General Sports 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 21, 2026, 6:50 PM ET
NBA
LeBron James scored 14 points on his debut for the Philadelphia 76ers as they beat the Knicks on opening night. The Celtics extended their form in a separate test of contenders, while the WNBA Finals took center stage as the Dream evened the series with a 30-point, 16-rebound performance from Angel Reese.
WNBA Finals
Reese's redemption effort included 30 points and 16 rebounds, while Allisha Gray added 18 points as Atlanta beat the Valkyries at Ballhalla. The Valkyries lost for the first time at home this postseason. Several breakout stars have also finally gained recognition on the biggest stage, and Gabby Williams arrived for Game 2 showing her 49ers fandom.
College Football
Ohio State plans to play without the injured Julian Sayin for the rest of the postseason, with coach Ryan Day declining to give a timeline. Auburn dismissed linebacker Xavier Atkins, who plans to enter the transfer portal. BYU's win over Notre Dame lifted the Cougars to No. 2, and the CFP bubble picture remains wide open at midseason. Notre Dame rose to the top of the odds boards after a chaotic Week, and the bowl projections shifted sharply. The Big 12 commissioner said the league would find a new event if the CFP ends conference title games. Jeremiah Smith leads the midseason awards conversation.
Rugby
Scotland will face the All Blacks in New Zealand for the first time in 27 years. Wales boss Steve Tandy named uncapped Dragons backs Aneurin Owen and Che Hope in his squad, and Tandy defended his tough selection calls. Taulupe Faletau remains a World Cup contender in Tandy's view. Aicha Sutcliffe makes her first Scotland start against Australia. England's Brad O'Neill rejected claims that his side were underprepared for the World Cup. Saracens owner Dominic Silvester backed CEO Ed Coetzee amid chaos claims.
Cricket
Temba Bavuma's 179 drags South Africa back into their Test series against Australia.
Tennis & Snooker
Iga Swiatek ends her season early after failing to qualify for the WTA Finals, calling it her most demanding year. Mark Allen lost to Jordan Brown on his return and is considering retirement. Ronnie O'Sullivan faces a battle to stay in the world's top.
Motorsport & Other
Kimi Antonelli nears F1 history as he approaches becoming the youngest world champion. Nearly $1 million in trading cards was stolen from a FedEx truck in California. The Florida Bar suspended an employee over comments made to a Miami football player. South Carolina topped the AP women's preseason poll, while Florida sits at No. 1 in the men's preseason Top.
Coming Up
The WNBA Finals continue with the series now tied. Champions League action kicks off with Dortmund in action on Tuesday.