General Sports 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 23, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
Golf
LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil received a retention payment of $6.375 million before the league's bankruptcy protection filing espn.com, a figure that has drawn scrutiny over the league's finances.
Gymnastics
American Skye Blakely claimed the women's all-around gold espn.com at the world championships, a result she called a dream, with the BBC also confirming the win bbc.co.uk.
WNBA
The Fever fired general manager Amber Cox espn.com on Friday as part of a front-office shake-up, while president Kelly Krauskopf stepped down espn.com after a second stint with the team. Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray said her hand injury espn.com is still not fully healed, and ESPN ranked the league's 30 greatest players espn.com in its 30-season history. The Valkyries face a must-win Game 4 espn.com against the Dream in the Finals.
NFL and NBA
The Bears honored Mike Ditka espn.com with a tribute night at Soldier Field, their first home game since his death. Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg said he lost all respect for Luka Dončić espn.com after a testy matchup, and LeBron James led a huge comeback bbc.co.uk for the 76ers, his biggest career comeback win.
Formula 1
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc topped Friday practice bbc.co.uk at the US Grand Prix, ahead of Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli.
College Football
Appalachian State stunned No. James Madison espn.com 34-31 in overtime, ending the Dukes' undefeated start, with James London kicking a 40-yard field goal to decide it. Oregon State receiver Jesse Legree re-signed with the Beavers espn.com through 2027, and Miami wore a 2001 throwback espn.com uniform that headlined Week 8's best looks. ESPN's preview of SEC elimination games espn.com highlights road tests for Ole Miss, Tennessee and LSU, and Utah coach Morgan Scalley is on track for the CFP espn.com.
Rugby
Christian Wade equalled Chris Ashton's Premiership try-scoring record bbc.co.uk with a 101st score as Newcastle beat Sale 17-3. Gloucester beat Bath 23-5 bbc.co.uk at Kingsholm, while Connacht secured a bonus-point win bbc.co.uk over Zebre. Sharks scored six tries bbc.co.uk to beat Cardiff at the Arms Park, and Edinburgh beat the Lions bbc.co.uk through a standout display from Hector Patterson. Samoa ran in 14 tries bbc.co.uk to thrash Wales at the Women's Rugby League World Cup, and England face Australia bbc.co.uk in a World Cup preview. Wales look to build bbc.co.uk on home form when they play Japan, and Australia called up Teddy Wilson bbc.co.uk to its squad.
Snooker, Darts and Other Sports
Mark Williams and Kyren Wilson reached the NI Open semi-finals bbc.co.uk. World champion Luke Littler progressed bbc.co.uk to the second round of the European Championship, while Michael van Gerwen was knocked out. Katie Boulter reached the Japan Open semi-finals bbc.co.uk and reclaimed the British No 1 ranking. Reigning world women's marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir was provisionally suspended bbc.co.uk after an EPO positive test. Edendork won the Tyrone title bbc.co.uk in a historic achievement for the club.
Football and Soccer
Jude Bellingham held positive talks bbc.co.uk over a new Real Madrid contract. Nottingham Forest warned fans bbc.co.uk that anyone singing a misogynistic chant could face a ban, and Northern Ireland Football League CEO Gerard Lawlor warned that losing a European spot bbc.co.uk would be a significant setback. Jess Fishlock and Sarah Coleman entered the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame bbc.co.uk.
Mixed Martial Arts
Merab Dvalishvili gained 19lb in five hours bbc.co.uk before the UFC 333 title fight. ESPN previewed both championship bouts espn.com, with the Yan-Dvalishvili rematch hinging on who makes better decisions espn.com.
Basketball Analysis and Other Features
Dale Brown, the winningest coach in LSU basketball history, died at 90 espn.com. Jay Bilas named his preseason All-America picks espn.com ahead of the college hoops season, and an analysis of the transfer portal espn.com identified the teams that gained and lost the most value.
Coming Up
Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, with the Valkyries facing the Dream espn.com, is next. The UFC 333 title fights headline the card espn.com, and Bellingham's Real Madrid talks remain ongoing bbc.co.uk.