General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: June 13, 2026, 2:49 PM ET

UFC showdown and record payouts

Alex Pereira stepped on the scale at 251 pounds on Saturday, a weight gain that could affect his power dynamics ahead of the heavyweight title bout against Ciryl Gane on Sunday night at the White House. The event will also feature unprecedented financial incentives, with the promotion promising $400,000 for fight of the night and $425,000 for top individual performances, the largest bonuses in UFC history.

Netball title chase and cricket momentum

London Pulse defended their crown by edging Loughborough Lightning 60‑56 to secure a place in the Netball Super League grand final, extending their unbeaten run into the postseason. Across the pitch, Australia opened the T20 World Cup with a 65‑run demolition of South Africa, establishing a commanding net run rate that puts them among the early favorites. England’s Danni Wyatt‑Hodge added a “mummy hundred” in the women’s T20 opener, providing a crucial early boost to the campaign. ICC chief Sanjog Gupta reassured that the women’s tournament can thrive alongside the football World Cup, citing overlapping fan bases and broadcast windows.

Tennis comebacks and Queen’s breakthroughs

Serena Williams confirmed a partnership with Karolina Muchova for next week’s Berlin Open, signaling her continued push toward a full‑time return after a year‑long hiatus. On the grass at Queen’s, Emma Raducanu overcame a lingering injury to defeat Kamilla Rakhimova, while compatriot Katie Boulter produced the upset of her career by beating world No. 2 Elena Rybakina to reach the semi‑finals.

England cricket reshuffle and New Zealand succession

Uncapped Sussex pacer Henry Crocombe received a call‑up to England’s squad for the second Test against New Zealand, providing cover for an injured Ollie Robinson and highlighting the depth of the county system. In Wellington, veteran fast‑bowler Will Young was drafted into the Black Caps to replace retired legend Kane Williamson for the remaining Tests in England, underscoring New Zealand’s need for experience on English pitches. Meanwhile, England captain Ben Stokes returned to Durham training after missing the first Test due to a nightclub incident, a move aimed at restoring his rhythm ahead of the series.

Baseball prospects and fantasy implications

ESPN’s scouting roundup listed fifteen early‑round MLB draft candidates, from a power‑hitting SEC outfielder to a rising right‑handed pitcher, all projected to impact the 2027 draft class. Fantasy analysts highlighted Spencer Strider’s abrupt exit from the starting rotation as a major waiver wire opportunity, noting his 2.78 ERA in limited action before the injury forced a sudden roster shift.

NBA Finals buzz and celebrity coverage

Post‑Game 4 analysis from Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst captured locker‑room sentiment, noting Giannis Antetokounmpo’s lingering ankle concerns and the Lakers’ defensive adjustments as pivotal factors heading into Game. In parallel, actor Ben Stiller chronicled the New York Knicks’ playoff run on his X account, providing a fan‑centric narrative that has drawn additional media attention to the franchise’s resurgence.

Rugby league dominance and royal honours

Noah Hodkinson crossed the try line four times as Wigan Warriors thrashed Wakefield Trinity 48‑10, propelling the club to fourth place in the Super League and reinforcing their title credentials. In the honours list, former Wales and Tottenham Hotspur icon Cliff Jones received an MBE for services to sport, while BBC Sport NI presenter Stephen Watson was likewise recognised, highlighting the breadth of contributions celebrated this year.

Golf club controversy

Phil Mickelson’s membership at California’s Farms Golf Club was terminated following allegations of inappropriate conduct with a female employee, a decision that reflects increasing scrutiny of professional athletes’ off‑course behaviour.

Future NFL outlook and early‑season struggles

Matt Miller and Jordan Reid released a speculative 2027 draft ranking, identifying the top five prospects at each position and offering a glimpse of the talent pipeline shaping the league’s next decade. Meanwhile, ESPN’s “Real or Not” column examined teams lagging two months into the 2026 season, questioning whether slow starts will define their long‑term identity and playoff prospects.