General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: August 3, 2026, 2:32 PM ET

College Football

USC Notre Dame will renew their football rivalry starting in 2030 with a four-game series that will feature back-to-back season openers. The 2026 college football playoff picture is starting to take shape, with 31 teams showing the best chance to reach the postseason. Texas moves into the top five of the Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings, while North Carolina falls out, and UCLA enters the discussion. Key nonconference games for every ranked team are being circled on the calendar as the season approaches.

Baseball

The Chicago Cubs have acquired right-hander Kevin Gausman from the Blue Jays in a trade for Triple-A outfielder Brett Bateman and Class-A infielder Ty Southisene. Fantasy baseball analysts are tracking the fallout from all the key deals as the MLB trade deadline approaches on Monday.

Basketball

WNBA trade involving Kelsey Plum is being evaluated to see if it can help the Mercury make a playoff push. The ultimate grade for the Mercury hinges on whether they can retain Plum beyond 2026. Discussions around women in sports have resurfaced within the WNBA, with Sophie Cunningham's statements prompting further dialogue.

Cycling

Norway's Sigrid Haugset secured a shock stage win in stage three of the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift after a 68km solo breakaway. Tadej Pogacar, the newly crowned five-time Tour de France champion, is set to race in this month's Vuelta a Espana in an attempt to win all three of cycling's Grand Tours. Emma Finucane is being recognized as a "generational talent" in cycling, already holding Olympic, world, and Commonwealth championship titles at 23 years old. Finucane made history by winning a fourth track cycling Commonwealth Games gold medal and led Wales into the closing ceremony.

Cricket

Ireland's five-game ODI series against Afghanistan this week is the beginning of their preparations for next year's World Cup qualifying tournament. Scotland's one-day international match against the United Arab Emirates was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain in Broughty Ferry. BBC Sport is examining the changes and future prospects for MI London following investment from Indian Premier League side Mumbai Indians.

Golf

Michael Thorbjornsen won his first PGA Tour title at the final Rocket Classic, making a 26-foot putt for birdie on his last hole to shoot a 7-under 63 and finish at 18 under. Highlights from the fourth round of the Women's Open are available for viewing, showcasing emerging talent.

Other Sports

UEFA has indicated it might pursue legal action against Gianni Infantino regarding his World Cup sell-off plan, according to sources. Mitchell Jones exchanged vows in a Greenwich ceremony, sharing their first dance to Musiq Soulchild's "Love." Roman Reigns retained the World Heavyweight Championship, ending his rivalry with Seth Rollins at Summer Slam Night. Other notable moments from Summer Slam Night 2 included Chad Gable's title win. SummerSlam Night 1 featured Brock Lesnar passing the torch to Oba Femi and an unexpected babyface turn. Henry Pollock is reportedly seeking to demand £1m a year from Northampton, according to his agent Eddie Hearn. PFL lightweight world champion Usman Nurmagomedov is expected to decide on his future "very soon" after becoming a free agent. Irish boxer Lee Reeves is in a "critical but stable" condition in hospital after being carried out of the ring on a stretcher in Dublin. Britain's Lauren Henry and Benjamin Pritchard won gold medals at the European Rowing Championships in Italy. Northern Ireland finished the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with 158 medals. Team Wales returned from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with a total of 31 medals, including nine gold, 10 silver, and 12 bronze. Questions and doubts about the future of the Commonwealth Games remain despite the joyful success of Glasgow 2026 in isolation.