General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 2:31 AM ET

Poker and Golf

Lucas Jumalon a 22-year-old poker professional from Spokane, Washington, became the second youngest player to win the World Series of Poker main event. He defeated Finland's Lauri Saaskilahti heads-up to claim the $10 million prize. LIV Golf has secured funding from an outside investor, ensuring the circuit's continuation beyond the current season, according to league CEO Scott O'Neil. This new deal with an unnamed lead investor will allow LIV Golf to operate next season, following the withdrawal of Saudi Arabian financial backing earlier this year. Robert Mac Intyre, Patrick Reed, Francesco Molinari, and Sepp Straka are among the Ryder Cup stars scheduled to compete in the Irish Open. The tournament will take place at the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, County Clare, from September 9-13.

College Football and Basketball

Ohio State will begin the 2026 season ranked No. 1 in the AFCA Coaches Poll, aiming to extend the Big Ten's national championship streak to four. Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman is emphasizing an immediate focus on winning games rather than solely on the College Football Playoff. The Fighting Irish's season opener is a key point of concentration for the team. Miami coach Cristobal has agreed to a long-term contract extension with the school. Cristobal led the Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff title game last season, where they lost to Indiana. USC and Notre Dame are set to renew their football rivalry starting in 2030. However, Notre Dame's planned home-and-home series against Indiana, also scheduled to begin in 2030, has been canceled. Indiana defensive end Stephen Daley practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday as he recovers from a season-ending knee injury sustained in December. Longtime college basketball announcer Dick Vitale reported positive progress following his fifth cancer diagnosis in April.

WNBA and Professional Basketball

A'ja Wilson is considered the clear front-runner for the WNBA MVP award, with four other players, including a rookie, expected to receive votes. The Minnesota Lynx and Indiana Fever are ranked first and second, respectively, following an offensive showcase game between them. The Las Vegas Aces round out the top three in the latest power rankings. The Cleveland expansion team is set to join the WNBA in 2028 and has unveiled its new logo and branding as the Cleveland Sirens. Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham stated her desire for the focus to return to basketball after her remarks on transgender athletes generated significant national debate and protests. The planned launch of a dedicated NBA European league has the potential to elevate basketball in the United Kingdom, according to New York Knicks player OG Anunoby. WNBA trade involving Kelsey Plum is expected to impact the Mercury and Sparks, with the ultimate grade of the deal hinging on whether the Mercury can retain her beyond 2026.

Combat Sports and Individual Athletes

A flyweight title rematch between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja is scheduled to headline UFC 331 in September. UFC flyweight Allan Nascimento passed away from an apparent heart attack, the promotion announced Monday at the age of. UFC owners incurred a $30 million loss from staging the Freedom 250 event at the White House in June, an event attended by U.S. President Donald Trump. Ian Machado Garry attributes his welterweight title shot against Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 on August 15 to a switch to a plant-based diet. Brock Lesnar 10-time WWE world champion and former UFC heavyweight champion, announced his retirement from combat sports after his match at WWE Summer Slam. WWE superstar Bianca Belair and Montez Ford welcomed their first child together. William Zepeda climbed the lightweight rankings after defeating Lamont Roach to win the WBC title.

International and Other Sports

Cameron Norrie advanced to the Round of 32 at the Canadian Open with a straight-set victory over Ignacio Buse. Vollering won stage five of the Tour de France Femmes, while Marlen Reusser maintained her lead in the overall standings. Reusser secured the first yellow jersey of her career by winning a 21km time trial on stage four of the Tour de France Femmes. Norway's Sigrid achieved a surprise stage victory on stage three of the Tour de France Femmes following a solo breakaway. Officials at the Tour de France Femmes will inspect rider clothing to prevent aerodynamic advantages gained through design. Jemima Lines made history by becoming the first woman selected for the British America's Cup team in 90 years, calling it a "pivotal moment". Tadej Pogacar, the five-time Tour de France champion, is set to compete in the Vuelta a Espana in an effort to win all three Grand Tours in a single year. The 2026-27 Irish League season is expected to begin on time after votes endorsing three proposals were overwhelmingly approved at an Extraordinary General Meeting. The first leg of Larne's Europa League qualifier against Georgian side FC Iberia 1999 on Tuesday could be delayed by 24 hours. Scotland's one-day international match against the United Arab Emirates was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain. Ireland's five-game ODI series against Afghanistan marks the commencement of their preparations for next year's World Cup qualifying tournament. Distinguished Ireland goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran has been ruled out of the upcoming Hockey World Cup due to injury.

Player News and Transactions

San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet assisted a stranded motorist in San Antonio whose car had broken down in the rain. Bears new safety Coby Bryant is expected to miss eight to 10 weeks due to a leg injury. Yankees GM Brian Cashman stated that Aaron Judge's availability depends on future imaging of his rib. Alex Eala is preparing for the US Open, returning to the hard court surface where she has achieved significant career milestones. Eala made history in Washington, and her journey to her first title is being highlighted. A.J. Williams, the top-ranked player in the 2028 class, has announced his decision to reclassify to the 2027 class. Henry Pollock is reportedly seeking an annual salary of £1 million to remain with Northampton, with agent Eddie Hearn suggesting this figure reflects his market value.

Broadcasting and Events

ESPN's 10-year tradition, The Ocho, will showcase obscure and unconventional competitions, including T. rex races, pumpkin tossing, death diving, and sign spinning. The Ocho will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a 75-hour broadcast featuring unique sports events. A new variation of chess, described as "the strangest sport in the world," will be broadcast on The Ocho. Longtime college basketball announcer Dick Vitale is making positive progress after announcing his fifth cancer diagnosis in April. Former rugby star Joe Marler will be known as "Mauler" when he appears as the BBC's first celebrity Gladiator in the fourth series airing in 2027. Television presenter Nick Knowles has acquired a stake in the Champ Rugby side Cornish Pirates.

Retirements and Career Changes

Brock Lesnar 10-time WWE world champion and former UFC heavyweight champion, has retired from combat sports following his match at WWE Summer Slam. PFL lightweight world champion Usman Nurmagomedov will soon decide on his future as he has become a free agent. Former rugby star Joe Marler is set to join the BBC as its first celebrity Gladiator, known as "Mauler" in the upcoming series.

International Rugby and Football

Scarlets managing director Jon Daniels has dismissed the idea of a merger with the Ospreys and is seeking greater transparency from the Welsh Rugby Union. Derry City chairman Philip O'Doherty stated that the departure of manager Tiernan Lynch was a "snap decision" and that "it was time to make a change". Hooker Tom Howe of Cardiff is remaining grounded despite being recognized as a player to watch for Wales before his debut. Since their contracts were reduced to part-time last summer, Great Britain Sevens players have been seeking alternative employment and teams to continue their sport.

Other Sports News

Chad le Clos revealed that his apartment in South Africa was destroyed by a fatal fire, a tragedy that occurred the night after he became the most decorated athlete in Commonwealth Games history. Northern Ireland finished the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with 158 medals. Team Wales