General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: August 8, 2026, 6:27 AM ET

WNBA Playoff Race & Key Matchups

The WNBA playoff race is heating up with six teams vying for the final spot, as analyzed in a breakdown of how the Mystics, Sparks, Mercury, Sky, Fire or Tempo could claim No. 8. In a thrilling Thursday night game, the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Indiana Fever after Chelsea Gray hit two buzzer-beating 3-pointers — the first to force overtime and the second to seal the win — after uncharacteristic mistakes by Caitlin Clark. Two fans were escorted from courtside seats during the third quarter in Indianapolis. Later, Clark discussed navigating political issues, saying it’s up to individuals to “speak when you feel like you want to speak.” Clark’s game continues to evolve in Year 3 — she already owns the most 20-point, 10-assist games in WNBA history, as explored in this feature. The latest Power Rankings have Minnesota and Indiana ranked 1-2, with Las Vegas rounding out the top three. Meanwhile, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham said she wants to “get back to basketball” after her comments on transgender athletes sparked national debate. The WNBPA released a statement emphasizing inclusion, saying the organization “will not be used as political pawns.” USA Basketball announced its FIBA World Cup roster, with Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese and Aliyah Boston making their first major international appearances next month.

MLB Trade Deadline Aftermath & Playoff Outlook

Our panel of baseball insiders graded the biggest blockbusters, weighing in on Skubal and Rutschman deals and which teams had the best deadline. A comprehensive analysis of how the Cubs, Orioles, Red Sox, Mets, Phillies and more fared in a wild conclusion to trade season is available. Since the deadline, each club’s playoff hopes have shifted — here’s how complete every MLB roster is now. The fifth class of the Mascot Hall of Fame was announced Friday, with Mrs. Met and Goldy among the inductees.

College Football: Schedules, Villains, & CFP Contenders

ESPN’s Bill Connelly ranked the best games of the 2026 season based on SP+ ratings. Who faces the toughest road? A full preseason schedule evaluation breaks down the easiest and hardest stretches. As for the playoff race, 31 teams have the best chance to make the College Football Playoff. Purdue AD Tommy McClelland apologized for a one-liner at the expense of Indiana, calling it a mistake “the second it left my mouth.” The original dig came amid Indiana’s CFP national championship. Every Power 4 fanbase has a villain — here’s the list and stories behind the fury, plus a ranking of all-time most hated villains with Lane Kiffin atop the list. North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick is on medical leave indefinitely, per his father Bill Belichick. Offensive lineman Cole Hutson has returned to Texas after minicamp tryouts with the Browns and Cowboys, regaining a fifth year of eligibility. Indiana defensive end Stephen Daley practiced in a limited role after returning from a season-ending knee injury. The 40 most important players for 2026 include QBs Arch Manning and Dante Moore — full ranking. Every Big Ten team’s ceiling and floor for 2026-27 is also detailed.

NFL: Extensions, Draft Futures & Off-Field Stories

Jahmyr Gibbs’ $67.5M extension is among the most notable recent NFL deals — Seth Walder ranks the top 10 extensions. 16 players are in the mix for the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL draft, including quarterbacks Dante Moore and Arch Manning. In an off-field assist, Spurs center Luke Kornet stopped in the rain to help a stranded motorist in San Antonio.

Cricket: Buttler’s Record, Hundreds & One-Day Cup

Jos Buttler became the all-time leading run-scorer in men’s T20 cricket, with a conversation with England batting coach Marcus Trescothick sparking his form. BBC Sport explores how Buttler achieved the feat. Buttler starred as Manchester Super Giants beat Welsh Fire, breaking the T20 runs record in The Hundred. Elsewhere in The Hundred, London Spirit became the first side eliminated after a six-wicket defeat by MI London. Welsh Fire captain Phil Salt said he’d like The Hundred to be a week longer. In the One-Day Cup, Tom Lammonby’s century helped Somerset thump Surrey. Luc Benkenstein’s 140 led Essex to a narrow win over Glamorgan despite Timm van der Gugten’s 118 not out. England opener Emilio Gay suffered a shoulder injury playing for Durham. Surrey beat Kent by 95 runs to go level with Leicestershire at the top. In internationals, Rashid Khan took six wickets as Afghanistan beat Ireland by 92 runs. Scotland held on for a nervy nine-run win over Canada to secure a place at next year’s World Cup Qualifier. Andrew Flintoff has stepped down as England Lions head coach. Brendon McCullum said Harry Brook’s time will come as Test captain, but Joe Root will do an “amazing job” in his second stint.

Tennis: Gauff, Norrie, Alcaraz Absence

Coco Gauff criticized the WTA’s gene testing, saying it creates “animosity towards the trans community” while supporting fairness in women’s sports. Cameron Norrie reached the Canadian Open last 32 with a straight-set win over Ignacio Buse. Carlos Alcaraz’s wrist injury has kept him out for 114 days — an analysis of how damaging it is and why wrist injuries are difficult to manage.

Golf: LIV Funding, FedEx Cup, Irish Open

LIV Golf secured funding from an outside investor to keep the league alive beyond this season, per CEO Scott O’Neil. BBC Sport reports that LIV secured a lead investor for 2027 after the withdrawal of Saudi backing. The FedEx Cup bubble watch examines who’s in and out — players need to act at the Wyndham Championship. Ryder Cup stars including Robert MacIntyre, Patrick Reed and Francesco Molinari will play the Irish Open at Trump International Doonbeg.

Boxing & UFC: Chapman, Shields, McGregor, Van-Pantoja

British boxer Raven Chapman could fly back to the UK next week after second successful surgery on a brain bleed suffered during sparring in Denmark. Claressa Shields says a fight with Wales’ Lauren Price is now likely to take place in 2027. Conor McGregor said his comeback starts now after knee surgery. A flyweight title rematch between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja will headline UFC 331 in September.

Cycling: Tour de France Femmes

Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney won on Mont Ventoux to take the Tour de France Femmes lead. Demi Vollering won stage five in a sprint over yellow jersey holder Marlen Reusser. Kimberley Le Court won stage six in a sprint finish, with Reusser retaining the overall lead.

European Athletics Championships & Other Athletics News

The European Athletics Championships in Birmingham (10-16 August) have a full timetable and BBC coverage. London has submitted a bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships to be held at the London Stadium. Gloucester sprinter James Arminio is racing at the U20 World Championships only two years after starting track.

Rugby, Hockey & Other Sports

Scarlets managing director Jon Daniels dismissed an Ospreys merger and demanded WRU transparency. TV presenter Nick Knowles bought a stake in Cornish Pirates. Ex-England prop Joe Marler will become the BBC’s first celebrity Gladiator as “Mauler.” England’s Hannah French praised medical staff after recovering from an ACL injury to play in the women’s Hockey World Cup. Jemima Lines will be the first British woman in the America’s Cup team for 90 years. Olympic champion curler Eve Muirhead has come out of retirement inspired by her role as Team GB chef de mission.

WWE, WSOP, Mascot Hall of Fame, & Offbeat Sports

Brock Lesnar, 10-time WWE champion, announced his retirement from combat sports after his Summer Slam match. Bianca Belair and Montez Ford welcomed their first child. The WSOP 2026 main event was won by Lucas Jumalon, the second youngest champion, earning $10 million. The Hall of Fame process needs addressing, as noted in this analysis. The Mascot Hall of Fame Class of 2026 includes Mrs. Met and Goldy. ESPN’s The Ocho returns for its 10th year, featuring obscure competitions — here’s how a DodgeBall joke became a tradition. The iconic event Slippery Stairs has a story of its rise and many falls. T-Rex races at Emerald Downs are a phenomenon that began as team-bonding. A new version of chess called diving chess — “the strangest sport in the world” — will be broadcast on The Ocho.

Football (Soccer), Rugby League & GAA

Newcastle United’s new era begins as Matthias Jaissle takes charge of his first friendly — an inside look at how the project is changing. Swansea City’s chief executive says foundations are in place for a Premier League return. Derry City chairman Philip O’Doherty said the exit of manager Tiernan Lynch was “pretty much a snap decision.” In Irish Premiership, BBC NI will remain the home of coverage under a new three-year deal. Can anyone stop Larne? Talking points for the new season are explored. In rugby league, Wigan Warriors thrashed St Helens 44-6 in the opening Super Four game. St Helens and Hull FC will play a Dublin double-header next April. Moto GP has extended the British Grand Prix at Silverstone through to 2028. The Preakness Stakes is moving to three weeks after the Derby and will be run on a Sunday for the first time. Powerlifter Muluh says she feels unsafe after a racism row; black athletes are frequently booed. UConn’s Dan Hurley warned that coaches taking advantage of court rulings to make late additions are harming college basketball. Dick Vitale said his cancer tests are “very good” after his fifth diagnosis. Fantasy baseball’s “Do Not Draft” list by Eric Karabell highlights overvalued players. The weekly sports quiz tests your knowledge on Beckham and the Commonwealth Games. And guess The Hundred cricket star in this quiz.