General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: August 9, 2026, 3:25 AM ET

WNBA

The Minnesota Lynx clinched a playoff berth with a 98-87 win over the Las Vegas Aces, improving to 26-7. Chelsea Gray hit two buzzer-beating 3-pointers to lift the Aces past the Fever in overtime after Caitlin Clark’s uncharacteristic mistakes. The WNBA rescinded a technical foul against Clark less than two hours after she received what would have been her eighth of the season, avoiding a suspension. Clark said individuals should "speak when you feel like you want to speak" on political issues. Her game has grown in Year, with the most 20-point, 10-assist games in WNBA history. The WNBPA released a statement on inclusion amid the transgender athlete debate. A flagrant 2 foul on Sky’s DiJonai Carrington led to an ejection in a game against the Fever. Two men were escorted from courtside seats during the Aces-Fever game. The playoff race has six teams vying for the final spot.

NBA & College Basketball

Top high school prospect Ahmed Nur attended "The Sanctuary," a performance retreat for NBA players. Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke’s death was ruled accidental due to heroin and cocaine effects. UConn coach Dan Hurley warned that coaches taking advantage of recent court rulings to make late additions are doing more harm than good. The Senate delayed a college sports bill to September. New Purdue AD Tommy McClelland owned that his one-liner at the expense of Indiana was a mistake, after another article noted he apparently forgot that Indiana won the CFP title. Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese and Aliyah Boston will make their first USA appearances at the FIBA World Cup.

NFL

Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson said 2026 is "probably my last year" after rejoining the team following personal reasons. The Vikings fired Larry Fitzgerald, then rehired him as a ball boy en route to the Hall of Fame. Jahmyr Gibbs’ new deal is among 10 notable extensions. The 2027 NFL draft No. 1 pick could be a QB like Dante Moore or Arch Manning, or a non-QB.

College Football

Ohio State landed four-star quarterback Christopher Vargas, the top pocket passer in the 2028 class. North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick is on indefinite medical leave. ESPN evaluated the toughest and easiest 2026 schedules. A list of every Power 4 team’s biggest villain was compiled, and another article ranked all-time villains. The Big Ten ceiling and floor for every team were analyzed. Offensive lineman Cole Hutson returned to Texas after regaining a fifth year of eligibility.

MLB

The fates of all 30 MLB teams have changed since the trade deadline. Tommy John shared a vague message about his health and did not attend the Yankees’ Old-Timers’ Day. Baseball insiders graded trade deadline deals, and another analysis explained moves by the Cubs, Orioles, Red Sox, Mets, Phillies and more.

Cycling

Demi Vollering won stage eight of the Tour de France Femmes to take the yellow jersey. Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney soloed to win on Mont Ventoux and claim the overall lead. Kimberley Le Court won stage six in a sprint finish. The Hess women’s cycling team failed to pay riders despite a wealthy owner. Michael Johnson clarified that athletes from the bankrupt Grand Slam Track have now been paid.

Combat Sports

Callum Simpson avenged his only loss with a unanimous decision over Troy Williamson to reclaim British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles. Conor McGregor said his comeback starts now after knee surgery. Claressa Shields said a fight with Wales' Lauren Price is now likely in 2027. Ben Pritchard aims for a world title defence after a European win.

Cricket

Afghanistan beat Ireland by 92 runs with Rashid Khan taking six wickets. Scotland beat Canada by nine runs to reach the World Cup Qualifier. Tom Lammonby’s ton kept Somerset’s One-Day Cup hopes alive. Luc Benkenstein’s 140 led Essex to a narrow win over Glamorgan despite Timm van der Gugten’s 118. England opener Emilio Gay suffered a shoulder injury. Andrew Flintoff stepped down as England Lions head coach. Jos Buttler credited a chat with Marcus Trescothick for his form that took him past the T20 run-scoring record. Hampshire and England bowler John Turner retired at. London Spirit were eliminated from the Hundred after a loss to MI London. Brendon McCullum backed Harry Brook as a future Test captain.

Rugby Union & League

Ulster fell 15-10 to Connacht in the Interprovincial Championship; Fiona Tuite said they need to execute more. Warrington crushed Bradford 42-4 to go fourth. Wigan beat Toulouse 48-18 with tries from Zach Eckersley and Liam Marshall. Huddersfield thrashed Catalans 42-20 to mark their Dewsbury move. Wigan’s women thumped St Helens 44-6 in the Super Four opener. St Helens and Hull FC confirmed a Dublin double-header. Ballymena shocked Linfield 3-0. Fijian Saimoni Vunilagi died of suspected heatstroke after training in Japan. The Irish Premiership preview asks who can stop Larne. BBC NI secured a new three-year deal for 30 Irish Premiership games.

Soccer

Matthias Jaissle will take charge of Newcastle’s first friendly as a new era begins. Swansea fear Cameron Burgess has a significant Achilles injury. Former Wales striker Ian Rush said reaching Euro 2028 is a must. Swansea CEO Tom Gorringe said foundations are in place for a Premier League return.

Other Sports

Hacky sack’s viral comeback was featured on ESPN’s The Ocho. The Ocho’s 10-year tradition began as a "Dodge Ball" joke. Slippery Stairs is harder than it looks. T-Rex races at Emerald Downs honor a team-bonding tradition. The Mascot Hall of Fame Class of 2026 includes Mrs. Met and Goldy. Lucas Jumalon won the WSOP main event at, earning $10 million. The WSOP final table featured great play, but Hall of Fame process needs addressing. Coco Gauff criticized WTA gene testing for creating "animosity towards the trans community." London submitted a bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships. European Athletics Championships timetable and BBC coverage for Birmingham 2026. The British Grand Prix will remain on the Moto GP calendar until 2028. Winter Olympic gold medallist Eve Muirhead came out of retirement after four years away. Hannah French thanked medical staff for her recovery in time for the Hockey World Cup. The PLL has four games scheduled for Throwback Weekend in Boston. Carlos Alcaraz’s wrist injury is concerning, with 114 days and counting.

Fantasy & Miscellaneous

Eric Karabell’s “Do Not Draft” list includes a Giants trio considered overvalued.