General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: August 8, 2026, 3:31 AM ET

WNBA

The Aces outlasted the Fever 93-90 in a thriller, as Chelsea Gray drilled two buzzer-beating 3-pointers — the first to force overtime and the second to win it — after Caitlin Clark committed uncharacteristic late turnovers. Clark, who now has the most 20-point, 10-assist games in league history, also addressed political issues, saying she is “trying to navigate life” and will trust her gut on when to speak. The Fever guard was named to the USA roster for the FIBA World Cup alongside Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese and Aliyah Boston, marking their first major international competition. Two fans were escorted from their courtside seats at Gainbridge Fieldhouse during the third quarter of that game. The WNBA playoff race is tightening, with six teams vying for the final spot behind seven assumed locks. In the latest Power Rankings, Minnesota and Indiana rank 1-2 after their offensive showcase, with Las Vegas third. The WNBPA issued a statement rejecting hate and abuse amid the national debate over transgender athletes, emphasizing inclusion. Fever guard Sophie Cunningham said she wants the focus to return to basketball after her comments on transgender athletes sparked heated debate.

MLB

A comprehensive look at how all 30 teams' fates have changed since the trade deadline — including updated playoff hopes and roster completeness — is now available. Baseball insiders graded the biggest blockbusters, with one executive saying, “I'm glad we're not in the NL,” as they weighed the best deadlines. A separate deep dive helps make sense of the trade deadline, explaining how the Cubs, Orioles, Red Sox, Mets, Phillies and others fared.

NFL

The No. 1 pick for the 2027 NFL draft is wide open, with ESPN identifying 16 players and their chances, including quarterbacks Dante Moore and Arch Manning, plus edge Dylan Stewart and receiver Jeremiah Smith. Jahmyr Gibbs' $67.5M extension is part of a flurry of deals reshaping the 2026 preseason; Seth Walder ranks the 10 most notable. The story of how getting fired helped a former ball boy — Larry Fitzgerald — reach the Hall of Fame is a remarkable origin tale.

College Football

Every fanbase has a nemesis, and ESPN compiled the biggest villain of every Power 4 team, plus the most hated villains of all time, headlined by Lane Kiffin. Offensive lineman Cole Hutson returned to Texas after NFL tryouts with the Browns and Cowboys, regaining a fifth year. For the Big Ten, every team's ceiling and floor has been assessed, from winning the national title to missing the tournament. Steve Belichick is on indefinite medical leave from his defensive coordinator role at North Carolina, as announced by his father Bill. ESPN's preseason schedule evaluation breaks down the toughest and easiest slates. New Purdue AD Tommy McClelland apologized for a one-liner at Indiana's expense — a jab that also made headlines after Indiana's CFP title — calling it a mistake "the second it left my mouth." Indiana defensive end Stephen Daley practiced in a limited role as he returns from a season-ending knee injury. Bill Connelly's best games of 2026 features Power 4 matchups with high SP+ ratings and tight projected margins. The 40 most important players for the season include CFP-hopeful quarterbacks and others with outsized influence. 31 teams are listed as having the best chance to make the College Football Playoff.

Cricket

In the One-Day Cup, Tom Lammonby's brilliant ton kept Somerset's hopes alive with a thumping win over Surrey. Scotland beat Canada by nine runs in a tense tri-series match to secure a World Cup Qualifier spot. Rashid Khan took six wickets as Afghanistan thrashed Ireland by 92 runs in Gary Wilson's first ODI as head coach. Andrew Flintoff stepped down as England Lions head coach. Luc Benkenstein's 140 led Essex to a narrow win over Glamorgan, keeping their One-Day Cup hopes alive. England opener Emilio Gay suffered a shoulder injury scare while playing for Durham. Jos Buttler credited a chat with Marcus Trescothick for helping him rediscover the form that took him past the all-time T20 run-scoring record — a feat explored in detail by BBC Sport. London Spirit became the first side eliminated from the men's Hundred after a six-wicket loss to MI London. Brendon McCullum backed Harry Brook as a future Test captain but said Joe Root will do an "amazing job" in his second stint. Hampshire and England fast bowler John Turner retired at 25 after more than a year out injured. A BBC quiz asks users to guess The Hundred cricket star No. 17. Phil Salt said he'd like The Hundred to be longer after his side played three matches in five days. Surrey beat Kent by 95 runs to go level with Leicestershire at the top of the One-Day Cup. Buttler broke the T20 runs record in a nine-wicket win for Manchester Super Giants over Welsh Fire. Sophia Dunkley helped Trent Rockets beat Birmingham Phoenix, while Orla Prendergast took four wickets in Welsh Fire's win over Manchester Super Giants.

Golf

LIV Golf has secured funding from an outside investor to keep the league alive, according to CEO Scott O'Neil, with an unnamed lead investor for 2027 confirmed after Saudi backing withdrew. Ryder Cup stars Robert MacIntyre, Patrick Reed, Francesco Molinari and Sepp Straka will play the Irish Open at Trump International from 9-13 September. The FedEx Cup bubble watch details what players from Jackson Koivun to Brooks Koepka need at the Wyndham Championship to make the top.

Tennis

Coco Gauff criticized how the WTA's gene testing creates "animosity towards the trans community," while supporting fairness in women's sports. The damage of Carlos Alcaraz's wrist injury — now 114 days and counting — is analysed, with wrist injuries noted as difficult to manage. Cameron Norrie reached the Canadian Open last 32 with a straight-set win over Ignacio Buse.

Boxing/UFC/Combat Sports

Conor McGregor said his comeback starts now after knee surgery, reiterating his desire to return to fighting. Claressa Shields said a fight with Lauren Price is now likely in 2027. A flyweight title rematch between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja will headline UFC 331 in September. Brock Lesnar, 10-time WWE champion, retired from combat sports, stating his match at Summer Slam was his last.

Cycling

Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney won on Mont Ventoux with a thrilling solo ride to claim her first Tour de France Femmes stage win and the overall lead. Kimberley Le Court won stage six in a sprint finish as Marlen Reusser retained yellow. Demi Vollering won stage five in a sprint over Reusser. Officials checked riders' clothing at the women's Tour over bra padding concerns to prevent aerodynamic gains.

Other Sports

Athletics: London submitted its bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships at London Stadium. The European Athletics Championships timetable and BBC coverage for Birmingham from 10-16 August is set. Gloucester sprinter James Arminio is sprinting for GB at the Under-20 World Championships, only two years after taking up the sport.

Rugby:

St Helens and Hull FC confirmed a Dublin double-header for next April. Wigan thrashed St Helens 44-6 in the opening Women's Super League Super Four game. Scarlets chief Jon Daniels dismissed an Ospreys merger and called for WRU transparency. Ex-England prop Joe Marler will become BBC's first celebrity Gladiator as "Mauler" in the fourth series. TV presenter Nick Knowles bought a stake in Cornish Pirates.

Lacrosse:

The PLL Week 12 preview includes stats, schedule and playoff scenarios for Throwback Weekend in Boston, while the PLL Power Rankings have the Waterdogs at No. 1.

Poker:

The WSOP 2026 final table delivered great play and engaging personalities, but the Hall of Fame process needs attention. Lucas Jumalon, won the WSOP main event and $10 million, becoming the second-youngest winner.

Hockey:

England star Hannah French praised medical staff for helping her recover from an ACL injury in time for next month's women's Hockey World Cup.

Curling:

Olympic champion Eve Muirhead came out of retirement, inspired by being Team GB's chef de mission at this year's Games.

Moto GP:

The British Grand Prix was extended through 2028 as Silverstone extended its partnership with Moto GP.

Wrestling:

WWE superstar couple Bianca Belair and Montez Ford welcomed their first child.

Powerlifting:

A powerlifter who was disqualified in an alleged racially motivated act said she “does not feel safe” and that black athletes are frequently booed.

Soccer:

Swansea City CEO Tom Gorringe said foundations are now in place to compete for a Premier League return. Derry City chairman Philip O'Doherty said the Lynch exit was “pretty much a snap decision”. BBC NI will remain home of Irish Premiership coverage with a three-year deal for 30 games per season. Irish Premiership talking points ask who can stop Larne.

Chess:

A deep dive into diving chess, a new underwater variation called “the strangest sport in the world,” will air on The Ocho.

The Ocho:

ESPN's 75-hour tradition, born from a Dodge Ball joke, is explained in what is The Ocho? alongside the story of Slippery Stairs and the primal appeal of T-Rex races.

Miscellaneous:

Mrs. Met and Goldy are among the Mascot Hall of Fame Class of 2026. UConn's Dan Hurley sounded the alarm on late additions, saying coaches taking advantage of court rulings harm college basketball. Fantasy football managers should avoid the full “Do Not Draft” list for 2026. Spurs center Luke Kornet helped a stranded motorist in San Antonio. Dick Vitale said his cancer tests are “very good” after his fifth diagnosis. Jemima Lines will become the first British woman in an America's Cup team for 90 years. The Preakness Stakes is moving to a Sunday for the first time, three weeks and a day after the Kentucky Derby. A weekly sports quiz asks about Beckham at the Commonwealth Games. Newcastle's new era begins with Matthias Jaissle's first friendly against Valencia.