General Sports 3d Briefing
×Formula 1
Lewis Hamilton bbc.com is pushing for an African Grand Prix before retirement, stating, "I'm going to be here until that happens." The sport enters a new era with all-new cars espn.com and engines for 2026, prompting debate over if winning the season-opening Australian GP espn.com guarantees a title. George Russell bbc.com may finally have a car to challenge for the championship, while Aston Martin's espn.com "super team" faces scrutiny amid disarray. Fionn McLaughlin bbc.com, a Red Bull junior, is ready for his Formula 3 debut after a journey from gaming to F1 weekends.
Tennis
Emma Raducanu bbc.com wants to "bring my instincts back out" as she prepares for Indian Wells, feeling her natural game has been coached away. Novak Djokovic espn.com speculated that Wimbledon could be the site for a potential Serena Williams return. Former British Lion Anthony Watson bbc.com revealed he cheated a concussion test during the 2017 tour of New Zealand to play on. Aryna Sabalenka espn.com announced her engagement, drawing congratulations from across the tour.
Basketball
Breanna Stewart espn.com led Mist to the Unrivaled championship with a dominant performance, topping Phantom 80-74. Kelsey Plum scored 40 points in the loss. UCLA women's stars espn.com surprised fans with a dance performance during a break. The WNBPA executive committee espn.com remains "united" in CBA talks, with Plum and Stewart espn.com questioning the union's handling. UConn espn.com remains the unanimous No. 1 in women's basketball, while Duke espn.com holds the top spot in the men's AP poll for a record 149th time.
Rugby Union
Nick Timoney bbc.com gets his first Six Nations start for Ireland against Wales, with coach Andy Farrell making five changes. Ireland bbc.com is focused on building their win over England, while forwards coach Paul O'Connell bbc.com warns against underestimating Wales. Wales bbc.com recall Ellis Mee and could hand a new cap a debut. Scotland bbc.com received a boost with the unexpected return of Jack Dempsey ahead of their clash with Grand Slam-chasing France bbc.com, who are unbeaten. Elliot Daly bbc.com believes England are "not a million miles away" from their best form.
Cricket
South Africa bbc.com are the only unbeaten team at the T20 World Cup and go into their semi-final against New Zealand bbc.com as favourites. Cole McConchie took two wickets in two balls for New Zealand to remove South Africa's top two. England bbc.com captain Harry Brook believes "unity" has driven them to the semi-finals, and Michael Vaughan thinks they have a better spin attack than India. England Lions bbc.com have returned from the UAE after their series against Pakistan Shaheens was cancelled.
Winter Sports & Paralympics
Menna Fitzpatrick bbc.com and Scott Meenagh will be Great Britain's flagbearers at the Winter Paralympics opening ceremony. Fitzpatrick, a para-alpine skier bbc.com, called her third Games "really special" after a "rollercoaster" year. Nina Sparks bbc.com, Britain's first female Paralympic snowboarder, is targeting Milan Cortina 2026 after her MS diagnosis. GB's wheelchair curlers bbc.com lost their opener 10-7 to Estonia.
Golf & Boxing
Jai Opetaia espn.com is chasing undisputed status in his Zuffa Boxing debut against Brandon Glanton. Rory Mc Ilroy espn.com called it "a shame" that Jon Rahm is the only LIV Golf player rejecting a DP World Tour deal. The Arnold Palmer Invitational espn.com at Bay Hill rewards length and iron play. Hunter Armstrong espn.com, a two-time Olympic swimming gold medalist, plans to compete in the PED-friendly Enhanced Games while still aiming for the 2028 Olympics.
American Sports & College
Lou Holtz espn.com, the legendary college football coach who led Notre Dame to a 1988 national title, has died at. The NCAA espn.com will require teams to submit player availability reports for tournament games. Miami (Ohio) espn.com extended its winning streak to 30 games, moving within one victory of a perfect regular season. Iowa State espn.com is discontinuing its women's gymnastics program. Arizona espn.com clinched the Big 12 title, with coach Tommy Lloyd dismissing a "soft" narrative about his team.
Other Highlights
Wales bbc.com captain Angharad James has a first Women's World Cup "in their sights" on the road to Brazil. Jade Jones bbc.com is making her professional boxing debut after a "humbling" switch from taekwondo. Dave Rennie bbc.com became the first coach of Pasifika heritage to lead the All Blacks. The Six Nations bbc.com trophy is being replaced after fire damage during transit. Three athletes bbc.com led off course in the US half marathon championship will receive compensation.