General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: July 14, 2026, 5:31 PM ET

Golf World Reacts to Open Championship Scenarios

Scottie Scheffler is preparing for the 154th Open Championship after a rare weekend off, having missed the cut at the Scottish Open and ending his streak of 78 consecutive PGA Tour starts missed the cut. Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are among the top storylines to watch at Royal Birkdale, alongside the potential for an English golfer to win on home soil top storylines. Irish golfer David Howard, diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age seven, has also qualified for The Open at Royal Birkdale. English golfers face a dilemma with early Thursday tee times at The Open, conflicting with England's match against Argentina.

Rugby Union International Updates

Scotland are bracing for a backlash from Fiji at Murrayfield, with forwards coach John Dalziel stating they've had enough of praise without results. England's Marcus Smith believes there is still plenty to improve despite an 11-try win over Fiji, demanding more from his team demanding more. Ireland assistant Andrew Goodman confirmed that Rob Baloucoune and Jeremy Loughman are fit to face New Zealand at Eden Park. Ireland are looking for "1% margins" to overcome the "daunting" venue of Eden Park against the All Blacks. Wigan Warriors prop Mary Coleman has earned her first call-up to the England squad for their summer Test in France on July 25 first call-up. England Under-20 flanker Seb Kelly was sent off for a headbutt in their semi-final defeat, ending their hopes of regaining the age-grade world title sent off.

Basketball News and Developments

Wings star Paige Bueckers has called out the WNBA for its lack of Black women head coaches, asserting that Black women deserve "the same equal opportunity" to coach. In the WNBA, Minnesota rookie Olivia Miles scored a career-high 33 points, becoming the first player to reach 400 points, 100 rebounds, and 100 assists in just 22 career games, leading the Lynx to a win over the Phoenix Mercury. The Indiana Fever moved up to No. 4 in the WNBA Power Rankings with Kelsey Mitchell posting her sixth straight game with 25 or more points, while Golden State maintained the top spot. The NCAA announced that beginning next year, the top 16 teams in the women's basketball tournament will be seeded according to their true ranking, irrespective of conference affiliation. In a concerning development, former Kansas Jayhawk Lagerald Vick has been charged with attempted first-degree murder in Tennessee.

Olympics and Future Games Outlook

American gymnastics star Suni Lee announced her return on Instagram, signaling a run at a third Olympic Games, roughly two years ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games. As the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics approach, ESPN is taking an early look at storylines to watch for LA28 and beyond stories to watch.

College Sports and NCAA Issues

NC State's defensive coordinator continues to find inspiration from his late daughter, who died of cancer, as he navigates his coaching career. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel is defending his tenure and has stated he does not wish to leave the school. Manuel's decade in Ann Arbor has been marked by athletic successes and controversy eventful decade. Eleven Division I athletes have filed a federal class action lawsuit alleging that the NCAA's new eligibility rules have adversely affected them, as they depleted their eligibility in the 2025-26 season.

Soccer and International Competition

Spain has cultivated a strong "all for one" mentality in their World Cup summer camp as they prepare to face France's "four musketeers". Spain winger Lamine Yamal's comments that France should fear the defending Euro champions ahead of their FIFA World Cup semifinal were not a sign of disrespect, according to Jules Koundé not a sign of disrespect.

Other Sports News

Jordan Walker won the Home Run Derby, homering on his last six swings to defeat hometown favorite Kyle Schwarber, becoming the first Cardinal to win the event. ESPN is breaking down the contestants for the Home Run Derby, including the coaches and fathers they selected. Max Verstappen's potential move to McLaren is a topic of discussion in a Formula 1 Q&A ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. The nine players who will compete for the $10 million first prize at the 2026 World Series of Poker main event have been determined. Standout performances from Paddy Pimblett and Gable Steveson helped save UFC 329 from being an afterthought, despite Conor McGregor's injury. Jannik Sinner has returned to his dominant No. 1 status after a rocky patch, culminating in his Wimbledon victory, though Carlos Alcaraz's return looms.