General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: May 21, 2026, 11:58 PM ET

Motorsports & Auto Racing

The motorsports world is mourning the loss of NASCAR icon Kyle Busch, who died at age 41 after being hospitalized with severe illness that forced him out of Sunday's Coca-Cola. Busch's record 233 combined victories across NASCAR's three national series made him the winningest driver in the sport's history, earning him induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame just days before his passing. Meanwhile, Kevin Harvick's broadcasting career received recognition with his Hall of Fame selection, capping a career that began under tragedy at Daytona in 2001. Adding levity to Indianapolis Motor Speedway weekend, the Wienie 500 promises to be a viral spectacle before Sunday's Indy.

Basketball

Caitlin Clark's back soreness injury created controversy when the Indiana Fever failed to initially list her on the injury report before she was scratched from Wednesday's game, prompting league warnings about reporting protocols. The Oklahoma City Thunder continue their championship push with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 30 points to even their playoff series against San Antonio, while their organizational culture of player happiness positions them as title favorites. In college basketball, Michigan's Morez Johnson Jr. announced he'll remain in the NBA draft, joining a wave of early entries that could reshape the 2026-27 college landscape.

Tennis

The French Open begins amid controversy as organizers refuse to adjust prize money despite player complaints, leading to planned media boycotts limiting interviews to 15 minutes. Jannik Sinner starts his career Grand Slam bid against French wildcard Clement Tabur, while Emma Raducanu draws clay-court specialist Solana Sierra in a tricky first-round matchup. Britain's Toby Samuel reaches the main draw after defeating David Goffin in qualifying, marking a breakthrough for British tennis.

Rugby

Ulster faces Montpellier in Friday's Challenge Cup final with a severely depleted squad, as missing quartet Henderson, McCloskey, Herring and Stockdale will be replaced by fit-again winger Robert Baloucoune and other squad members. Prop Angus Bell hopes to create memories as Ulster seeks their first silverware in 20 years, while head coach Richie Murphy calls for maximum fight against the French champions. Montpellier's Billy Vunipola discusses his fresh start after turning down Tonga selection to focus on European competition.

Darts & Snooker

Stephen Bunting signed off his Premier League campaign with a 6-3 victory over Luke Humphries, securing his second nightly win of the year in Sheffield. In World Snooker, Thai teenager Panchaya Channoi to claim the Women's World Snooker Championship title, marking a generational shift in women's cue sports.

Golf

Aaron Rai's PGA Championship victory came after receiving crucial advice from his wife before the final round, propelling him to his first major title. The CJ Cup Byron Nelson kicks off this week with Scottie Scheffler favored, while Graeme McDowell secured US Open qualification through sectional qualifying at Shinnecock Hills.

Ice Hockey

Great Britain's Ice Hockey World Championship campaign and 5-0 defeat to Hungary, leaving the tournament favorites struggling in the group stage. The losses highlight Britain's ongoing development challenges against established hockey nations.

Boxing & MMA

Oleksandr Usyk prepares for Rico Verhoeven challenge with promoter Eddie Hearn calling the novice "not a normal man" despite facing a "mountain to climb." Belfast's Caoimhin Agyarko will challenge Josh Kelly for the IBF light-middleweight title this summer. Former Bellator boss Scott Coker announced plans for new fight league aiming to become a global MMA brand. Claressa Shields faces MVP ban after altercation with Alycia Baumgardner.

Cycling

Belgium's Alec Segaert claimed his first Grand Tour stage win on the Giro d'Italia, keeping teammate Afonso Eulalio in the overall lead. Ecuador's Jhonatan Narvaez won stage 11 as the race entered its decisive mountain phases, while Italy's Filippo Ganna dominated the time trial with a nearly two-minute winning margin over second place.

College Sports

The college football transfer portal continues reshaping quarterback competitions, with starters often locked in by portal investments. Top-10 recruit Kam Mercer committed to Cincinnati while planning to reclassify to 2027, and Eve Long became Notre Dame's prized 2027 commitment. Kentucky and Gonzaga mutually agreed to discontinue their scheduled basketball series. Billie Jean King graduated at age 82 from Cal State Los Angeles, completing her degree in history.

Football

Former LSU coach Ed Orgeron returns as special assistant under Lane Kiffin, reuniting with the program where he won the 2019 national championship. Tommy Tuberville won Alabama's Republican gubernatorial nomination, setting up a potential political career after his coaching and Senate tenure. The NAACP launched boycott campaign targeting public universities over voting restrictions, calling for Black athletes and fans to withdraw support.

WNBA

Nneka Ogwumike returns to Los Angeles Sparks after helping negotiate the new CBA, aiming to lead the franchise back to playoffs. The Chicago Sky cracked top five in power rankings following their dramatic turnaround, though Rickea Jackson's torn ACL creates uncertainty for the remainder of the season. Caitlin Clark will serve as Indy 500 Grand Marshal for Sunday's 110th running.

Baseball

Georgia's baseball team leads the SEC behind their home-run hitting prowess