General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: July 14, 2026, 5:31 PM ET

Golf World Prepares for The Open Championship

The 154th Open Championship is set to begin, with Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy among the top contenders, while the possibility of an English winner on home soil at Royal Birkdale looms large focus on storylines. Scheffler, who missed the cut at the Scottish Open, is experiencing a rare weekend off as he prepares for the major. David Howard, diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age seven, has qualified for The Open, marking a significant personal achievement. Meanwhile, English golfers face a scheduling dilemma, with early tee times for Thursday potentially clashing with England's World Cup match against Argentina facing a dilemma. Matt Fitzpatrick has voiced concerns that sports betting is contributing to the personal abuse directed at golfers.

Rugby Union Nations Championship Heats Up

Scotland forwards coach John Dalziel emphasized the need for results over praise as the team at Murrayfield. England utility back Marcus Smith believes there is still significant room for improvement despite an 11-try performance against Fiji. Ireland are preparing for a tough challenge against New Zealand at Eden Park, with assistant coach Andrew Goodman confirming Rob Baloucoune and Jeremy Loughman are fit. New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie acknowledged Ireland's ability and potential threat well aware. Wales prop Rhys Carre felt the team took a step back in their Nations Championship defeat against Argentina. Scrum-half Raffi Quirke has earned an England call-up for the upcoming clash with Argentina. Wales captain Dewi Lake is expected to miss the match against South Africa due to injury.

Soccer World Cup and Tournament Buzz

Spain's national team is fostering a strong "all for one" mentality as they prepare to face France's formidable attack in the World Cup semifinals. Spain winger Lamine Yamal's comments about France fearing the defending European champions were not intended as disrespectful, according to Jules Koundé. Switzerland forward Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation after a VAR review during a World Cup quarterfinal match against Argentina. The ICC is considering significant structural changes, including potential World Cup reductions and the introduction of a World Club T20 competition.

WNBA and Basketball News

Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles achieved a career-high 33 points, becoming the first WNBA player to reach 400 points, 100 rebounds, and 100 assists in just 22 games scored a career-high. The Indiana Fever, led by Kelsey Mitchell's sixth consecutive 25-point game, have climbed to No. 4 in the WNBA Power Rankings, while Golden State remains at the top. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton of the New York Liberty was ejected after throwing a shoe that hit Toronto's Marina Mabrey during a close game. The NCAA announced that beginning next year, the top 16 teams in the women's basketball tournament will be seeded according to their true ranking, irrespective of conference affiliation. Eleven Division I athletes have filed a federal class action lawsuit against the NCAA, alleging that new eligibility rules have adversely affected them.

Gymnastics and Olympic Aspirations

American gymnastics star Suni Lee has announced her return, aiming for a third Olympic appearance at the 2028 Los Angeles Games making a run. Team NI heptathlete Kate O'Connor highlighted the effective dynamic of having her father as her coach. Max Whitlock, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, has withdrawn from the upcoming Commonwealth Games due to a hand injury sustained in training. BBC Sport NI is profiling the 65 athletes who will represent Team NI at the Commonwealth Games.

UFC and Combat Sports Updates

Paddy Pimblett strengthened his claim for a lightweight title shot with a 52-second submission win at UFC 329. Gable Steveson made a successful UFC debut, securing a first-round TKO victory over Elisha Ellison. Conor McGregor's highly anticipated return at UFC 329 ended abruptly due to an injury sustained in the opening minute, raising questions about his future in the sport. Despite the outcome, McGregor remains a significant draw, but UFC 329 may reveal his current standing in the sport. Standout performances from other fighters at UFC, including Paddy Pimblett and Gable Steveson, saved the event from being overshadowed by McGregor's short-lived comeback.

NASCAR and Motorsports

Ryan Blaney secured a dominant victory in the weather-delayed NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta, emerging from a three-wide battle on the final lap of overtime. Seven-time Moto GP world champion Marc Marquez achieved his 10th German Moto GP win with a commanding performance at the Sachsenring.

College Sports and Athletic Department News

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel is defending his tenure and has expressed no desire to leave the university. Sources indicate that the University of Michigan regents are expected to discuss an investigation into the athletic department's culture and will likely make a decision regarding AD Manuel soon. Lagerald Vick, a former Kansas Jayhawks player, has been charged with attempted first-degree murder in Tennessee.

Other Sports News

Jordan Walker won the Home Run Derby with a dramatic final-round performance, becoming the first Cardinal to claim the title. The World Series of Poker main event final table has been set, with nine players vying for the $10 million first prize. Former tennis player Mardy Fish captured his third American Century Championship title, finishing ahead of celebrities like Tony Romo and Stephen Curry. England's Brendon McCullum era as Test head coach is being reviewed, with the ECB considering between six and 10 candidates to replace him. The historic Lord's Test between England and India struggled for relevance amidst scheduling issues and the announcement of McCullum's sacking, prompting questions about the future of women's Test cricket. Heather Knight's legacy in English cricket is being celebrated, with discussions underway about the future of the team. Yorkshire have advanced to the T20 Blast quarter-finals, while Hampshire have secured a home tie in the last eight. Mathieu van der Poel won a shortened ninth stage of the 2026 Tour de France due to extreme heat. Gaelic football rivals Dublin and Kerry are set for another significant clash in the All-Ireland SFC semi-final, with Kerry ultimately triumphing by two points. Dublin manager Ger Brennan is calling for the introduction of video technology in GAA to aid officials in making crucial decisions. Brodie Croft scored a hat-trick to help Leeds maintain their lead at the top of Super League.