General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 11:32 AM ET

Poker and Motorsports

Lucas Jumalon, a 22-year-old poker professional from Spokane, Washington, has become the second-youngest player to ever win the World Series of Poker main event. He defeated Finland's Lauri Saaskilahti in heads-up play to claim the 2026 WSOP main event title and a grand prize of $10 million. The Preakness Stakes has been moved to three weeks and a day after the Kentucky Derby and will now be run on a Sunday for the first time in its history. MotoGP has extended its partnership with Silverstone, ensuring the British Grand Prix will remain on the Moto GP World Championship calendar through at least the 2028 season.

College Football and Basketball

Carolina's defensive coordinator, Steve Belichick, has been placed on indefinite medical leave. University of Indiana defensive end Stephen Daley practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday as he works his way back from a season-ending knee injury sustained in December. Dick Vitale veteran college basketball announcer, reported that his latest tests following his fifth cancer diagnosis have been "very good". Bill Connelly has identified the 2026 college football games with the highest projected SP+ ratings and a scoring margin of under eight points. Lane Kiffin is highlighted in the latest "College Football Supervillain Power Rankings" as a top contender for the title of the ultimate pot-stirrer. ESPN's preseason evaluation breaks down which teams will face the toughest and easiest stretches of games in the upcoming season.

WNBA and International Basketball

Caitlin Clark Bueckers, Angel Reese, and Aliyah Boston are set to make their first appearances for the USA in a major international competition next month. The WNBA playoff race is heating up, with six teams still vying for the final playoff spot. Indiana Fever Sophie Cunningham expressed her desire for the focus to return to basketball following a period of intense national debate surrounding her comments on transgender athletes.

MLB and Golf

MLB executives and scouts have shared their perspectives on the significant trades made during the recent trade deadline. A comprehensive analysis of how teams like the Cubs, Orioles, Red Sox, Mets, and Phillies fared at the MLB trade deadline is available. LIV Golf secured funding from an unnamed lead investor, ensuring the circuit's continuation beyond the current season. LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil confirmed that funding from an outside investor will keep the league operational past this year. Robert Mac Intyre Reed, Francesco Molinari, and Sepp Straka are among the Ryder Cup stars scheduled to compete in the Irish Open from September 9-13.

Cricket

Hampshire and England fast bowler John Turner has announced his retirement from cricket at the age of, following over a year sidelined by injury. Welsh Fire captain Phil Salt has stated his preference for The Hundred to be extended by a week, citing his team's experience of playing three matches in five days. Jos Buttler has become the leading run-scorer in men's T20 cricket history. Buttler achieved this record as he starred in the Manchester Super Giants' nine-wicket victory over Welsh Fire in The Hundred. A quiz is presented to challenge readers to identify a specific Hundred cricket star.

Other Sports News

London has submitted its final bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, proposing the London Stadium as the venue. Winter Olympic gold medallist Eve Muirhead has revoked her retirement, inspired to return to curling after serving as Team GB's chef de mission at this year's Games. Vollering won stage five of the Tour de France Femmes with a sprint finish, while Marlen Reusser retained the yellow jersey. Surrey secured a 95-run victory over Kent in the One-Day Cup, bringing them level with the Foxes at the top of the standings. Brock Lesnar 10-time WWE world champion and former UFC heavyweight champion, has announced his retirement from combat sports following his match at WWE Summer Slam. WWE power couple Bianca Belair and Montez Ford have welcomed their first child together. Swansea City is on track to compete for a return to the Premier League, according to chief executive Tom Gorringe. Scarlets managing director Jon Daniels has dismissed the idea of a merger with the Ospreys and is seeking greater transparency from the Welsh Rugby Union. Cameron Norrie progresses to the last 32 of the Canadian Open after defeating Ignacio Buse in straight sets. San Antonio center Luke Kornet assisted a stranded motorist whose car had broken down in San Antonio during heavy rain. A flyweight title rematch between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja is scheduled to headline UFC 331 in September. ESPN's annual tradition, The Ocho, showcasing obscure competitions like T. rex races and pumpkin tossing, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Hundreds of competitors are expected to participate in T. rex races at Emerald Downs this year, continuing a tradition that originated as a team-bonding activity.

Player Rankings and Traditions

Eric Karabell's annual "Do Not Draft" list has been released, identifying players he believes are being selected too early in fantasy drafts this summer. A weekly sports quiz challenges readers' knowledge, posing questions such as whether David Beckham competed in the Commonwealth Games. The article "What is The Ocho?" explains the origins and evolution of ESPN's 75-hour tradition of broadcasting unique sporting events. The appeal of T-Rex races is explored, highlighting the hundreds of competitors preparing to race at Emerald Downs.

Tennis and Player Health

Carlos Alcaraz's wrist injury and the challenges associated with managing such ailments are analyzed. Cameron Norrie secured his spot in the Canadian Open's last 32 with a decisive victory over Ignacio Buse.

League and Team Outlooks

The start of the 2026-27 Irish Premiership season has arrived, bringing discussions about potential contenders like Larne. All 18 Big Ten teams' potential outcomes for the season, ranging from winning the national championship to missing the tournament, are analyzed.