General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: July 18, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

WNBA & Basketball Notes

Caitlin Clark with a remarkable 45-point, 10-assist performance, leading the Indiana Fever to victory over the Seattle Storm. In other basketball news, the league is celebrating its top talent, with a ranking of the WNBA's top 10 rim protectors of all time featuring stars like A'ja Wilson, Brittney Griner, and Breanna Stewart. The ESPYS 2026 awards also recognized top athletes, with Jalen Brunson and A'ja Wilson.

Golf's Major Championship and Player Performances

At the 154th Open Championship, Robert MacIntyre with a patient second-round 69 at Royal Birkdale, praising the home crowd's support. However, Bryson DeChambeau faced a setback, receiving a two-stroke penalty for an infraction on the fifth hole, which stalled his surge. Jon Rahm was also issued a code-of-conduct warning for throwing his club on the par-3 15th hole. Rory McIlroy made the cut after a 3-under 67 in the second round, moving to 1-under par overall, though he will need more to contend for his second Claret Jug.

College Football Recruiting and Team Outlooks

The college football landscape faces lingering questions for top teams, with new coaches and unproven players posing potential challenges to top contenders. In recruiting news, Monshun Sales, a five-star receiver and top-20 overall prospect for the 2027 cycle, has committed to his home-state Indiana Hoosiers, marking the program's highest-rated recruit ever. Bill Belichick, speaking at ACC media days, expressed optimism about North Carolina's football program, stating they are "way ahead" of where they were a year ago, despite a 4-8 season last year. A ranking of the top 25 college football recruits also highlights promising underclassmen.

Rugby Union and International Competition

Scotland flanker Hamish Watson has signed with Castres following his departure from Edinburgh, a move that comes as Castres called for Watson. Wales is preparing to face South Africa in Durban, aiming to defy the odds in what is the culmination of a 10-month campaign for most of their players in the Nations Championship. The article also delves into South Africa's reputation as a "greatest production factory" for international-class players, posing questions about what lessons Wales might learn from the host nation. Scotland is also preparing for another potential try-fest with Fiji in a Nations Championship encounter, with coach Gregor Townsend focused on securing the win regardless of the scoreline.

Soccer and Athlete Milestones

The World Cup Final is down to its final two teams, with anticipation building for the championship match and its top players. Winners of the World Cup will now in addition to the traditional trophy and gold medals. In a notable moment, J.J. Watt called out Real Salt Lake for failing to meet certain standards.

Other Sports News and Previews

A collector believes Cooper Flagg's latest rookie card could be worth as much as $5 million, highlighting the burgeoning market for collectible memorabilia. In cycling, Tom Pidcock has moved up to fourth place overall in the Tour de France standings after Mauro Schmid won stage 13 in a breakaway. The Diamond League in London will feature British stars Keely Hodgkinson and Josh Kerr, with Kerr hunting a mile record while Hodgkinson plays down her 800m bid at the event. The Premier Lacrosse League and Women's Professional Lacrosse League are gearing up for Week 9 with a preview of the schedule, key stats, and injury notes for the upcoming games. Baseball fans can look to a betting guide for the second half of the MLB season, with discussion on potential winners and prop bets for various teams. The World Cricketers' Association has expressed concern over changes to the structure of the men's 50-over World Cup format. Finally, Sir Garfield Sobers, a legendary cricketer, has died at the age of, remembered as arguably the best all-rounder in the history of the sport.