General Sports 3d Briefing
×NBA & Basketball
Suns forward Brooks espn.com was arrested early Friday morning for suspicion of driving under the influence in Scottsdale, Arizona, police said. The arrest comes as Brooks continues his NBA career with Phoenix after previous stints with Memphis and Houston. WNBPA executive committee espn.com said it remains "united" and that a recent player survey reaffirms the league's latest proposal for a new CBA "is not worth taking." The committee's statement comes amid ongoing negotiations between players and league officials over compensation and working conditions.
Star freshman Caleb Wilson espn.com is increasing practice work for No. 17 North Carolina ahead of the rivalry game at No. 1 Duke but has yet to be cleared for 5-on-5 action due to his hand fracture. The 6-foot-10 forward has been limited since suffering the injury in late January, with UNC's medical staff monitoring his progress carefully before clearing him for full contact. UCLA women's basketball stars espn.com performed a surprise dance routine that saw Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez and Charlisse Leger-Walker high kick their way onto the UCLA dance team during a recent event, showcasing their versatility beyond basketball.
Boxing & Combat Sports
A highly anticipated boxing clash between undefeated Japanese stars Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani espn.com is set for May 2 at the Tokyo Dome for Inoue's undisputed junior featherweight title. The bout represents a rare matchup between two undefeated champions from the same country, with both fighters holding multiple world titles across different weight classes. Combat sports star Francis Ngannou espn.com is a free agent after his release by the PFL, ending his brief stint with the promotion where he had competed in both MMA and boxing in recent years. The former UFC heavyweight champion is now exploring options across combat sports platforms.
Australia's Jai Opetaia espn.com will make his Zuffa Boxing debut against Brandon Glanton in Las Vegas this weekend, marking the former cruiserweight champion's transition to the new boxing promotion launched by UFC parent company Endeavor. The 28-year-old Opetaia brings an undefeated record and technical prowess to his debut, aiming to establish himself in the competitive cruiserweight division. Jade Jones bbc.com says her journey from reaching the pinnacle of taekwondo to being at the bottom of boxing has been a "humbling" one as she prepares for her boxing debut against Egypt Criss on March 7, marking a significant career transition for the two-time Olympic taekwondo champion.
Cricket
Head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key bbc.com look likely to retain the support of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) despite a disappointing winter that saw the team struggle across formats. The pair have been credited with implementing an aggressive playing philosophy since taking their roles, though results have dipped recently. Defending champions India bbc.com are through to the T20 World Cup final after England fell short, missing out by seven runs in a tense semi-final in Mumbai. The match saw Jacob Bethell's thrilling century bbc.com not enough as India pipped England by just seven runs to seal a spot in the final.
India's Sanju Samson bbc.com brings up a magnificent half-century in 26 balls against England before being caught by Salt on 89 from 42 balls in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup in Mumbai. The explosive innings showcased Samson's ability to dominate bowling attacks in the shortest format. Former India players Rahul Dravid and Ravichandran Ashwin bbc.com are among the latest investors to acquire a franchise in the European T20 Premier League, joining a growing list of cricket luminaries investing in the emerging competition.
Rugby & Football
Steve Borthwick bbc.com has abandoned his philosophy of continuity and cohesion in the hope that selection shock therapy will cure his England side's malaise ahead of crucial Six Nations fixtures. The England head coach made multiple changes to his lineup following disappointing results, signaling a potential shift in approach. Wales captain Dewi Lake bbc.com says his side believe they can defy the odds and beat Ireland on Friday night in Dublin, despite Ireland's strong form and home advantage at the Aviva Stadium.
Nick Timoney bbc.com is handed his first Six Nations start as Ireland head coach Andy Farrell makes five changes to his XV for Friday's match against Wales in Dublin. The back-row forward's inclusion represents a significant opportunity for the Leinster player to establish himself at international level. England Under-20 star Lucas Friday bbc.com discusses his anterior cruciate ligament recovery and learning off Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care, highlighting the challenges young players face in establishing themselves at the highest level.
Motorsport & Racing
Reddick has won the first three races of 2026 espn.com, but no one in NASCAR history has started a year with four straight. The Stewart-Haas Racing driver heads to Atlanta with a chance to become the first driver to achieve this feat, having dominated the early season with consistent performances. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton bbc.com says "I'm going to be here until that happens" as he pushes for a grand prix in Africa, expressing his commitment to Formula 1 until the sport returns to the continent where he has ancestral roots.
Former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley bbc.com breaks down recent changes in F1 cars and engines, explaining the technical modifications that teams have implemented ahead of the new season. The changes include significant aerodynamic updates and power unit modifications that could impact the competitive balance. On the Chequered Flag podcast bbc.com, Marc Priestley, Jolyon Palmer and Jennie Gow weigh in on Lewis Hamilton's chances of winning an eighth F1 title this season, discussing the Mercedes driver's prospects with his new team and the competitive landscape.
Winter Sports & Paralympics
Iran will not take part in the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics bbc.com, the IPC confirms, as the nation's solitary athlete scheduled to compete "cannot travel safely to Italy." The decision highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting international sporting events. From 36-year-old legend Oksana Masters to 16-year-old Meg Gustafson espn.com, here's who to know as the Paralympics begin, showcasing the range of experience and talent across the American team.
Great Britain's Jo Butterfield and Jason Kean lose 10-7 to Estonia in their Winter Paralympics wheelchair curling opener in Cortina, beginning their campaign in the mixed doubles event. The British pair will look to bounce back in subsequent matches as they aim for a medal. Your guide to what's happening and when and who to look out for at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina bbc.com provides essential information for following the Games, including event schedules and key athletes across all disciplines.
Paralympics GB's only female snowboarder Nina Sparks bbc.com tells BBC Sport about her journey from doing the sport as a hobby to competing at Milan Cortina 2026, sharing her inspiring story of progression in para-snowboarding. When Nina Sparks was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021 bbc.com, she decided it was going to be the making of her - now she's competing at the Winter Paralympics, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination.
Tennis & Golf
British number one Emma Raducanu bbc.com says she wants to "bring my instincts back out" as she prepares for Indian Wells in California, discussing her approach to returning to top form after injury setbacks. The 2021 US Open champion is working to recapture the aggressive style that brought her breakthrough success. Welsh Para-alpine skier Menna Fitzpatrick bbc.com says it feels "really special" to be at her third Winter Paralympic games after a "rollercoaster" of a year, reflecting on her journey and preparation for the Milan Cortina Games.
Olympic champion Rhys McClenaghan bbc.com speaks to BBC Sport NI's Nigel Ringland about returning to the pommel horse after 18 months out injured, discussing his rehabilitation and competitive comeback. The Northern Irish gymnast is targeting major international competitions following his recovery. Former India players Rahul Dravid and Ravichandran Ashwin are among the latest investors to acquire a franchise in the European T20 Premier League, expanding their involvement in cricket beyond playing careers.
College Sports
Top-10 senior Bruce Branch III espn.com has committed to BYU, giving coach Kevin Young his third consecutive recruiting class with a five-star recruit. The highly touted forward chose BYU over several power conference programs, representing a significant recruiting victory. Five-star recruit Jaxon Richardson espn.com, son of former NBA star Jason Richardson, and brother of Orlando guard Jase, has committed to Alabama, he told ESPN on Thursday, adding to the Crimson Tide's impressive recruiting class.
The NCAA is appealing the preliminary injunction espn.com that a state court in Mississippi granted to Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss to allow him a sixth college season in 2026, continuing the debate over player eligibility and transfer rules. The case could have significant implications for how the NCAA handles eligibility waivers and appeals. Iowa State is ending its women's gymnastics program espn.com, the school's AD called the move "the right decision for our athletics program and our student athletes," citing a pattern of issues within the program that led to the difficult decision.
No. 19 Miami (Ohio) espn.com closed within a victory of a perfect regular season with a 74-72 win over Toledo on Tuesday night that extended the Red Hawks'