Last updated: August 2, 2026, 8:31 PM ET
Golf
Michael Thorbjornsen secured his first PGA Tour title at the final Rocket Classic, sinking a dramatic 26-foot putt for birdie on his final hole to finish at 18 under par. Zach Johnson Padraig Harrington to win the first officially sanctioned Champions Tour event in Portugal at The Els Club.
Tennis
Alexandra Eala to the Washington Open final after an impressive victory over Naomi Osaka, continuing her strong season. Katie Boulter captain the British team at the Billie Jean King Cup finals in Shenzhen, China, in September.
Combat Sports
Mark Chamberlain a stunning performance to knock out Pierce O'Leary in Dublin, securing the IBO light-welterweight belt with two knockdowns in the 10th round. Uros Medic made a statement in his UFC debut in Belgrade, Serbia, by defeating Daniel Rodriguez in just 30 seconds. Dakota Ditcheva her return from injury with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Denise Kielholtz at PFL New York. British boxer Lee Reeves remains in "critical but stable" condition in hospital following his exit from the ring in Dublin on Saturday. Welsh fighter Jonas has announced her retirement from boxing, expressing disappointment with individuals who allegedly tried to end her career.
Wrestling
SummerSlam Night saw Oba Femi emerge victorious over Brock Lesnar in a significant passing of the torch moment, while CM Punk retained his title. Night 2 of Summer Slam in Minneapolis featured analysis of all the action, including the Roman Reigns vs. Rollins match.
Commonwealth Games
Emma Finucane history by winning her fourth Commonwealth Games track cycling gold medal and led Wales into the closing ceremony. Wales concluded 2026 Commonwealth Games campaign with 31 medals, including nine gold, ten silver, and twelve bronze. Fin Graham expressed disappointment after winning silver in the men's C1-C3 3km individual pursuit final, feeling the race staging was perplexing and that the goalposts had shifted. Ireland's Adam McKeown and Gary Kelly secured Commonwealth Games gold in the men's pairs lawn bowls after a tense tiebreak victory over their English opponents. England's Jazmin overcame past major championship setbacks to win Commonwealth gold in the long jump. Neil Fachie his second gold medal of the Commonwealth Games amidst a dramatic afternoon of competition and minor injuries. England's Dimeji Shittu's controversial loss in the Commonwealth Games boxing final has sparked debate about the potential use of artificial intelligence in judging. Team Northern boxer Jon McConnell achieved his childhood dream by winning Commonwealth gold with a split decision victory, having previously rejected an offer to appear on Love Island. England's Acelya Toprak won Commonwealth gold in the women's -57kg judo final by defeating India's Yamini Mourya in a golden score situation. Scotland's Melanie secured her second Commonwealth Games women's 1500m T54 gold medal, winning the restaged final within 40 hours of her initial victory. England's Georgia Hunter Bell aims for an ambitious sweep of gold medals in 2026 after winning the Commonwealth Games 800m title in Glasgow. England's boxing achieved their best-ever Commonwealth Games performance, with seven athletes reaching the finals and ten securing medals. England's Davina Perrin expressed confidence in her abilities upon returning from injury, stating she remembers she "has the shots." The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games were considered a joyful success in isolation, but questions persist regarding the future of the Commonwealth Games. Northern Ireland find significant importance in the Commonwealth Games, especially considering their 16-medal haul in Glasgow and the broader sporting landscape.
Basketball
The WNBA's Kelsey Plum trade has sparked speculation about its impact on the Mercury and Sparks' playoff aspirations, with the ultimate grade depending on whether she remains with the team beyond 2026. Sparks guard Plum addressed trade rumors, stating that she is "not taking anything personal" as it is simply "business." Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve reaffirmed her support for transgender athletes prior to her team's game against the Fever, asserting that "every kid has a right to sports." Columnist Dan Wetzel suggested that the WNBA should refrain from attempting to control player and fan opinions, calling it a "self-inflicted wound." Sophie Cunningham's comments regarding transgender women in sports have ignited further discussion, with other players also voicing their opinions, regardless of the WNBA's stance. Over 100 women's college basketball players have joined a unionization effort through the United College Athletes Association, according to an announcement by the organization. The Toronto Tempo acquired forward Aneesah Morrow from the Connecticut Sun in exchange for the rights to Maria "Masha" Kliundikova and a 2028 second-round draft pick.
Football (American)
Two organizations are advocating for revised heat protocols to protect football linemen, who constitute 90% of heatstroke fatalities, as practices commence in unusually warm conditions. Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was taken to the locker room on a cart due to a lower-body injury sustained during Saturday's training camp practice. Landen Williams-Callis, ranked as the No. 3 running back in the 2027 class and the reigning Gatorade Texas Football Player of the Year, has committed to play for Texas, choosing them over Missouri and Texas A&M. A look back at history reveals 32 NFL players who significantly boosted their careers with strong training camp and preseason performances, one from each team. ESPN's upcoming Jeopardy!" will be hosted by Joe Buck, the renowned voice of "Monday Night Football," blending sports with the popular quiz show format.
College Football
The Big Ten and SEC conferences have announced their support for a Senate bill aimed at regulating college sports. A federal court has delivered a significant setback to the NCAA's new eligibility rule, ruling that all high school class of 2022 athletes who completed their fourth college eligibility season this spring are exempt. Clay's playbook offers a position-by-position strategy for successful 2026 fantasy football drafts. The article identifies key players, position groups, or situations that could influence the season for each of the top 25 college football teams. The piece highlights which teams and players are positioned for advancement and which are ready to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season.
Football (Soccer)
Arsenal is reportedly confident in their pursuit of Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United, with an offer of €90 million having been accepted. City's Wales international winger Cameron Congreve is expected to join Belgian club Westerlo for a seven-figure transfer fee. Cardiff City their preseason with an impressive 4-1 victory over Italian club AS Roma.
Cricket
Half-centuries from Sophia Dunkley and Sophie Luff guided Trent Rockets to a 31-run victory over Manchester Super Giants, propelling them into second place in The Hundred standings. Cricket Ireland confirmed that "appropriate" security measures are in place for the upcoming men's one-day series against Afghanistan, acknowledging the potential for protests. An amateur cricket league has expressed "genuine concern for the welfare" of members of Saltburn Cricket Club following a widely reported finger-clicking controversy. England's Jamie is participating in a charity cricket match alongside Somerset's Lewis Gregory to raise funds for motor neurone disease charities, highlighting his switch from rugby.
Other Sports
Donovan Mitchell Coco Jones have reportedly tied the knot, sharing their first dance to Musiq Soulchild's "Love." Great Britain secured gold medals through Lauren Henry in the women's single sculls and Benjamin Pritchard in the PR1 men's single sculls at the European Rowing Championships in Italy. Great Britain also achieved victories in the women's synchronised 10m diving and the artistic swimming mixed duet at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris. Britain's rowing teams also won gold medals in the women's four and PR3 mixed coxed four races at the European Championships, with a men's four development team also claiming victory. World number Judd Trump defeated Kyren Wilson 11-6 to win his second Shanghai Masters title. Trump also world champion Wu Yize to reach the Shanghai Masters final, aiming for his second championship. World Rally leader Elfyn Evans extended his advantage to 30 points following Sami Pajari's victory in Finland. Dutch sprinter Lorena Wiebes won the opening stage of the Tour de France Femmes, claiming the first yellow jersey. The Tour de France Femmes is set to make history with its first ascent of Mont Ventoux, beginning its route in Lausanne, Switzerland. Ultra-runner Sophie Woods broke the record for crossing the Alps, covering 2,000km across eight countries in just 29 days. The state of New York has filed a lawsuit against Kalshi, alleging that the prediction market company is operating an "illegal gambling operation." The Justice Department has moved to dismiss its criminal case against a former Olympian, acknowledging that damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was caused by a contractor's faulty installation.
Player Transactions and Trades
ESPN's Jeff insights are used to predict the landing spots for the ten biggest names on the MLB trade market and their potential impact on each other. Discussions are ongoing regarding the fallout from key deals as the MLB trade deadline approaches on Monday. Former MLB Tim Brosnan is expected to be hired as the new commissioner of the Big East Conference, according to sources.
Injury Report
Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was carted off the field with a lower-body injury during Saturday's training camp practice.
Player News
Donovan Mitchell Coco Jones have reportedly tied the knot, with a video showing their first dance to Musiq Soulchild's "Love." Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s New York Yankees teammates frequently praise his abilities, but it remains uncertain if Team GB will benefit from his talent.
NCAA and College Sports
More than women's college basketball players have joined a unionization campaign organized by the United College Athletes Association. The Big Ten and SEC conferences have publicly declared their support for a Senate bill designed to regulate college sports. A federal court has dealt a significant blow to the NCAA's new eligibility rule, ruling that all high school class of 2022 athletes who have exhausted their fourth season of college eligibility this spring are exempt.
Player Movement and Contracts
wing Mia Venner and Exeter scrum-half Flo Robinson have received their first full-time England contracts.
International Sports
Great Britain gold medals in the women's single sculls (Lauren and PR1 men's single sculls (Benjamin Pritchard) at the European Rowing Championships in Italy. Great Britain also won golds in the women's synchronised 10m diving and the artistic swimming mixed duet at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris. Britain's rowing teams also claimed gold medals in the women's four and PR3 mixed coxed four races at the European Championships, with a men's four development team also emerging victorious. World number Judd Trump defeated Kyren Wilson 11-6 to win his second Shanghai Masters title. Trump advanced to the Shanghai Masters final by beating world champion Wu Yize, aiming for his second championship. World Rally leader Elfyn Evans extended his lead to 30 points after his Toyota teammate Sami Pajari won in Finland. Dutch sprinter Wiebes claimed the opening stage of the Tour de France Femmes and secured the first yellow jersey. The Tour de France Femmes is scheduled to make history by ascending Mont Ventoux for the first time, commencing its journey in Lausanne, Switzerland. Ultra-runner Sophie has set a new record for crossing the Alps, completing the 2,000km journey across eight countries in just 29 days.
MLB
ESPN's Jeff analysis predicts the landing spots for the ten most prominent players available on the MLB trade market and how these moves might influence each other. Fantasy implications of all the significant deals are being tracked as the MLB trade deadline approaches on Monday. A "weird" idea from "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" in 1996 led to a memorable MLB ballpark road trip for five friends.
MMA
The merger of PFL and Bellator is creating a new MMA challenger with plans for a 2027 launch. Dakota Ditcheva from a year-long layoff due to two serious hand injuries, stating that her time away has altered her perspective on fighting, the UFC, and life beyond MMA.
Horse Racing
The article mentions the "ESPN Jeopardy!" show hosted by Joe Buck, which combines sports with the popular quiz show.
Cycling
Dutch sprinter Lorena Wiebes won the opening stage of the Tour de France Femmes and claimed the first yellow jersey. The Tour de France Femmes is set to make history by ascending Mont Ventoux for the first time, beginning its route in Lausanne, Switzerland. Emma Finucane achieved a historic milestone by winning her fourth Commonwealth Games track cycling gold medal and led Wales into the closing ceremony. Fin Graham his disappointment after securing silver in the men's C1-C3 3km individual pursuit final, feeling the race staging was confusing and that the goalposts had shifted. Anna Morris and Jess Roberts secured a one-two finish for Wales in the women's 25km points race. Welsh cyclist Morris also won Commonwealth Games gold in the 4000m individual pursuit final, defeating England's Josie Knight.
Boxing
Mark Chamberlain delivered a stunning knockout victory over Pierce O'Leary in Dublin, securing the IBO light-welterweight belt after dropping his opponent twice in the 10th round. Irish boxer Reeves is in a "critical but stable" condition in hospital after being stretchered out of the ring in Dublin on Saturday. Natasha Jonas, a Welsh boxer, has announced her retirement from the sport, criticizing individuals she claims attempted to end her career. England's boxing achieved their best-ever Commonwealth Games performance, with seven athletes reaching the finals and ten securing medals.
Rugby
England Saracens player Jamie George is participating in a charity cricket match alongside Somerset's Lewis Gregory to raise funds for motor neurone disease charities, demonstrating a switch in sports.
Olympics
The Justice Department has moved to dismiss its criminal case against a former Olympian, acknowledging that damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was the result of a contractor's faulty installation.
Other Sports News
The Big Ten and SEC conferences have announced their support for a Senate bill aimed at regulating college sports. A federal court has delivered a significant setback to the NCAA's new eligibility rule, ruling that all high school class of 2022 athletes who have completed their fourth college eligibility season this spring are exempt. ESPN's "ESPN will be hosted by Joe Buck, combining sports with the popular quiz show. Ultra-runner Sophie Woods has set a new record for crossing the Alps, completing the 2,000km journey across eight countries in just 29 days. The state of New York has filed a lawsuit against Kalshi, alleging that the prediction market company is operating an "illegal gambling operation."
WNBA
WNBA's trade of Kelsey Plum has raised questions about its impact on the Mercury and Sparks' playoff hopes, with her future beyond 2026 being a key factor. Sparks guard Plum stated that she is "not taking anything personal" regarding trade speculation, emphasizing that "it's business." Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve reiterated her support for transgender athletes before her team's game against the Fever, asserting that "every kid has a right to sports." Columnist Dan Wetzel believes the WNBA should avoid attempting to control player and fan opinions, referring to it as a "