General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: May 20, 2026, 2:52 PM ET

Tennis & College Basketball

The tennis world bristled at prize money as players limited French Open media sessions to 15 minutes, protesting the €49.2 million total purse that lags behind other Grand Slams. Meanwhile, the college basketball landscape shifted with a top commitment as Eve Long, the No. 5 overall recruit and top forward in the 2027 class, pledged to Notre Dame, bolstering the Fighting Irish’s future frontcourt.

Cycling

At the Giro d’Italia, Ecuador’s Jhonatan Narvaez claimed stage 11 victory to extend his and Ineos Grenadiers’ dominant run, while Filippo Ganna blasted to a time trial win on stage, finishing nearly two minutes clear of the field and failing to overhaul Jonas Vingegaard for the overall lead. The American, Matteo Jorgenson, lost ground in the general classification after a puncture.

Golf

LIV Golf faced financial headwinds as reports surfaced of bankruptcy preparations, even as the league pitched a new business model to investors. On the PGA Tour, the CJ Cup at Byron Nelson prompted betting analysis, with Scottie Scheffler highlighted as the pre-tournament favorite. Aaron Rai’s PGA Championship victory stunned sportsbooks, having been listed at 290-1, while Kurt Kitayama’s 63 tied a major final-round record. Rory McIlroy clashed with a fan after a final-round meltdown at Aronimick.

Rugby Union

Ulster Rugby prepared for a historic final by appointing Clarke Dermody as forwards coach, with captain Angus Bell eager to create memories against Montpellier. England bolstered its squad by calling up former South Africa U20 center Benhard Janse van Rensburg, while Scotland’s Neah Evans saw Commonwealth hopes dim due to illness. Wales grappled with continued struggles after another winless Six Nations, and England’s Sally Bolton announced her Wimbledon departure.

Soccer

Cardiff City secured defensive stability by handing Joel Bagan a long-term deal, though midfielder Ryan Wintle confirmed his exit. Scotland suffered a heavy ODI loss to the USA in Cricket World Cup League, while Liverpool won the 2030 Gymnastics Worlds bid. The NAACP launched a boycott campaign targeting public universities over voting restrictions, a move with potential recruiting fallout.

Motorsports

Alexander Rossi was hospitalized after a crash at Indianapolis 500 practice, casting doubt on his race participation. The Indy 500 named a grand marshal as Caitlin Clark received the honor, while Denny Hamlin survived a chaotic All-Star Race to beat Chase Briscoe. In Formula, the Canadian Grand Prix approached with questions about driver participation in other series.

Mixed Martial Arts & Combat Sports

Ronda Rousey’s MMA return drew 17 million viewers on Netflix, setting a record. Most Valuable Promotions banned Claressa Shields after a ringside altercation, even as the promotion vowed to continue its MMA venture. Jake Paul and MVP MMA promised continued disruption.

Basketball (WNBA & NBA)

The WNBA saw a major injury as Rickea Jackson tore her ACL, ending her season with the Chicago Sky. Caitlin Clark set a 20-point, 10-assist record before adding to it, while Aliyah Boston missed her first game with a lower leg injury. The Eastern Conference finals set after the Cavaliers swept the Pistons, and the Thunder built a drama-free contender through player-centric culture.

College Sports (NCAA)

The transfer portal altered quarterback competitions as starters became harder to dislodge. Michigan’s athletic director sought steadiness after a tumultuous period featuring titles and controversy. The Big Ten pushed for a 24-team CFP, with commissioner Tony Petitti criticizing the 16-team model. Former coach Tommy Tuberville won Alabama’s GOP gubernatorial nod. Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby filed an eligibility lawsuit.

Other Sports

Britain’s Toby Samuel moved within one win of a French Open singles berth after qualifying. Scotland’s ice hockey team lost 5-0 to Hungary at the World Championship. Ronnie O’Sullivan claimed a snooker title with five centuries. England’s Lottie Woad won her second LPGA event. A 15-year-old Indian prodigy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, blasted 93 off 38 balls in the IPL. Graeme McDowell qualified for the U.S. Open. The Enhanced Games provoked ethical debates as the “Steroid Olympics” approached. A former Wales and Lions center, Arthur Lewis, died at 84.