General Sports 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 16, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
WNBA Finals
With the WNBA Finals approaching, the debate over the league's top talent is in full swing. ESPN has ranked the top 15 players of the postseason, weighing whether Angel Reese or Kamilla Cardoso's counterpart, Dream standout Allisha Gray, deserves the top spot. Gray herself offered an optimistic update on her availability after injuring her left ring finger.
College Football Expansion
The College Football Playoff is nearing a move to 24 teams, and ESPN has reported a handshake agreement to broadcast the expanded bracket. Critics argue the change raises serious concerns, warning that bigger is not necessarily better. Analysts have sketched out what a 24-team bracket would look like using the committee's final 2025 rankings.
Elsewhere in college football, Coastal Carolina's bold throwback uniforms topped the Week 7 rankings, while Connelly breaks down a loaded slate that includes Notre Dame's trip to BYU and Ohio State against Indiana. The NCAA has also sued Ohio Governor Mike DeWine over an order allowing schools to ignore a new eligibility rule.
Tragedy and Tributes
Southern Nazarene University announced the death of sophomore safety Tyler Ulrich, following an in-game injury. Munster will honour Anthony Foley ten years after his death, with former teammates recalling the late captain's influence.
Rugby Union
Gloucester and holders Bordeaux shared a thriller at 36-36 to open the Champions Cup. Toulon beat Edinburgh in the Challenge Cup, with Jaminet starring, while the Dragons recovered from half-time to beat Perpignan 29-14 in four-try fashion. Coleraine stunned Larne 3-2 in what many are calling a game of the season contender. Cardiff host Northampton with Faletau and Adams returning, and Irish provinces have named their squads for the European openers. Ulster prop Tom O'Toole has warned against complacency ahead of Zebre.
Rugby League
England captain George Williams embraced the underdog tag ahead of facing Tonga, while France boss Laurent Frayssinous blamed the NRL gap for his side's heavy defeat by Samoa. Wales women's coach Tom Brindle says his team aims to punch above its weight on World Cup debut. Teenager Thomas Rew, has been named England Lions captain for the West Indies tour.
Other Sports
GB added to its medal tally at the Shanghai track worlds, with Mark Stewart and Anna Morris both winning gold on day three. In MMA, PFL flyweight champion Liz Carmouche shaved her head to make weight for her title fight, and Banana Ball is adding international contests and a new "360" format. The IOC has shut down 12 permanent committees, including those covering human rights and gender issues. Swansea midfielder Jay Fulton says the squad's depth is its best since relegation. On the snooker front, a burglar was jailed for stealing charity cash from Kyren Wilson's home, and the ECB has dropped the Rooney Rule for coach recruitment.
Coming Up
The WNBA Finals open with Game 1, with Gray's availability still under watch. The Dragons and Perpignan result sets up the next stage of the Challenge Cup, and England's rugby league side faces Tonga at the World Cup.