General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 11:31 AM ET

College Football News

North Carolina Bill Belichick announced Thursday that his son, defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, is on medical leave and out indefinitely. Bill Connelly identified the power 4 games with the highest combined SP+ ratings and a projected scoring margin under eight points for the 2026 college football season. Ryan McGee in on who is the ultimate pot-stirrer, declaring Lane Kiffin as the biggest college football supervillain of all time. Ohio State the 2026 season as the No. 1 team in the AFCA Coaches Poll, aiming to extend the Big Ten's run of national championships to four. Notre Dame Marcus Freeman wants his players focused on winning now, starting with their opener, rather than the College Football Playoff. USC Notre Dame will renew their rivalry starting in 2030, though Notre Dame's home-and-home series versus Indiana, also set to begin that year, is now off. Miami coach Cristobal, who guided the Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff title game last season, has agreed to a long-term contract extension with the school. A.J. Williams top-ranked player in the class of 2028, plans to reclassify into the 2027 class. Bears new Coby Bryant will miss eight to 10 weeks with a leg injury. The Hoosiers' defensive end Stephen Daley practiced in a limited role Wednesday as he recovers from a season-ending knee injury sustained in December.

Basketball Updates

Basketball's long-awaited youth movement is here, with Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and Aliyah Boston set to make their first USA appearances at a major international competition next month. The Cleveland Sirens unveiled their new logo and branding for the expansion team that will join the WNBA in 2027. After meeting in an offensive showcase, Minnesota and Indiana rank first and second, respectively, in the latest Power Rankings, with Las Vegas rounding out the top three. Sophie Cunningham she wants the focus to return to basketball after her comments on transgender athletes sparked heated national debate, three rallies, and social media discussions. Plum's trade to the Mercury could help the team make a playoff push, but their ultimate grade depends on whether they can retain her beyond 2026.

Tennis and Golf News

Lucas Jumalon 22-year-old poker professional from Spokane, Washington, defeated Finland's Lauri Saaskilahti heads-up to win the 2026 World Series of Poker main event and $10 million. Cameron Norrie to the Canadian Open last 32 with a straight-set victory over Ignacio Buse. Alex Eala preparing for the US Open, returning to the hard court surface that has hosted many of the most significant moments of her career. making history in Washington, Alexandra Eala's journey to her first title is highlighted. LIV Golf secured funding from an outside investor to continue the circuit beyond this season, according to league CEO Scott O'Neil. LIV Golf announced a deal with an unnamed lead investor to continue next season, following the withdrawal of Saudi Arabian financial backing earlier this year. Robert Mac Intyre Reed, Francesco Molinari, and Sepp Straka are scheduled to compete in the Irish Open at the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, County Clare, from September 9-13. Jackson Koivun to Brooks Koepka, players on the cusp of qualifying for the FedEx Cup Playoffs need to perform well at the Wyndham Championship.

Cricket and Other Sports

Hampshire England fast bowler John Turner has retired from cricket at the age of 25 after more than a year out with injury. Jos Buttler the highest run-getter in men's T20 cricket, as explored by BBC Sport. Jos Buttler as the Manchester Super Giants defeated the Welsh Fire by nine wickets in The Hundred. Sophia Dunkley the Trent Rockets secure a victory over the Birmingham Phoenix, while Orla Prendergast took four wickets in the Welsh Fire's win against the Manchester Super Giants. Welsh Fire Phil Salt stated he would prefer The Hundred to be a week longer, as his side played three matches in five days. Gloucester sprinter Arminio is competing at the Under-20 World Championships, just two years after first starting in the sport. Jemima Lines been selected for the British America's Cup team, marking the first time in 90 years a woman has achieved this feat.

Combat Sports and Wrestling

A flyweight title rematch between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja is set to headline UFC 331 in September, officials announced Thursday. UFC flyweight Nascimento has passed away from an apparent heart attack; he was 34 years old. owners reportedly lost $30 million staging the Freedom 250 event at the White House in June, an event attended by US President Donald Trump. Ian Machado explains how switching to a plant-based diet helped him earn a welterweight title shot against Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 on August 15. Brock Lesnar 10-time WWE world champion and former UFC heavyweight champion, has announced his retirement from combat sports, stating his match at WWE Summer Slam was his last. Top moments from WWE Summer Slam Night 2 included Chad Gable's title win and Roman Reigns retaining the World Heavyweight Championship.

Motorsports and Cycling

British Grand Prix will continue to be part of the Moto GP World Championship calendar through to 2028, as Silverstone has extended its partnership with Moto GP. Vollering won stage five of the Tour de France Femmes, with Marlen Reusser retaining the yellow jersey. Switzerland's Marlen took the first yellow jersey of her career by winning a 21km time trial to Dijon in the fourth stage of the Tour de France Femmes. Norway's Sigrid secured a surprise stage win in stage three of the Tour de France Femmes following a 68km solo breakaway. Officials at the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift will inspect riders' clothing to prevent attempts to gain aerodynamic advantages. BBC Sport correspondent Andrew Benson addresses recent questions regarding the sport.

Other Sports News

The Preakness Stakes has been moved to three weeks and one day after the Kentucky Derby and will be run on a Sunday for the first time. Swansea City on track to compete for a return to the Premier League, according to chief executive Tom Gorringe. The 2026-27 Irish Premiership season is scheduled to commence on time after an overwhelming majority of votes in favor of three proposals at an Extraordinary General Meeting on Tuesday night. Larne's Europa qualifier first leg against Georgian side FC Iberia 1999 on Tuesday could be delayed by 24 hours. Robert Gorringe that foundations are now in place at Swansea City. Former rugby Joe Marler will be known as "Mauler" when the fourth series of Gladiators airs in 2027, the BBC confirmed. Television presenter Knowles has become a shareholder in Champ Rugby side Cornish Pirates. Scarlets managing Jon Daniels also seeks greater transparency from the Welsh Rugby Union amid uncertainty regarding their future. Hooker Tom remains grounded despite being tipped as a potential Wales player before his debut for Cardiff.

Event and Tradition News

ESPN's 75-hour The Ocho, showcases obscure competitions ranging from T. rex races and pumpkin tossing to death diving and sign spinning, and its origins are detailed. Hundreds of competitors are expected to participate at Emerald Downs this year, honoring a tradition that began as a team-bonding experience. The new variation of chess, described as "the strangest sport in the world," will be broadcast on The Ocho at 8 a.m. ET August 8. Ocho will celebrate its 10th anniversary by airing the world's quirkiest and most unconventional sports.

Player and Athlete News

Winter Olympic medallist Eve Muirhead has revoked her retirement, stating that her role as Team GB's chef de mission at this year's Games has inspired her to return to curling after a four-year hiatus. Chad le revealed his apartment in South Africa was destroyed by a fatal fire in a "heartbreaking tragedy" the night after he became the most decorated athlete in Commonwealth Games history. Mary Falconer uses bouldering to cope with the loss of her mother, is pursuing a dream of becoming an Olympian in 2028. Great Britain players have had to find alternative employment and teams to maintain their passion since their contracts were reduced to part-time last summer. San Antonio center Luke Kornet stopped to assist a stranded motorist in San Antonio whose car had broken down.

Injury and Retirement News

Carlos Alcaraz's absence from tennis and the difficulties in managing wrist injuries are analyzed. Former England Joe Marler will become the BBC's first celebrity Gladiator.

Awards and Honors

2026 World Series of Poker main event was won by Lucas Jumalon, a 22-year-old poker pro from Spokane, Washington, who earned $10 million. Chad le became the most decorated athlete in Commonwealth Games history.

League and Funding News

UEFA has indicated it may pursue legal action against Gianni Infantino regarding his World Cup sell-off plan, sources informed ESPN. The New York Knicks' OG Anunoby believes the planned launch of a bespoke European NBA league has the potential to elevate basketball in the United Kingdom to the "next level".

International Sports

London has submitted its final bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, with the London Stadium, constructed for the 2012 Olympics, proposed as the venue. Ireland's five-game series against Afghanistan this week marks the beginning of their preparations for next year's World Cup qualifying tournament. Distinguished Ireland Ayeisha McFerran has been ruled out of the forthcoming Hockey World Cup due to injury.

Player Transactions and Trades

MLB executives scouts offer their perspectives on the biggest blockbusters and which teams had the most successful trade deadlines. A breakdown of the MLB trade deadline is provided, covering how teams like the Cubs, Orioles, Red Sox, Mets, and Phillies truly fared. Yankees GM Cashman stated that Aaron Judge's status ultimately depends on the results of his next rib imaging, declining to provide a timeline for the scan.

Other Sports

The annual "Do Not Draft" list is back, featuring players Eric Karabell believes are being selected too early in summer drafts. WNBA playoff race is detailed, with seven teams appearing to be locks and six teams vying for the final spot. A powerlifter who was disqualified following an alleged racially motivated incident stated she "does not feel safe" competing, adding that black athletes are frequently booed.