUROPEAN SOCCER DISCIPLINE

In NHL disciplinary action, Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy earned a six-game suspension for a slash delivered to Buffalo's Zach Benson during Game 6 of their first-round series. Across the pond, England's rugby team faces scrutiny regarding their vulnerable defense as they prepare for Sunday's Grand Slam decider against France in Bordeaux, questioning whether their current defensive fragility will jeopardize their impressive winning streak.

GOLF & TENNIS INJURIES & PREPARATIONS

As the 2026 PGA Championship approaches, World Number Two Rory McIlroy stated he is "totally fine" despite a sore little toe, adjusting by wearing a larger shoe with increased cushioning to manage the issue that previously forced him to stop a practice round early due to the discomfort. Betting markets reflect high expectations for Scottie Scheffler, who enters with his shortest pre-tournament odds of his career, while Jon Rahm and Cameron Young are also factored into the leading contenders, a field whose storylines include the debate over whether Scheffler or McIlroy ultimately holds the favorite status heading into the major. On the tennis court, four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek rediscovered her ruthless form in Rome, reaching the semi-finals and signaling strong readiness just ahead of Roland Garros, while veteran Venus Williams, at age, confirmed her entry into the women's doubles at the French Open alongside 21-year-old Hailey Baptiste.

CRICKET & RUGBY CALL-UPS AND RETIREMENTS

England cricket director Rob Key declared that the recalled Ollie Robinson remains "one of the best bowlers in the world" following his two-year international exile, which coincides with the announcement that uncapped trio Emilio Gay, James Rew, and Sonny Baker have also been called up for the first Test against New Zealand in a significant roster shakeup. The selection of Emilio Gay was personal, as the opener drove 200 miles from Durham to Bedford immediately after learning of his first international call-up to share the news with his parents. Further administrative changes saw former wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor appointed as England's fielding coach, marking the first time a woman has coached an England side in a major sport. In rugby union, Wales international lock Jake Ball announced his retirement at age 34, concluding his professional career at the end of the season, while Hampshire all-rounder Liam Dawson also confirmed his immediate retirement from first-class cricket.

COLLEGE SPORTS & INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

The push for expanded postseason access in college football continues, with ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips backing a 24-team playoff format, a proposal widely supported by the majority of the league's coaches and athletic directors who believe it will provide greater "hope" for member institutions. Separately, first-year Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris is managing a massive roster overhaul, bringing in QB and 19 other players from North Texas as part of a transition that saw 85 new players join the program. On the international front, former Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill's decision to remain in his country role rather than take the Blackburn club job has turned heads across the league, while England Women's utility back Nikita Prothero highlighted her dedication to the Welsh side by pointing to the forearm tattoo bearing the Welsh word "hiraeth" as proof her switch is "non-negotiable".

GOLF, CYCLING, AND COMBAT SPORTS NOTES

In professional golf, uncertainty looms over the LIV Golf tour as Tom McKibbin insists he has "no regrets" about joining despite the financial strain following the Public Investment Fund's withdrawal announcement. On the track, Spain's Igor Arrieta claimed a thrilling victory on a soaking-wet Stage 5 of the Giro d'Italia after an intense breakaway battle against Portugal's Afonso Eulalio. Meanwhile, motorsports athlete Katherine Legge is preparing to attempt the rare Indy-NASCAR double, aiming to compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. In combat sports, a recent knockout victory over Taira has elevated the men's flyweight champion into the ESPN P4P rankings, while Daniel Dubois retained his position in the heavyweight boxing divisional rankings. Finally, former MMA star Ronda Rousey is reportedly planning a return to the sport she left a decade ago, attempting to restructure the conclusion of her fighting narrative.