General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: April 14, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

WNBA Draft & League Moves

The 2026 WNBA Draft saw UCLA set a new benchmark, becoming the first program to produce five first-round selections—including Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, Angela Dugalic, and Gianna Kneepkens—and six overall picks in a single draft record set. In a surprising maneuver immediately following the draft, the Minnesota Valkyries quickly flipped former LSU star Flau'jae Johnson, whom they selected eighth overall, sending her to the Seattle Storm alongside Marta Suarez and a future second-round pick Valks trade Johnson. Meanwhile, the Dallas Wings secured the top selection, drafting Azzi Fudd, reuniting her with former college teammate Paige Bueckers, while Minnesota subsequently selected Olivia Miles at number two Fudd goes No. 1. League expansion plans were also revealed, as Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated the WNBA is actively planning its first international game for the 2027 season.

WNBA free agency saw significant movement as established stars committed to new or existing teams; the Phoenix Mercury re-signed four-time All-Star Kahleah Copper and two-time champion DeWanna Bonner Mercury re-sign. In Los Angeles, Kelsey Plum is reportedly finalizing a one-year, $999,999 contract to return to the Sparks Plum returns to L.A., while three-time All-Star Dearica Hamby is also finalizing a multiyear commitment to remain in L.A. Hamby finalizing deal. The Chicago Sky made waves by signing seven-time All-Star Skylar Diggins and forward Azura Stevens Sky sign free agents, and the New York Liberty secured multiyear deals for both Satou Sabally and Jonquel Jones Liberty sign free agents. Elsewhere, the Seattle Storm acquired two-time All-Star Ariel Atkins from the Sky in exchange for the 2024 No. 4 pick, Rickea Jackson Sparks acquire Atkins.

College Basketball Transfers & Recruiting

College basketball saw several top talents realigning over the weekend. Five-star guard Dylan Mingo reopened his recruitment process after previously committing to North Carolina in February, instantly becoming the top available guard in the senior class Mingo decommits from UNC. In the transfer portal, new North Carolina coach Michael Malone secured his first major addition by landing Virginia Tech transfer Neoklis Avdalas Malone lands Avdalas. Texas landed a significant guard, bringing in Colorado freshman Isaiah Johnson, who averaged 16.9 points and 3.0 assists this past season Longhorns land Johnson, while Texas A&M successfully secured prolific scorer P.J. Haggerty from Kansas State Texas A&M lands Haggerty. Auburn star Tahaad Pettiford announced his return to the Tigers for his junior season, according to sources Pettiford returning to Auburn.

Combat Sports & Boxing

In the Octagon, Carlos Ulberg spectacularly captured the vacant light-heavyweight title at UFC 327 in Miami, knocking out Jiří Procházka in the first round despite appearing to suffer a knee injury moments earlier Ulberg stuns Prochazka. UFC 327 was widely praised, with fight grades suggesting nearly every bout exceeded expectations, although Procházka's title chance was ultimately blown UFC 327 exceeded expectations. Despite the victory, Ulberg's status remains uncertain as one report suggested he blew out his knee during the contest Ulberg blew out knee. The promotion also added a heavyweight matchup between Derrick Lewis and Josh Hokit to its upcoming White House event after President Donald Trump inquired why Lewis was not scheduled to fight Trump urges Lewis-Hokit. In boxing news, Regis Prograis, the former two-time super-lightweight world champion, announced his retirement at age 37 following a points loss to Conor Benn Prograis announces retirement.

European Rugby & Football

European club rugby saw dominant performances as reigning champions Bordeaux defeated French rivals Toulouse to set up a Champions Cup semi-final clash against English holders Bath Bordeaux beats Toulouse. Leinster also secured a home semi-final berth after overcoming Sale Sharks, setting up a fixture against Toulon Leinster books home semi. In the European Challenge Cup, the Dragons advanced to their first semi-final in a decade by edging out Zebre 35-32, earning a match against Montpellier, who eliminated Connacht Dragons beat Zebre. Meanwhile, in Rugby League's Challenge Cup quarter-finals, holders Hull KR thumped York Knights, with Tyrone May scoring a hat-trick, setting up a semi-final against Warrington Wolves, who themselves came from behind to beat Leigh Leopards Warrington secure semi.

International Rugby & Football

The Women's Six Nations saw Scotland prevail 24-19 over Wales in Cardiff during the opening round under new coach Sione Fukofuka Scotland beats Wales. England’s Red Roses machine continued its march, with a record crowd of 77,120 attending their match against Ireland, which star Ellie Kildunne suggested is becoming the norm England crowd becomes norm. However, the England squad suffered injury setbacks, ruling out Natasha Hunt and Morwenna Talling ahead of upcoming fixtures Talling & Hunt ruled out. In Welsh rugby administration, CEO Abi Tierney warned that further delays to controversial professional game proposals mean Wales will fall behind their counterparts Wales faces delay risk. On the football pitch, Manchester City’s ruthless display against Chelsea kept Arsenal sweating ahead of their title decider on April 19 Man City keeps Arsenal sweating.

Golf & Tennis Updates

At Augusta National, Rory McIlroy clinched his second consecutive green jacket after holding off a final-round charge from Scottie Scheffler by a single stroke McIlroy holds off Scheffler. Scheffler had previously fired a career-low 7-under 65 during the third round to climb back into contention Scheffler fires career-low 65. The third round also featured a historical moment when Shane Lowry recorded his second career hole-in-one at the Masters Lowry aces twice. Elsewhere in golf, betting odds suggest Scottie Scheffler is now the heavy favorite at 4-1 or shorter to win each of the next four majors through the 2027 Masters Scheffler odds set. In tennis, Daniil Medvedev was fined $7,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct after repeatedly smashing his racket during a loss at the Monte Carlo Masters Medvedev fined for racket smash.

Cricket & Track News

English cricket saw former international star James Anderson inspire Lancashire to a dramatic 29-run victory over Derbyshire, taking 4-18 as Derbyshire was dismissed for 108 Anderson inspires win. In county action, Notts established a commanding 450-run lead over Glamorgan, built upon Joe Clarke's century of 136 runs Clarke hits 136. The prestigious Wisden Almanack editor offered a scathing assessment of England’s recent Ashes performance, describing the team as "feckless, reckless and legless" following their tour of Australia Ashes tour slammed. On the track, 18-year-old Australian sprinter Gout Gout ran quicker than Usain Bolt did at the same age while winning at his national championships Gout faster than Bolt.

NASCAR, Cycling & Other Sports

Ty Gibbs, grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs, secured his first career Cup Series victory on Sunday at Bristol Motor Speedway, outdueling Ryan Blaney and Kyle Larson in an overtime finish Ty Gibbs gets first win. The brutal Paris-Roubaix cycling classic proved volatile, with Takamoto Katsuta claiming the lead of the World Rally Championship after Thierry Neuville crashed out of the lead at Rally Croatia Katsuta takes WRC lead. Meanwhile, legendary trainer Willie Mullins etched his name into Aintree folklore by securing his third consecutive Grand National victory with I Am Maximus, who became the first horse since Red Rum 49 years ago to regain the title Mullins equals record. In other news, former England batter James Taylor reflected on the 10th anniversary of his forced retirement at age 26 due to his heart condition, stating he "should have died" Taylor marks 10 years.

Wrestling, Player Health & Miscellaneous

ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale announced that he is beginning immunotherapy after being diagnosed with melanoma in his lung and liver cavity Vitale announces melanoma. In professional wrestling, the final episode of WWE 'Raw' ahead of Wrestle Mania 42 in Las Vegas set the stage for the upcoming major event Raw recap ahead. Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty discussed his recent return to training and his pathway toward the LA 2028 Games Peaty discusses return. Scottish 200m record holder Beth Dobbin announced her retirement from the sport, citing a "life-changing health issue" she has battled for three years Olympian Dobbin retires. Finally, a Championship rugby league match between Goole Vikings and Whitehaven was delayed by 80 minutes after a replica grenade was discovered on the grounds Rugby game delayed.