General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: July 18, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Caitlin Clark Makes History, WNBA Power Rankings Shift

Caitlin Clark with a historic 45-point, 10-assist performance, leading the Indiana Fever to a victory over the Seattle Storm. Clark became the first player in WNBA history to achieve this statistical feat to No. 4 in the latest WNBA Power Rankings, with the Golden State currently holding the top spot. Meanwhile, the WNBA All-Star draft saw general managers trade barbs, with Teresa Weatherspoon boasting about her team's competitiveness and Cynthia Cooper questioning their scoring ability. Adding to the league's coverage, new camera guidelines have been released to promote more respectful angles when broadcasting women's athletics.

Open Championship Sees Early Leaders and Notable Penalties

Home favorite Tommy Fleetwood praised the crowd at Royal Birkdale as Robert Mac Intyre quietly positioned himself for contention at the 154th Open Championship. Mac Intyre stated that patience was key to his second-round, keeping him in touch with the leaders and "exactly" what he wanted from his opening round. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler recovered from an errant shot to post a 2-under 68 in the first round. However, Jon Rahm for throwing a club, and Bryson DeChambeau was assessed a two-stroke penalty for an infraction on the fifth hole during his second round. Rory McIlroy admitted to "too many stupid mistakes" after a rollercoaster opening round of, leaving him seven shots off the pace with a 3-under 67 in the second round. England's Dan Brown, apologizing to his mother for smoking during his first round, while Jackson Suber, who had never been to Europe before, found himself atop the leaderboard after the first round.

College Football Recruiting and Coaching Carousel

Lingering questions surrounding new coaches and unproven players top college football teams. In recruiting news, Monshun Sales, a top-20 overall recruit and five-star receiver in the 2027 cycle, has committed to his home-state Indiana Hoosiers, marking their highest-rated recruit ever. Texas and coach Schaefer have landed Jayla Forbes, the No. 13 player and second-ranked post in the 2027 class, to kick off their recruiting efforts. NC State's quarterback CJ Bailey is positioned for a breakthrough 2026 season, with coach Dave Doeren stating he "could be country's best" at his position. Meanwhile, new Miami QB Darian Mensah cited the success of Cam Ward and Carson Beck as a "huge factor" in his transfer decision from Duke to the Hurricanes. ACC commissioner Jim Phillips announced a new tiebreaker policy for the football championship game, designed to feature the league's two best teams based on their body of work.

Rugby Union Sees International Fixtures and Player Moves

Scotland flanker Hamish Watson has signed for Castres after leaving Edinburgh. Wales faces South Africa in Durban, with captain Dewi Lake recovering from an injury scare to be named in the squad, while Ben Thomas and Max Llewellyn get another chance as midfield partners in the Nations Championship match. Gregor Townsend is prepared for another high-scoring encounter with Fiji, provided Scotland is on the right side of the scoreline. Ireland has recalled key men, including fit-again wing Robert Baloucoune, for their anticipated game against New Zealand in Auckland as they aim to win. England will face Argentina with an unchanged starting XV, while fresh caps Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Noah Caluori, along with Henry Pollock, are on the bench. Rugby union is reportedly "booming" in football-mad Argentina, according to Pumas head coach Felipe Contepomi as the sport grows. Former Bristol Bears lock Chris Vui expressed devastation after for a contested doping violation. Scarlets have signed former New Zealand Under-20 lock Tom Allen from Super Rugby Pacific champions the Hurricanes for the new season.

Soccer World Cup and Other Football News

Lionel Messi stated that the win over England meant the most to their fans, after setting up two goals in the dying minutes of their semifinal victory to secure a spot in the final against Spain at the tournament. The World Cup winners will receive championship rings in addition to the traditional trophy and gold medals for their achievement. Experts are weighing in on potential bets for the World Cup Final, with Spain and Argentina among the considered favorites by analysts. The World Cup expansion had its critics but aimed for increased access, a goal that has not been as central to the College Football Playoff expansion according to reports. J.J. Watt called out Real Salt Lake for failing to. Investigation is underway after disorder at a football stadium, where Derry City fans fled onto the pitch before police restored order on Thursday night. Experienced Belgian defender Thomas Meunier has signed for Sunderland after his contract with Lille expired as a free agent.

Other Sports News and Notes

At least one collector believes Cooper Flagg's latest 1-of-1 numbered rookie card could sell for $5 million in the hobby. Sir Garfield Sobers, a leading cricketer of the 20th century, has died at age 89 and will be remembered as arguably the best all-rounder in the sport's history. Female tennis players received 12,000 abusive posts in 2025, according to a new report on online harassment. French tennis player Samuel Bensoussan's ban for match-fixing has been extended to three years following an unsuccessful appeal by the player. Wales' Jak Jones earned his first professional title, defeating David Gilbert 3-2 in the Championship League final, ending a 16-year wait for a championship. Swansea City midfielder Goncalo Franco faces up to three months on the sidelines due to an ankle ligament injury sustained recently. Swansea City's proposed purchase of their stadium moves closer after the owner, Swansea Council, agreed to the sale of the venue. Britain's Michael 'Venom' Page will face Uzbekistan's Nursulton Ruziboev in a middleweight bout at UFC Paris on September 5 next month.