General Sports 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 1, 2026, 2:15 PM ET
WNBA Playoffs
The Dallas Wings saved their season in dramatic fashion, as Arike Ogunbowale delivered a historic 45-point performance in an overtime classic to force a decisive Game. The record-breaking outing was the highest-scoring playoff game in league history. Meanwhile, all eyes turn to Thursday's winner-take-all matchup between the Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever, where Caitlin Clark and A'ja Wilson will duel for a spot in the semifinals. The Fever star also made headlines off the court, debuting her signature "Caitlin 1" shoe, which she says blends function and individuality with a touch of irony.
Tennis
Kei Nishikori's storied career came to an emotional end at the Japan Open, where he fell to Frances Tiafoe in his final match. The former world No. 4, who said he "kept fighting right to the end," received a tearful farewell from the Tokyo crowd. Elsewhere, Britain's Sonay Kartal won on her return to the WTA Tour after six months out, while Emma Navarro opened up about the health struggles that caused "deep anger" on court, saying she has regained her "life back."
College Football
Week 5 brings an epic quarterback showcase in Starkville, where Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor faces his biggest test yet. The betting outlook suggests a shootout between the Bulldogs and Alabama, with the over/under climbing. Pamela Maldonado and Mark Zinno break down the best bets across the board, including Big Ten showdowns, SEC thrillers, and a UMass over. In the Bottom, Michigan finds itself on the wrong side of the clock after a controversial last-second win earlier in the season.
Coaching Carousel
Internal hires aren't working at several programs, while other coaches like Mario Cristobal and Luke Fickell have elevated their stock. The rise of Miami's Mario Cristobal and Washington State's Jake Dickert is drawing attention, as coordinator questions swirl across the landscape.
FCS to FBS
North Dakota State, which has won 10 championships in 14 seasons, is considering a move to the FBS. The Bison's dominant FCS pedigree will face a new test in the Mountain West, raising questions about whether their winning culture can survive at the next level.
San Diego State Mumps Outbreak
San Diego State's football team is dealing with a mumps outbreak as it prepares for its Pac-12 opener, adding an unexpected health challenge to the season.
Boxing
After more than a decade of public feuding and false starts, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua finally faced off in London, exchanging respect and laughs as they promoted their long-awaited showdown.
Formula 1
George Russell says his "confidence is back and growing" as he seeks to end a difficult run for Mercedes. The driver says he "doesn't feel lost any more" and is ready to compete at the front.
Cricket
England has called up leg-spinner Mason Crane for the Pakistan series, giving him a chance to play for the first time in years, while resting Jofra Archer. Somerset pair Craig Overton and Sophie Luff won the top prizes at the Professional Cricketers' Association Awards.
Rugby
Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has handed first starts to Jane Clohessy and Niamh Gallagher for the match against Japan.
Darts
Former champions Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton have set up an all-Welsh quarterfinal at the World Grand Prix.
Motorsport
As Elfyn Evans chases World Rally Championship glory, he reflects on the five titles that got away. The Welsh driver is seeking to finally clinch the crown in Sardinia.
Soccer
Manchester City are far from the first club to be rocked by scandal, as a roundup of nine scandals that shook the sporting world highlights the lure of glory and riches.
Other Sports
Zoe Stratford, who captained England to World Cup glory a year ago, gave birth to a baby girl. A Michael Jordan jersey from his 'Last Dance' season sold for a record $12.3m (£9m). And in the weekly sports quiz, test your knowledge on which Czech player was sent off against England.