General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: June 17, 2026, 2:52 PM ET

Basketball

The WNBA will expand to 50 games beginning in 2027, marking a significant increase from the current 44-game schedule as the league continues its growth trajectory. New York Liberty clinched the Commissioner's Cup final berth with an 86-64 victory over Washington, riding a seven-game winning streak that propelled them back to the top of the power rankings. Meanwhile, Dallas Wings transformed from mediocrity into legitimate contenders behind a retooled roster and new coaching staff, signaling a potential shift in the league's competitive balance. The expansion comes as viewership and sponsorship deals reach new heights, with league officials projecting continued growth through 2030.

Golf

The golf world settled on a 2030 implementation date for the controversial ball rollback, with the USGA and R&A agreeing to a single-phase rollout that will affect all major championships starting in January of that year. Scottie Scheffler remains the U.S. Open favorite despite lengthened odds for the career Grand Slam, as oddsmakers assess his chances amid a stacked field at Shinnecock Hills. Rory McIlroy called for course setup caution after concerns that recent U.S. Open conditions have "gotten out of control," while also expressing worry that PGA Tour's "Track Two" events will become "glorified Korn Ferry events." Brooks Koepka confirmed his participation despite withdrawing from last week's Canadian Open with a hand injury, joining a field that includes Robert Mac Intyre seeking redemption after his 2025 U.S. Open heartbreak.

Soccer & Motor Sports

Erling Haaland declared himself ready for World Cup debut with Norway, declaring his love for representing his country on football's biggest stage. Lewis Hamilton delivered a statement victory in Barcelona, securing his first Ferrari win as a moment of redemption after questions about his adaptation to the new team. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente maintained composure after a 0-0 draw with underdog Cape Verde, insisting tournament favorites won't panic despite the disappointing result. Formula One accelerated toward net-zero goals through sustainable aviation fuel investments and revised shipping schedules, while McLaren launched an appeal against Pierre Gasly's penalty reversal at Monaco.

Rugby Union

England coach Brian McDermott named 10 uncapped players in an expanded 38-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, recalling Man of Steel Jake Connor while dealing with multiple injury concerns. Leinster confirmed Caelan Doris as captain for Friday's United Rugby Championship final against the Bulls, with Tadhg Furlong returning to the lineup but Andrew Porter ruled out through injury. Exeter wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Northampton scrum-half Alex Mitchell received surprise clearance for Saturday's Premiership final at Twickenham, adding intrigue to a match already featuring dramatic semi-final storylines. Queensland produced a stunning comeback against New South Wales as Selwyn Cobbo scored a second-half hat-trick to level the State of Origin series.

Tennis

Arthur Fery delivered a superb performance to defeat Adrian Mannarino at the HSBC Championships in Queen's, keeping British hopes alive in the ATP event. Cameron Norrie fell in his injury return to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, marking the Briton's first singles loss since suffering a rib injury in May. Spain's teenage breakthrough star Rafael Jodar reached another milestone with his Queen's debut in what has been a year of firsts for the 19-year-old. Audrey Werro won the women's 800m while two-time world champion Femke Broeders-Bol impressed in her distance debut, though Werro missed the record.

Mixed Martial Arts

Justin Gaethje shocked Ilia Topuria to capture the UFC lightweight championship in front of President Donald Trump at the White House event, forcing the heavily favored Georgian to retire on his stool. Ciryl Gane crushed Alex Pereira to claim the interim heavyweight title, though Pereira filed formal complaints about illegal blows to the back of his head that went unpunished by referee Herb Dean. UFC president Dana White declared the White House event a success while simultaneously ruling out future political venues, calling it simultaneously "great" and something that "we'll never do again." Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall targeted a