General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: May 13, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

NHL & NBA Postseason Action

The NHL playoffs saw a major disciplinary action as Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy received a six-game suspension for slashing Buffalo's Zach Benson during Game 6 of their first-round series, immediately impacting the team's defensive depth. Out West, the San Antonio Spurs seized a 3-2 series lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves, indicating key takeaways from that series as the focus shifts toward the next potential matchup. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder continue to optimize for player happiness, a strategy that has positioned them as favored contenders for another NBA title entering the later stages of the playoffs.

Basketball Off-Court & WNBA

In women's college basketball, the rivalry between UConn and South Carolina is set to reignite as the programs scheduled their first game since the sideline altercation between Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley at the recent Final Four, with the neutral-site contest slated for November 24. In the WNBA, the Las Vegas Aces, despite facing early-season criticism following a draft-day trade and the release of a fan favorite, have successfully reversed the narrative with an early 2-0 start in the power rankings. On a personal note, Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd celebrated earning her MBA from UConn this week when her teammates marked the academic achievement by gifting her what amounted to a second degree.

Golf Majors & Player Updates

As the focus shifts to the PGA Championship, world number two Rory McIlroy stated he is "totally fine" despite dealing with a sore little toe, managing the issue by utilizing a "bigger and wider shoe with more cushioning" to prepare for the event. McIlroy enters the tournament with +910 odds, trailing Scottie Scheffler (+385), who commands his shortest pre-tournament odds ever for a PGA Championship, while Jon Rahm (+1400) and Cameron Young (+1475) also feature prominently among the contenders according to betting markets. Jon Rahm, having settled his dispute with the DP World Tour, confirmed his availability for Ryder Cup selection, a development which Luke Donald welcomed, though Rahm himself maintained that his primary job is playing golf, not fixing the business structure of the LIV Golf circuit as funding uncertainty looms.

Tennis Postseason & Returns

The European clay-court swing continues with Iga Swiatek demonstrating formidable form, producing another statement win to reach the semi-finals in Rome and appearing ruthless just ahead of Roland Garros after a dominant performance. Coco Gauff also managed to avoid an upset in Rome, fighting back from a set down to stay alive, though observers noted she must improve her level if she hopes to advance further in her French Open preparations. Meanwhile, veteran Venus Williams, now, is slated to compete in the women’s doubles at the French Open alongside 21-year-old Hailey Baptiste in a notable pairing, and Emma Raducanu is set to resume competitive play via a wildcard entry in Strasbourg to gain match fitness before heading to Paris.

Cycling & Endurance Events

In road cycling, the Giro d'Italia saw Spain's Igor Arrieta win a soaking-wet stage five following a dramatic breakaway battle, just days after Ecuador's Jhonatan Narvaez managed to secure victory on stage four three days after surviving a major crash that forced three of his teammates to abandon the race. Elsewhere in endurance sports, four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen is preparing to trade the contained environment of an F1 race for the challenge of the Nürburgring 24 Hours, prompting analysis on why he is making the switch. In a tragic development, Ethiopian long-distance runner Yebrgual Melese died at the age of 36 after falling ill during a routine training session.

Cricket International & Domestic News

England cricket saw several personnel announcements as the selectors ended Ollie Robinson’s two-year international absence, naming him in the squad alongside uncapped players Emilio Gay, James Rew, and Sonny Baker for the first Test versus New Zealand marking the first squad selection of the summer. New opener Emilio Gay marked his call-up by making an emotional 200-mile drive from Durham to Bedford specifically to tell his parents the news, while former wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor achieved a landmark appointment as England's fielding coach, becoming the first woman to coach any England national side in a major sport. Domestically, Hampshire all-rounder Liam Dawson announced his immediate retirement from first-class cricket after a distinguished career, and in Bangladesh, the Tigers secured their first-ever home Test victory over Pakistan, largely thanks to fast bowler Nahid Rana, who claimed figures of 5-40.

Rugby Union & League Developments

Welsh rugby is taking steps toward greater integration with English domestic competition, as the WRU has formally lodged interest to enter a team into the expanded Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) structure, a move supported by Ireland's Sam Monaghan who believes an Irish PWR club would be "amazing" for the growth of the women's game in that nation. On the injury front, Ulster center Stuart McCloskey is expected to miss the European Challenge Cup final after a confirmed hamstring injury will rule him out for "a number of weeks" according to team reports. In international rugby, former England hooker Brian Moore confirmed he will retire his broadcast commentary career after covering the Six Nations decider, while Saracens’ teenage talent Noah Caluori is targeting an England summer Test debut following a commanding breakthrough season in the Premiership.

US College Sports & Coaching Changes

The push for an expanded College Football Playoff format gained traction, with ACC commissioner Jim Phillips expressing support for a 24-team model, asserting it would provide necessary "hope" across the conference a view shared by a majority of coaches and ADs. Meanwhile, Texas Coach Steve Sarkisian directed pointed criticism towards Ole Miss academics, describing aspects of their program as "basket weaving," taking a shot at the Rebels just a day after Lane Kiffin’s own controversial remarks drawing comments from Florida coach Jon Sumrall as well. In Missouri, star running back Ahmad Hardy was released from the hospital after being shot early Sunday morning, and sources indicate he is already targeting a return to the field, having previously ranked second in FBS in rushing yards before the incident.

Combat Sports & Player Milestones

Khamzat Chimaev's team has indicated the fighter is currently "obsessed" with securing an immediate title rematch against Sean Strickland, stating that it is "the only fight he will accept right now" following their UFC 328 encounter, which saw seven finishes on the card but only one earning an A grade from reviewers during the fight grades analysis. In professional wrestling, WWE Backlash featured the ascent of younger talent alongside an intensifying feud between Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu, serving as the defining themes of the event according to takeaways. Separately, Ronda Rousey is looking to rewrite her MMA legacy in an event she orchestrated, which will feature Gina Carano returning to the sport after a 17-year absence to pioneer a new era.

Miscellaneous Sports Updates & Career News

In boxing, Daniel Dubois maintained his position in the heavyweight divisional rankings, although David Morrell was removed from the 175-pound list in the latest ESPN rankings update, while Belfast's Lewis Crocker is scheduled to defend his IBF welterweight title against Liam Paro in Brisbane on June 24 for the regional belt. Cyclist Katie Archibald announced her retirement from the sport, despite being named to the 2026 Commonwealth Games squad, explaining that she has "fallen in love" with her new career path as a registered nurse. In a unique dual-sport pursuit, Katherine Legge is set to attempt to become the first woman to complete the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 "double" on the same day by competing in both races.