General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: July 15, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

ESPYS and Sports Entertainment

The 2026 ESPYS have recognized top athletes across various sports, with Jalen Brunson and A'ja Wilson among the award recipients. The event, held at the David H. Koch Theater, featured stars like Myles Garrett and Chloe Kim stars are shining on the red carpet. Elsewhere, Lionel Messi's crucial assists in Argentina's 2-1 semifinal victory over England have propelled them to the final against Spain. Meanwhile, Flavor Flav has emerged as a significant supporter of women's sports, highlighted by his involvement in the inaugural SHE Weekend.

WNBA and Basketball News

The Indiana Fever are on a hot streak, climbing to No. 4 in the WNBA Power Rankings thanks to Kelsey Mitchell's sixth consecutive 25-point performance. The Golden State remains atop the rankings. In draft news, WNBA All-Star general managers Teresa Weatherspoon and Cynthia Cooper exchanged playful jabs, with Weatherspoon boasting about her team's competitiveness. Rookie Olivia Miles has achieved a significant milestone for the Minnesota Lynx, becoming the first WNBA player to reach 400 points, 100 rebounds, and 100 assists in just 22 games, contributing to their win over the Phoenix Mercury. However, Wings star Paige Bueckers voiced concerns about the lack of Black women head coaches in the WNBA, advocating for equal opportunities called out the lack of Black women. The NCAA women's basketball tournament will implement a new seeding system, placing the top 16 teams in their true ranking regardless of conference affiliation, beginning next year. In concerning news, former Kansas player Lagerald Vick has been charged with attempted first-degree murder in Tennessee has been charged.

NFL and College Football Outlooks

The debate for the best wide receiver in the NFL continues, with questions arising about whether Ja'Marr Chase or Justin Jefferson holds the top spot, and which teams boast a top-10 duo at the position. In college football, NC State's CJ Bailey is being touted as a potential breakout star for the 2026 season. New Miami quarterback Darian Mensah cited the success of Cam Ward and Carson Beck in Coral Gables as a significant factor in his transfer from Duke. The ACC has introduced a new tiebreaker policy for its football championship game, aimed at ensuring the league's two best teams compete for the title.

Golf and Tennis Updates

The 2026 Open Championship is drawing closer, with experts weighing in on favorites and betting value. Scotland's Robert Mac Intyre expresses confidence in his improved game heading into the championship. The possibility of the Open Championship being hosted at Portmarnock Golf Club in Dublin is reportedly nearing realization. Meanwhile, golfer David Howard, who has cystic fibrosis, has qualified for The Open. Matt Fitzpatrick has raised concerns about the growing problem of sports betting contributing to personal abuse directed at golfers. In other golf news, former tennis player Mardy Fish secured his third American Century Championship title, defeating Pavelski and Curry.

Rugby Union and International Football

Ireland has recalled key players, including Robert Baloucoune, for their Nations Championship clash against New Zealand in Auckland. Assistant coach Andrew Goodman confirmed Baloucoune and Jeremy Loughman are fit for the match. New Zealand coach Dave Rennie acknowledges Ireland's ability and expects a tough contest. Despite the daunting venue of Eden Park, Ireland's Conor Murray believes a "small 1%" margin could make the difference. Wales captain Dewi Lake is expected to miss the upcoming Test against South Africa. England's utility back Marcus Smith is calling for improvement from the team despite a recent high-scoring victory over Fiji. Young England talents Henry Pollock and Noah Caluori are aiming for starting spots after strong performances against Fiji. In a significant development, all four Welsh rugby regions have signed a Professional Rugby Agreement, though uncertainty remains as the deal expires in June 2028.

Cricket and Other Sports

The West Indies have secured a comfortable 3-0 ODI series victory over Ireland after winning the final match by 64 runs. The T20 Blast semi-finals will feature Somerset, Northants Steelbacks, Notts Outlaws, and Hampshire Hawks. Questions are being raised about the relevance of women's Test cricket, with the recent historic Lord's Test between England and India struggling for attention amidst scheduling issues and coaching changes.

Athletics and Gymnastics

New guidelines have been released to advise broadcasters on using more respectful camera angles when covering live female athletics events. Double Olympic champion Sunisa Lee has announced her return to competition after a two-year hiatus, stating "I'm back". Mollie O'Callaghan is cleared to compete at the Commonwealth Games despite a doctor's warning last month to "stop swimming immediately". Three-time Olympic gold medalist Max Whitlock has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games due to a hand injury sustained in training.

Combat Sports and Motorsports

Britain's Michael 'Venom' Page is set to face Nursulton Ruziboev in a middleweight bout at UFC Paris on September 5th. Standout performances at UFC, including wins by Paddy Pimblett and Gable Steveson, helped the event overcome Conor McGregor's injury-shortened return. Max Holloway and Paddy Pimblett's quick wins at UFC 329 position them for a potential future matchup. Ryan Blaney secured a victory in a dramatic three-wide battle on the final lap of overtime at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Other Notable Sports News

Former England captain Ben Stokes is slated to make his return to cricket for Durham in the One-Day Cup next week, his first game since retiring from international duty. Switzerland forward Breel Embolo was sent off during a World Cup quarterfinal match after a VAR review determined he simulated a foul. The World Series of Poker main event final table has been set, with nine players competing for a $10 million first prize. The constraints-led approach (CLA) is being introduced to the WNBA for the first time by coach Alex Sarama. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel is reportedly defending his tenure and is not ready to leave the school, with regents expected to discuss his future soon.