General Sports 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 1, 2026, 10:22 PM ET
WNBA Playoffs
Arike Ogunbowale delivered a historic performance with 45 points in an overtime classic, forcing a decisive Game 3 and saving the Dallas Wings' season. Her output set a WNBA playoff record, capping a comeback that saw Dallas rally from a late deficit. Angel Reese captured the Defensive Player of the Year award after a historic season, becoming the first player in league history to record at least 300 rebounds and 50 blocks in a single campaign. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Aces will host the Indiana Fever on Thursday with a berth in the semifinals on the line, and A'ja Wilson will face no discipline over her confrontation with a fan, per a source. The Game 3 preview highlights the star power of Caitlin Clark and Wilson, with the Fever looking to upset the defending champions on the road.
Tennis
Kei Nishikori ended his professional career with an emotional defeat to Frances Tiafoe at the Japan Open, saying he "kept fighting right to the end" in his final match. The former world No. 4 received a standing ovation from the home crowd in Tokyo. Elsewhere, George Russell said his confidence is back and growing as he looks to end a difficult Formula 1 season on a high note. On the WTA Tour, Britain's Sonay Kartal won on her return after six months out with injury, while Francesca Fery lost in Tokyo.
Golf
Michael Stewart emerged as the surprise leader at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, carding a brilliant round on a day when Matt Fitzpatrick began his quest for a fifth win of the year. The unheralded Scot sits atop the leaderboard heading into the weekend, with several big names trailing.
Snooker
Judd Trump defeated Si Jiahui 5-2 at the Shenzhen Open to set up a mouthwatering quarter-final against Mark Selby. Trump, the world No. 1, showed his class with three centuries in a dominant display, while Selby advanced after a hard-fought victory earlier in the day.
Darts
Luke Humphries raced into the World Grand Prix quarter-finals with an emphatic victory, continuing his red-hot form. He will be joined in the last eight by former champions Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton, who set up an all-Welsh quarter-final after both won their second-round matches.
Rugby League
As Saturday's Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford approaches, Warrington Wolves are desperate to end their near-miss reputation and finally lift the trophy. The club has reached the final on multiple occasions but has not won the title since 1973. A quiz to name every Super League Grand Finalist tests fans' knowledge ahead of the showpiece event.
Rugby Union
Hong Kong's Jack Combes and Alex Post described their "dream come true" as they prepare to face Australia in the 2027 Rugby World Cup opener, despite never having played in the Premiership. Wales, meanwhile, are counting down the year until the World Cup as Steve Borthwick's side finalise their preparations. Ireland head coach Scott Bemand handed first starts to Jane Clohessy and Niamh Gallagher for their clash with Japan.
Cricket
England recalled leg-spinner Mason Crane for the Pakistan series while resting Jofra Archer, giving Crane a chance to play for his country for the first time in years. Australia called up Nic Maddinson for the first Test against South Africa following his recovery from cancer, a remarkable comeback story.
College Football
San Diego State is dealing with a mumps outbreak ahead of their Pac-12 opener, with several players affected. North Dakota State, winners of 10 FCS championships in 14 seasons, look to carry their winning pedigree to the FBS as they transition to the Mountain West. Week 5 best bets include a potential quarterback showcase in Starkville, while coaching notes examine the Wisconsin conundrum, the rise of Mario Diaz and Jake Dickert, and coordinator questions across the country.
Basketball
Michael Jordan's 'Last Dance' jersey sold for a record $12.3 million at auction, the most expensive sports memorabilia item ever sold. Caitlin Clark's signature shoe, the 'Caitlin,' blends function and individuality with a design inspired by her personality on and off the court.
Other Sports
Zoe Stratford, who captained England to World Cup glory a year ago, gave birth to a baby girl just days after the anniversary of her team's triumph. The WTA confirmed equal prize money at all its combined 1000-level events, a landmark move for the sport. A weekly sports quiz asks which Czech player was sent off against England, while a roundup of nine scandals that rocked the sporting world puts recent controversies in context. The Game Day Kickoff previews an epic quarterback showdown in Starkville, and Abdul-Malik Olajuwon, son of NBA legend Hakeem, committed to SMU's class of 2027 as a top-60 recruit.