General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: August 23, 2026, 3:27 AM ET

WNBA

The Liberty ended a three-game skid with a 109-102 victory over the Fever on Saturday, powered by the return of wing PERSON_NAME, whose "all-around game" sparked the win after a seven-week absence with a left foot injury. The star also made headlines off the court, saying she hopes WNBA arenas can be a "safe space" for fans amid rallies about transgender sports participation. The league's new financial era is reshaping spending habits, as players invest their life-changing money in everything from cars and real estate to seven-foot statues and Porsches. Off the court, the league dealt with a bizarre distraction when Chicago Sky guard Brittney Griner branded spectators "weird" for throwing sex toys on court during matches on consecutive nights.

Boxing & MMA

Teofimo Lopez became a three-weight world champion Saturday night, scoring a majority decision over Jamaine Ortiz to capture the WBA welterweight title in his third division. MMA legend Cyborg got all she could handle but pulled out a unanimous decision for her 10th straight win in what appears to be her PFL swan song, reaching 30 career MMA victories. The Brazilian, who has 19 career title fights, defended her PFL belt in a showcase that proved her name remains well earned after 32 career fights. Boxing promotion circles buzzed after promoter Eddie Hearn insisted "no-one can pull out" of the proposed fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, calling the contract binding. The sport also mourned the loss of former WBO bantamweight champion Zolani Tete, who was shot dead outside his home. Elsewhere, Amanda Serrano was made to work for her 50th career win, a performance that drew over 3.4 million views on TikTok.

College Sports

The college eligibility landscape remains turbulent, with College basketball in chaos over eligibility rulings. Former Kentucky star Mark Mitchell, who was cleared to play a fifth season via temporary restraining order, has committed to play for the Wildcats. In football, Missouri running back Hardy will miss the season opener, with coach Eli Drinkwitz saying his return is "up to his body and head" as he recovers from a shooting. Alabama has named Mack Russell as its starting quarterback for the Sept. 4 season opener against Florida State, sources told ESPN. The Tigers' program also made headlines for dismissal-- Tigers coach said linebacker Ty'Anthony Smith was dismissed from the program for conduct detrimental to the team. With the football season a week away, projections for all 46 postseason games, including the College Football Playoff, have been released.

Golf

Andrew Novak made five birdies and an eagle in an eight-hole stretch to finish with a 5-under 65 and a five-shot lead at the BMW Championship. Novak improved to joint-second, while Clark retained the lead heading into the final round.

Rugby League & Union

Hull FC edged Past Catalans Dragons 27-26 on a dramatic night, with Jake Trueman's last five-minute drop goal sealing the win over former coach Steve McNamara's side. Hull KR's top-four hopes sustained a major blow with a loss to London Broncos, their second straight home defeat. St Helens beat Castleford 36-12 to boost their faint playoff hopes, despite a "needless" red card. In women's action, the Warriors convincingly beat neighbours St Helens to improve to 10-from-10 in the Women's Super League this season and match tries amount of 11 tries. Wales is pushing the pain barrier in pre-season, with players put through their paces ahead of the new WXV Global Series after BBC Sport spent a day at camp.

Cricket

Australia made a dramatic statement by bowling Bangladesh out for 64 on day one of the second Test in Antigua, responding directly to their previous shock defeat and handily taking control, though their own batters failed to fully capitalise. England captain Joe Root was praised for his calm return as captain by interim coach Mark Alleyne, who said the pair "are not" Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff. Root also questioned the Ashes venue schedule, calling it "no shame" his England team will not play at Headingley again until 2029, with predecessor Ben Stokes labelling the decision "shambolic".

Horse Racing & Darts

Daiquiri Bay edged out Whisper and Courage in a three-way sprint finish at York to win the Ebor Handicap. In darts, Damon Heta from Australia beat hometown qualifier Simon Whitlock in the Australian Masters final, winning his first World Series title with an 8-5 victory over a player who had impressed on home soil.

Moto GP & F1

Mercedes’ George Russell led from start to finish to win the sprint race at the Dutch Grand Prix. Premier-class drivers face a competitive Sunday: Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to pole position in a frantic scramble to complete laps before a late rain shower. World champion Verstappen says he expects other teams to challenge for victory after securing his back-to-back poles. Meanwhile Lando Norris said he no longer feels like he is in a title battle and attributed his strong performance at this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix to feeling less pressure in the second half of the season.

Tennis & Cycling

World champion Iga Świątek will face Czech surprise package Sára Ninevaj for a place in the Cincinnati Open final, with source: Ninevaj to top WTA 1000 semi after upsetting American star in two consecutive stunner. Meanwhile Murray and Konta will pair up for mixed doubles at the US Open at Flushing Meadows. The Vuelta a Extremadura (#regular): Great Britain's third in opener - Fred Wright finished third on stage 1 just eight days after his twin brother Connor lost his life in a crash, riding with heavy heart.

Super League & Other Football

Ireland's coach described the performance in the 2-1 World Cup loss to Korea as "not to the standard that we'd set ourselves". In non-league, BBC Sport examines whether Brooks can be Crusaders' next top Scottish striker after hat-trick duties against Portadown on Saturday. Finally, the Sydney Marathon organisers have laughingly responded to the 2026 medal error: runners, engraved artistic stadium it is expected to receive, and they are hoping to run from it.

Quizzes

Test your knowledge with the latest from our Formula 1 quiz offering, Five in Five: can you beat the clock by getting all five answers in five minutes?