General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: May 13, 2026, 11:31 AM ET

Golf & Individual Sports Milestones

As the 2026 PGA Championship approaches, pre-tournament analysis is heating up, with experts dividing their top picks between Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, while betting analysts seek value plays, even as McIlroy dealt with a minor physical setback, halting a practice round due to soreness from a troublesome toenail. Meanwhile, Jon Rahm is focusing solely on his play, asserting that fixing the broader business issues facing LIV Golf is the responsibility of tour executives, not the players themselves. In the LIV sphere, Tom McKibbin stated he has absolutely no regrets about his decision to join the Saudi-backed circuit despite recent funding uncertainties.

Elsewhere on the links, South African upstart Yurav Premlall nearly matched a major record, winning the Catalunya Championship by an astonishing 14 shots, coming within one stroke of tying a longstanding European Tour performance benchmark. In a different competitive environment, darts saw Northern Ireland's Josh Rock capture the Austrian Open title, defeating Kevin Doets 8-6 for his first European Tour victory in nearly two years.

Tennis & Combat Sports Updates

In women's tennis, Iga Swiatek is displaying ruthless form in Rome, dropping just one game in a dominant victory over Elisabetta Cocciaretto to set up a highly anticipated fourth-round clash with Naomi Osaka after earlier dispatching her opponent. On the comeback trail, Emma Raducanu has been granted a wildcard for the Strasbourg tournament, aiming to secure much-needed match fitness ahead of the French Open, while Coco Gauff also navigated a tough draw in Rome, fighting back from a set down to stay in contention. In other competitive news, Ronda Rousey is set to reconstruct her MMA narrative by participating in a marquee event she helped mastermind, which will feature Gina Carano returning to the sport after a 17-year hiatus pioneering a new era of MMA.

UFC 328 concluded with definitive results, as Sean Strickland secured an upset victory over the previously undefeated Khamzat Chimaev via a split decision to claim the middleweight championship in a fight that ended the unbeaten streak; however, Chimaev’s team confirmed he is now "obsessed" with securing an immediate rematch stating it is the only fight he will accept, despite the main card only earning one A-grade fight review according to ESPN's grading system. Elsewhere in combat sports, ESPN's latest divisional rankings saw Daniel Dubois retain his heavyweight position after delivering a brutal Round 11 knockout to become a two-time world champion.

Major Retirement & Career Shifts

The world of cricket experienced several significant announcements, including Hampshire all-rounder Liam Dawson retiring immediately from first-class cricket, while South Africa's Shabnim Ismail reversed her international retirement to be included in the Proteas' T20 World Cup squad after previously stepping away from the game. In cycling, three-time Olympic medallist Katie Archibald announced her retirement, citing a newfound passion for nursing, even after being selected for the 2026 Commonwealth Games team. Rugby saw Wales & Scarlets lock Jake Ball confirm his retirement at the end of the season at age 34 ending his professional career, while former England hooker Brian Moore will hang up his microphone after 26 years in commentary.

Rugby Union & League Developments

In rugby union, Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey will be sidelined for several weeks due to a hamstring injury, forcing him to miss the European Challenge Cup final, as the Premiership's playoff picture tightened with Saracens, Leicester, and Exeter all claiming major wins in the race for top-four spots. On the international front, England has recalled Ollie Robinson after a two-year exile and named uncapped players Emilio Gay, James Rew, and Sonny Baker for the first Test against New Zealand as the team faces key selection decisions, while Wales players publicly backed their new captain Keira Bevan as the team seeks to end a nine-game losing streak. Furthermore, Welsh rugby is exploring expansion, with the WRU lodging interest to enter a team in the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) competition a move supported by player Sam Monaghan.

NCAA & US College Sports Turmoil

College football saw continued drama regarding institutional standards, as Texas coach Steve Sarkisian sharply criticized Ole Miss academics immediately following controversial comments made by Rebels coach Lane Kiffin, with Florida coach Jon Sumrall also weighing in on the debate. In roster construction news, Oklahoma State's new coach Eric Morris has overseen a massive overhaul, bringing in 20 players from North Texas as part of an influx of 85 new roster members. Meanwhile, in basketball, the Washington Wizards secured the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft lottery following the conclusion of the drawing process, while the Oklahoma City Thunder's commitment to player happiness is reportedly driving their success as they enter the season favored to win another title.

NFL, WNBA, & International Fixtures

The NFL announced an expansion of its international presence, confirming the Philadelphia Eagles will participate in a record slate of London games during the 2026 season. In the WNBA, the narrative around the Valkyries has shifted following their 2-0 start, succeeding despite earlier criticism regarding a draft-day trade and the cutting of a fan favorite as they rise in the power rankings. Internationally, former England boss Eddie Jones was fined and handed a four-game suspension for abusing match officials while coaching Japan during an under-23 tour in Australia last month.

Cricket & Other Global Competitions

Bangladesh secured a historic home victory, with fast bowler Nahid Rana taking figures of 5-40 to help the Tigers achieve their first-ever Test win over Pakistan on home soil. In related squad news, England faces fitness concerns as bowler Issy Wong awaits a scan on a hamstring issue before the T20 World Cup decision, while former England spinner Kirsty Gordon earned a recall to the Scotland squad for the tournament after nearly a nine-year absence. Further international cricket saw Scotland successfully defend 13 runs in the final over to secure a thrilling, rain-affected ODI victory against Nepal in Kirtipur.

Retirements, Returns, & Athlete Ventures

Veteran athletes across multiple sports are making career decisions: Rugby international Nikita Prothero has chosen to represent Wales, proudly displaying the Welsh word "hiraeth" tattooed on her forearm as the switch became non-negotiable for her new cap. Ex-England hooker Tom Youngs has transitioned into the food industry, stating his new burger venture is designed to bring more families to the farm. Finally, motorsport will feature a rare double attempt as Katherine Legge aims to become the first woman to complete the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day attempting the Indy-NASCAR double.

Health & Regulatory Concerns

A survey conducted by UK Anti-Doping revealed a concerning frequency of exposure among young people to social media advertisements promoting "life-threatening" performance-enhancing substances on a weekly basis. In horse racing, Ros Canter and her mount Lordships Graffalo made history by becoming the first combination to win the Badminton Horse Trials three times. Tragedy struck the running community with the death of Ethiopian long-distance runner Yebrgual Melese at age 36 after falling ill during training.