General Sports 3d Briefing
×Markets & Deals
The S&P500 espn.com dropped 1.2% in its worst week since June, marking its first two-week loss since June. Entrata bbc.com is working with Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan on an IPO, signaling significant institutional backing for the platform. Francisco Partners espn.com completed a $2.2 billion take-private of Jamf, highlighting continued private equity activity in tech. The S&P 500 fell sharply espn.com after volatile trading, reflecting broader market uncertainty.
Sports Programs & Recruiting
Iowa State is ending its women's gymnastics program, a decision the school's AD called "the right decision for our athletics program and our student athletes," citing a pattern of issues within the program. Top-10 senior Bruce Branch III has committed to BYU, giving coach Kevin Young his third consecutive recruiting class with a five-star recruit. Branch latest 5-star hoops recruit to choose BYU espn.com.
Awards & Honors
The USGA announced that the winner of the U.S. Amateur now will receive the Tiger Woods Medal, while the U.S. Junior Amateur champ will get the Tiger Woods Trophy, honoring the legacy of the golf legend. Former England player Anthony Watson revealed he cheated a concussion test during the 2017 Lions tour of New Zealand, a revelation detailed in a new BBC documentary.
International Sports
Japan may intervene to buy yen bbc.com amid speculation over currency markets. England's captain Nat Sciver-Brunt hopes her team can create their own "Euros moment" at the home T20 World Cup this summer. Sciver-Brunt eyes 'Euros moment' in home World Cup bbc.com. Wales wing Ellis Mee is in line for a recall against Ireland in the Six Nations, while Scotland's Jack Dempsey returns to the squad for the France clash.
League Updates
The England Lions squad and staff have returned to the UK following the cancellation of their limited-overs series against Pakistan Shaheens in the UAE. England Lions return from cancelled UAE series bbc.com. Leicester Tigers back row Hanro Liebenberg will leave at season's end to rejoin South African side the Bulls. Liebenberg to leave Leicester at end of season bbc.com.
Athlete Moves & Investigations
LIV's Jon Rahm accused the DP World Tour of attempting to "extort" golfers, stating he won't commit to competing in six events on the European tour each season. Rahm accuses World Tour of 'extorting' players espn.com. Two-time Olympic gold medalist Hunter Armstrong plans to swim in the PED-friendly Enhanced Games while still pursuing hopes to compete in the 2028 Olympics. 2-time gold medalist to swim in Enhanced Games espn.com.
League Standings & Predictions
No. 2 Arizona clinched the outright Big 12 regular-season title with a 73-57 win over No. 6 Iowa State. Arizona wins Big; Lloyd calls out 'soft' narrative espn.com. UConn remains the unanimous No. 1 in the AP Top, finishing its 11th undefeated regular season. UConn remains unanimous No. 1 in AP Top 25 espn.com. Duke extended its record with 149 appearances in the top spot of the AP men's college basketball poll. Duke No. 1 in men's AP poll for record 149th time espn.com.
Final Notes
The Six Nations trophy is to be "retired from ceremonial use" and replaced after being damaged by fire in an accident during transit. Six Nations trophy to be replaced after fire damage bbc.com. The U.S. women's soccer team, led by Angharad James, has a first Women's World Cup "in their sights" as they set out on the long road to Brazil. Wales boss Wilkinson to continue rotating keepers bbc.com.