General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: June 19, 2026, 5:31 PM ET

Golf and Tennis Championships

The 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills began under a thick fog that delayed play, yet Wyndham Clark managed to establish a four-shot lead before darkness suspended the opening round. Keith Mitchell rebounded in record fashion on the back nine after a dismal start, while Rory McIlroy posted a one-under 69 as the course proved difficult for the field. Meanwhile, the USGA docked Joaquín Niemann two strokes for throwing a club during his round, marking the first time a player has faced a penalty under the new 2026 major championship code of conduct introduced to curb unsportsmanlike behavior. As officials aim for a fair course following the 2018 controversy, bettors have lengthened their odds on Scottie Scheffler despite his status as the pre-tournament favorite.

In the world of professional tennis, Corentin Moutet incurred a $40,000 fine for a series of profane outbursts during a live broadcast interview at Queen’s Club, resulting in the forfeiture of nearly all his prize money. British prospect Arthur Fery narrowly missed a milestone after falling to Francisco Cerundolo in the quarter-finals, though he had previously secured a notable victory over Adrian Mannarino. On the women’s tour, Aryna Sabalenka battled into the semi-finals in Berlin, while Jack Draper prepares for an Eastbourne return under the guidance of Andy Murray as Dan Evans failed to secure a wildcard for the upcoming Wimbledon main draw.

Rugby and Team Sports

Leinster retained their URC title with a dominant 36-7 victory over the Bulls at Croke Park, a match that saw captain Caelan Doris return to the starting line-up alongside Tadhg Furlong. In international rugby news, veteran prop James Slipper reversed his retirement to rejoin the Wallabies squad, while George North plans a final farewell for the Barbarians against Wales at Twickenham. As teams prepare for the Nations Championship, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named three uncapped players to his squad, though fly-half Jack Crowley remains sidelined due to injury.

The college sports landscape continues to shift as the Senate Commerce Committee voted 19-9 to advance the Protect College Sports Act to a full floor vote. Recruiting momentum remains high for Texas, which secured a commitment from five-star cornerback John Meredith III, while Texas A&M added four-star defender Kaden Henderson to their top-ranked 2027 class. Meanwhile, the legal saga surrounding former BYU receiver Parker Kingston saw a rape charge dismissed, although local prosecutors intend to refile the case shortly. In the professional ranks, Doug Gottlieb has finalized a contract extension to lead the Green Bay program through the 2030-31 season.

Cricket and Athletics

England’s Test side faces mounting pressure after a dreadful performance against New Zealand at The Oval, where debutant wicketkeeper James Rew struggled with dropped catches and Henry Nicholls anchored the visitors with a century. Amidst the team's struggles, the absence of Ben Stokes due to a curfew violation has drawn sharp criticism from Lord Botham, who condemned the breach as unjustifiable. Despite calls for his removal, Michael Vaughan warned that stripping Stokes of the captaincy would be a travesty for English cricket, even as the player begins his return to action with Durham this week.

In women’s athletics, the T20 World Cup continues with dominating performances from Australia and a four-wicket victory for England over Ireland, though captain Nat Sciver-Brunt faces a scan following a calf injury. Elsewhere, British sprinter Asha Philip has announced her retirement from the sport, while Olympic medallist Jenny Simpson remains in hospital after suffering a medical collapse during a track event in North Carolina. In cycling, Zoe Backstedt claimed a stage win at the Tour de Suisse Femmes, though the race was marred by a high-speed crash that left Urska Zigart with a fractured jaw.

WNBA and Combat Sports

The WNBA is poised for significant growth, with the league expanding to 50 games starting in 2027. On the court, the Las Vegas Aces advanced to the Commissioner's Cup final behind an 86-76 win over the Mercury, while the Atlanta Dream held off the Fever in a high-scoring 108-101 contest. Roster depth is being tested as both Brittney Sykes and Kiki Rice face extended absences due to injury, while Caitlin Clark has unveiled her signature shoe following intense consumer anticipation. Meanwhile, Valkyries guard Gabby Williams signed a multiyear deal with the Unrivaled league, and Azzi Fudd announced she will join the Project B circuit this offseason.

In combat sports, Ian Machado Garry is set to fight for the UFC title against Islam Makhachev on August 15 in Philadelphia, becoming the first Irishman to contest a belt since Conor McGregor. Controversy continues to surround UFC Freedom, where Alex Pereira accused Ciryl Gane of landing illegal strikes to the back of the head, a claim he alleges referee Herb Dean failed to address during the bout. Security concerns also gripped the sport, as the FBI thwarted planned attacks against members of Congress who were scheduled to attend the UFC event at the White House last Sunday.