General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: June 25, 2026, 8:31 PM ET

MMA & Boxing

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall confirmed he has been medically cleared to resume contact and has returned to "full training" for a potential fight with interim champion Ciryl Gane. Separately, Floyd Mayweather's exhibition bout against Mike Zambidis in Greece, scheduled for Saturday, has been called off, according to court documents filed Thursday. In other combat sports news, PFL women's featherweight champion Cris Cyborg will defend her title against Ketlen Viera on August 22 in what is slated to be the final MMA fight of her career. Former boxing world champion Joe Cordina faces assault and weapon threat charges, with a visa block also preventing a fight in the US. Meanwhile, Dustin Poirier has acknowledged the need for help following an arrest for alleged public drunkenness.

Basketball

The WNBA continues to be a focal point with multiple player developments. Phoenix Mercury's Alyssa Thomas received a one-game suspension for making contact with Caitlin Clark's throat during a recent game against the Indiana Fever. Clark herself exited Wednesday's matchup against the Mercury with a back issue and did not return, though she later scored 24 points in a rally against Phoenix, earning her fifth technical foul of the season. Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White criticized referees for their officiating surrounding Clark, calling it "egregious" and "utterly disrespectful". Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum will miss at least four weeks due to a left leg injury. In player recognition, Indiana Fever teammates Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark are leading WNBA All-Star fan voting after the second returns. A new ranking of the WNBA's 15 most clutch players of all time has been released as Elena Delle Donne and Candace Parker head into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.

The Chicago Sky's Courtney Vandersloot, sidelined since tearing her ACL last June, is anticipated to make her 2026 debut Friday against the Chicago Fire, according to a source. In men's basketball, Britain's Tobi Lawal expressed his commitment to NBA greatness after being drafted, stating he will "live" in the gym to establish himself. The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly nearing a five-year, $112 million deal for free agent guard Ayo Dosunmu. The Portland Trail Blazers are hiring Micah Nori as their new head coach, with Nori having spent the last five seasons as an assistant for the Wolves.

Tennis

Tennis Hall of Famer Chris Evert announced Thursday that her ovarian cancer has returned, and ongoing treatment will prevent her from attending Wimbledon. Despite a 20% increase in this year's prize money, leading tennis players plan to expand their protest at Wimbledon. Wimbledon qualifying saw a trio of Britons—Ollie Tarvet, Billy Harris, and Max Basing—secure spots in the main draw . However, former Wimbledon champion Dan Evans' singles career concluded with a loss in Wimbledon qualifying second-round action. Emma Raducanu is managing an injury aggravated during her run to the Queen's final, leading her to miss Wimbledon practice on Thursday. Jack Draper, returning from injury, advanced to the Eastbourne Open semi-finals, expressing growing confidence in his body. Amanda Anisimova is preparing for a strong showing at Wimbledon after recovering from last year's final.

The International Olympic Committee has committed over $100 million to athletes, establishing a fund for $10,000 grants that Olympians can apply for post-Games. Cricket

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak believes 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi possesses the "natural abilities" to succeed internationally, with his debut potentially coming in Friday's T20I against Ireland. India faces Australia in a crucial group stage match on Sunday at Lord's as the Women's T20 World Cup concludes. England secured a semi-final spot in the T20 World Cup by defeating the West Indies by 38 runs. Australia remains unbeaten in the Women's T20 World Cup after an 113-run victory over Pakistan, with Ellyse Perry scoring 71. New Zealand eliminated Scotland from the T20 World Cup, keeping their semi-final hopes alive. Sri Lanka kept their semi-final aspirations intact with a nine-wicket win over Ireland, powered by Chamari Athapaththu's unbeaten 106. Legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin indicated that Indian players are unlikely to participate in The Hundred or other international franchise leagues in the near future. King Charles offered his support to the Afghan women's cricket team, who are no longer permitted to play official games.

Rugby Union

Warrington overcame injury setbacks to draw level on points with Leeds at the top of Super League following a resilient victory over Catalans. Hull KR has appointed Nathan Cayless as their head coach on a three-year contract starting next season. Cardiff hooker Liam Belcher will miss Wales' summer matches due to a neck injury. Gloucester-bound hooker Rory Lake will captain Wales in their four summer internationals, commencing with Saturday's match against the Barbarians. George North is set to conclude his rugby career playing for the Barbarians against Wales on Saturday. England assistant Richard Wigglesworth stated that resting Maro Itoje for the upcoming match against South Africa is the correct decision. England captain Ben Stokes has apologized to his teammates ahead of his return for the third Test against New Zealand. Head coach Brendon McCullum denied rumors of a rift with Stokes, affirming their continued friendship. England will employ ice packs, F1-style cooling vests, and other measures to manage the heat during their match against the West Indies, according to stand-in captain Charlie Dean. The Rugby Football League will implement two 90-second hydration breaks during games this weekend to assist players amidst extreme weather conditions. England's top female rugby players could earn £100,000 each if they successfully defend their Women's Rugby World Cup title in Australia in 2029.

Cycling & Motorsport

Zoe Backstedt successfully defended her British national elite women's time trial title at the 2026 championships. Oscar Onley has been ruled out of the upcoming Tour de France due to a shoulder injury. The Austrian Grand Prix has been designated a heat-hazard race by the FIA due to the ongoing heatwave. Seven-time Moto GP world champion Marc Marquez has signed a new deal with Ducati, keeping him with the team until 2028.

Golf

PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp will assume the role of commissioner in addition to his current duties when Jay Monahan steps down at the end of the year. Tiger Woods made his first public appearance since his arrest, introducing CEO Brian Rolapp at a PGA Tour press conference. The PGA Tour has approved changes to its competitive structure, including promotion and relegation elements set to be implemented from 2028 97. Soccer

The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage continues, with the USMNT and Germany among the teams in action. Lionel Messi made history by becoming the World Cup's all-time top scorer, a feat attributed in part to Argentina's team performance. England's goalless draw with Ghana, while not a cause for panic, served as a reality check. Miami coach Mario Cristobal secured commitments for the 2028 and 2029 classes, with offensive tackle Kweli Fielder and quarterback CJ Cypher committing to the program.

Other Sports News

The International Olympic Committee will offer a $10,000 grant to future Olympians for each Games they participate in. The BBC has secured broadcasting rights for Wimbledon until 2033. British qualifier Ollie Tarvet, Billy Harris, and Max Basing have reached the Wimbledon main draw. The NCAA Division I Cabinet has unanimously approved a new five-year, age-based eligibility model for student-athletes. A lawsuit has been filed by 15 college basketball players claiming the NCAA's new eligibility rules are unfair to the high school class of 2022. Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold was arrested in Tampa, Florida, in connection with an alleged kidnapping and armed robbery. Olympic gold medalist skier Bode Miller had two misdemeanor drug charges against him dropped, according to his attorney. A man has been charged for allegedly stalking Fever player Sophie Cunningham. Ohio State will induct former coach Jim Tressel into the Ohio Stadium Ring of Honor on September 5, recognizing his six Big Ten titles and the 2002 National Championship. The Miami Marlins are seeking a dog as part of their promotional efforts.