General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

Boxing and MMA Shake-Ups

Zuffa Boxing landed a significant free-agent signing on Thursday, securing four-division champion Shakur Stevenson to a multi-fight contract. In a separate development within the combat sports world, eight men were indicted for their alleged roles in a thwarted drone and sniper attack planned for the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House in June. Max Holloway's impactful UFC career is being dissected statistically as he prepares to face Conor McGregor at UFC 329 on Sunday. McGregor's own UFC title runs, though brief, had a lasting impact according to six charts detailing his influence.

College Sports Recruiting and Coaching Buzz

The basketball recruiting landscape saw a major shift as Marcus Spears Jr., the top prospect in the 2027 class, announced his reclassification and commitment to Texas for the upcoming season. He was also featured in storylines being watched by college coaches on the recruiting circuit. UCLA is set to welcome Nikola Kusturica, a potential top NBA draft pick in 2028, who has agreed to a multiyear deal with the Bruins. In other college football news, coaches like Deion Sanders and Joey McGuire offered colorful quotes during Big 12 media days. Our reporters also debated and defended their choices for the top college football coaches, pondering if Curt Cignetti can win another title.

Wimbledon's Final Stages and Tennis News

The Wimbledon women's singles final is set for an all-Czech showdown between Linda Noskova and Karolina Muchova on Saturday is set for an all-Czech showdown. Experts are weighing in on who will emerge victorious. John McEnroe and Tim Henman fielded listener calls on the tournament's progress so far. Great Britain's Alfie Hewett advanced in both the men's wheelchair singles and doubles events on Thursday. Meanwhile, Arthur Fery, who learned tennis near the All England Club, is now one win away from the SW19 final. Henry Patten and his partner Harri Heliovaara reached their second Wimbledon men's doubles final in three years. Jamie Murray also answered fan questions about the tournament.

International Rugby and Cricket Updates

The Rugby Championship sees changes for Wales, with Louis Rees-Zammit moving to the bench and Sam Costelow starting at fly-half against Argentina Rees-Zammit moving to the bench. Scotland's Finn Russell is fit to start at fly-half against South Africa in the Nations Championship Russell is fit to start. Centre Henry Slade has been recalled to England's starting lineup to face Fiji, having not played in the Six Nations earlier this year. Jiuta Wainiqolo, potentially the best wing in the world, aims to use his skills against England on Saturday. Separately, a report found that female rugby players are 69% more likely to experience online abuse compared to their male counterparts. Ben Stokes also responded after the ICC contacted the ECB regarding a potential rule breach connected to his retirement announcement. The England and Wales Cricket Board is blocking plans to host the final of a European T20 tournament at Lord's. The Hundred returns on July 24 for its sixth edition, with the schedule and broadcast information available The Hundred returns on July 24.

Golf and Other Sports Notes

Rory McIlroy took a share of the lead on day one of the Scottish Open with a five-under, expressing enjoyment in his return to links golf McIlroy took a share of the lead. Charley Hull is in a tie for third after carding a five-under 66 on day one of the Evian Championship Hull is in a tie for third. Olympic backstroke champion Kaylee McKeown has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow due to glandular fever McKeown has withdrawn. Former Olympic canoe racer David Hearn pleaded not guilty to charges of deliberately damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The International Cricket Council is developing strategies to address what it has termed "significant corruption concerns" within franchise tournaments globally.

Basketball and Hockey Outlooks

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 Clark was limited to 16 minutes. In a WNBA coaching milestone, the Lynx's Cheryl Reeve earned her 380th regular-season victory, adding to her record for total wins including postseason play. For fantasy sports, early rankings for the 2026-27 NHL season are available, featuring top names like Nathan Mac Kinnon and Connor McDavid for the top 250 players rankings for the 2026-27 NHL season. Fantasy football rankings for PPR, IDP, and dynasty leagues for the upcoming season are also published.

Athletes in the News

Anthony Davis has officially sold his Los Angeles home for $32 million, marking the end of his West Coast real estate chapter. Dame Sarah Storey, Great Britain's most decorated Paralympian, has retired from international competition Storey has retired. Australian sprinter Gout Gout will miss the remainder of the season, including the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, after tearing his left hamstring. Anton Segner is poised to become the first German-born All Black if he comes off the bench against Italy.