General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 8:33 PM ET

Boxing and MMA

Shakur Stevenson has signed a multi-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing, the promotion confirmed Thursday. Meanwhile, eight men have been indicted for their alleged involvement in a thwarted drone and sniper attack at the UFC Freedom 250 event held at the White House in June. In anticipation of UFC, competitors like Benoit Saint Denis and Paddy Pimblett are sharing their predictions for the Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway matchup. Max Holloway’s UFC career has been extensive, with BBC Sport examining his record-breaking achievements ahead of his fight against Conor McGregor on Sunday. Conor McGregor's impact on the UFC, despite brief title reigns, is being analyzed through six charts showing his lasting influence.

Tennis

The Wimbledon women's singles final will feature an all-Czech matchup between Linda Noskova and Karolina Muchova on Saturday. Great Britain's Alfie Hewett has advanced in both the men's wheelchair singles and doubles tournaments at SW19 after winning two matches on Thursday. In the men's doubles, Great Britain's Henry Patten and his Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara have reached their second Wimbledon final in three years. John McEnroe and Tim Henman are taking calls from fans to discuss the tournament so far. Arthur Fery, who learned tennis near Wimbledon, is now one win away from reaching the SW19 final. Jamie Murray has also been answering fan questions about Wimbledon.

Cycling and Athletics

Tadej Pogacar has taken a significant step toward a potential fifth Tour de France victory with a dominant performance on stage six, reclaiming the leader's yellow jersey. Australian sprinter Gout Gout will miss the remainder of the season, including the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, after sustaining a left hamstring tear during training in Brisbane.

College Sports

Marcus Spears Jr., the top prospect in the 2027 class, is reclassifying and will commit to Texas for the upcoming college basketball season. Coaches like Deion Sanders and Joey McGuire provided notable quotes during Big 12 media days. Utah quarterback Devon Dampier voices praise for the NCAA's new five-year, age-based eligibility model during Big 12 media days. Nikola Kusturica has agreed to play for UCLA, positioning him as a potential top pick in the 2028 NBA draft. The ESPYS are recognizing top athletes, with A'ja Wilson and Hilary Knight among the nominees for Best Athlete - Women's Sports, while Jalen Brunson and Lionel Messi are nominated for Best Athlete - Men's Sports.

WNBA

The Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark was limited to 16 minutes in her return Wednesday, scoring nine points in a 106-92 loss to the Sparks. The Minnesota Lynx's Cheryl Reeve earned her 380th regular-season victory Wednesday night, already holding the record for most total wins as a WNBA coach. Lynx rookie Olivia Miles is demonstrating her ability to distribute and score, while also handling pressure with confidence.

Rugby and Football

England has recalled centre Henry Slade to the starting lineup to face Fiji, despite him not playing in the Six Nations campaign earlier this year. Wales has made three changes for their match against Argentina, with wing Louis Rees-Zammit moved to the bench and Sam Costelow starting at fly-half. Jiuta Wainiqolo, potentially the best wing in the world, aims to use his dynamic play against England on Saturday. World Rugby findings indicate that female rugby players are 69% more likely to experience social media abuse compared to their male counterparts. England and Wales Cricket Board is preventing plans for the final of a European T20 tournament from being held at Lord's. The Hundred is returning on July 24th for its sixth edition, with the schedule and broadcast information available.

Olympics and Other Sports

Five-time Olympic backstroke champion Kaylee McKeown has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow due to glandular fever. Dame Sarah Storey, Great Britain's most decorated Paralympian, has retired from international competition. Former Olympic canoe racer David Hearn has pleaded not guilty to charges of deliberately damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The International Cricket Council is developing strategies to address "significant corruption concerns" within franchise tournaments globally. Rory McIlroy shares the lead after the first day of the Scottish Open with a five-under, enjoying his return to links golf. England's Charley Hull is in a tie for third after the first day of the Evian Championship, carding a five-under 66. The Diamond League is set to return in 2026, with viewing information available on the BBC. Anton Segner is poised to become the first German-born player to represent the All Blacks if he comes off the bench against Italy. Finn Russell is fit to start at fly-half for Scotland against South Africa in the Nations Championship. Glentoran manager Declan Devine expressed that his team will gain significant confidence from their Conference League qualifier against RFS heading into the second leg.