General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: August 9, 2026, 9:17 AM ET

WNBA

The Minnesota Lynx secured a playoff berth with their 26th victory, a 98-87 win over the Las Vegas Aces. Chelsea Gray hit two buzzer-beating 3-pointers—one to force overtime and another to win it—after Caitlin Clark made uncharacteristic mistakes; the WNBA later rescinded Clark’s eighth technical foul, preventing a suspension. Clark, averaging the most 20-point, 10-assist games in league history, says she is playing the best basketball of her career in Year. On Thursday, two men were escorted from courtside seats during the Aces-Fever matchup. The WNBA playoff race remains tight: six teams are vying for the final spot behind seven apparent locks. DiJonai Carrington was ejected for a hard foul and later posted “white privilege” on social media. The Women’s National Basketball Players Association released a statement emphasizing inclusion and rejecting “hate, abuse” amid the transgender athlete debate. Caitlin Clark said individuals should “speak when you feel like you want to speak” when addressing political issues. USA Basketball announced its FIBA World Cup roster, featuring Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese and Aliyah Boston.

NBA

Top high school prospect Ahmed Nur earned an exclusive ticket to “The Sanctuary,” an offseason performance retreat for NBA players. UConn coach Dan Hurley warned that coaches exploiting recent court rulings for late additions are harming college basketball. Brandon Clarke’s death was ruled accidental due to the effects of heroin and cocaine, the Los Angeles medical authority revealed.

NFL

The race for the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL draft could feature quarterbacks Dante Moore or Arch Manning, or pass-rushers like Dylan Stewart. Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson said 2026 is “probably my last year” after returning from a personal leave. Jahmyr Gibbs’ new contract is one of the 10 most notable NFL extensions; Seth Walder stacked how the $67.5M deal stacks up. The story of how getting fired helped a former ball boy reach the Hall of Fame reveals that the Vikings rehired Larry Fitzgerald as a ball boy after firing him.

College Football

Fifty-one freshmen poised to impact the 2026 season could affect conference and CFP races. Ohio State landed four-star quarterback Christopher Vargas, the top pocket passer in the 2028 class. The Protect College Sports Act failed to reach a Senate vote but gained a spot on September’s calendar. Every fanbase has a villain; here’s the list and stories behind the fury. New Purdue AD Tommy McClelland admitted a one-liner at Indiana’s expense was a mistake “the second it left my mouth.” Cole Hutson returned to Texas after minicamp tryouts with the Browns and Cowboys, regaining a fifth year of eligibility. Big Ten teams have ceilings ranging from national titles to missing the tournament. North Carolina’s Steve Belichick is on indefinite medical leave. ESPN’s preseason schedule evaluation breaks down the toughest and easiest stretches. New Purdue AD Tommy McClelland apparently forgot Indiana winning the CFP national championship when he said, “we are here to win championships.” The all-time villains of college football include Lane Kiffin as the top pot-stirrer.

MLB

Post-trade deadline, every club’s playoff hopes have shifted; here’s how complete each roster is. Tommy John, namesake of the elbow surgery, did not attend the Yankees’ Old-Timers’ Day and shared a vague health message. Mrs. Met and Goldy headline the Mascot Hall of Fame Class of 2026. MLB insiders grade the biggest trade deadline blockbusters, including Skubal and Rutschman deals.

Tennis

World number one Judd Trump suffered a shock first-round defeat to Thailand’s Noppon Saengkham at the China Open. Aryna Sabalenka and Cameron Norrie exited the Canadian Open in the last. Coco Gauff said she supports fairness in women’s sports but criticized how WTA gene testing creates “animosity towards the trans community.”

Boxing

Callum Simpson reclaimed the British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles via unanimous decision in a rematch with Troy Williamson. Conor McGregor says his comeback starts now after knee surgery. Claressa Shields said a fight with Lauren Price is likely to take place in 2027.

Cricket

Sunrisers Leeds kept their Hundred knockout hopes alive with a six-wicket win over Welsh Fire. Tom Lammonby’s century revived Somerset’s One-Day Cup hopes. Scotland beat Canada by nine runs to reach next year’s World Cup Qualifier. Rashid Khan took six wickets as Afghanistan thrashed Ireland by 92 runs. Andrew Flintoff stepped down as England Lions head coach. Luc Benkenstein’s 140 kept Essex’s One-Day Cup hopes alive. Emilio Gay suffered a shoulder injury while playing for Durham. Jos Buttler credited a chat with Marcus Trescothick for rediscovering form that took him past the all-time T20 run-scoring record. London Spirit became the first team eliminated from the men’s Hundred. Brendon McCullum backed Harry Brook as a future Test captain. Hampshire and England bowler John Turner retired aged 25 after a year out injured.

Cycling

A feature on why running a cycling team is so hard examines the Hess women’s team’s failure to pay riders despite a wealthy benefactor. Demi Vollering won stage eight of the Tour de France Femmes to snatch the yellow jersey with one stage remaining. Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney produced a solo ride to win on Mont Ventoux and claim the overall lead. Kimberley Le Court won stage six in a sprint finish.

Rugby League

Catalans Dragons winger Tommy Makinson will retire at the end of the 2026 season. Warrington crushed Bradford Bulls 42-4 to go fourth. Wigan thumped Toulouse Olympique 48-18 to move into second in Super League. Huddersfield celebrated their move to Dewsbury by thrashing Catalans Dragons 42-20. St Helens and Hull FC confirmed a Dublin double-header for next April. Wigan Warriors thumped St Helens 44-6 in the opening Super Four women’s game.

Rugby Union

Ulster second row Fiona Tuite said her side “need to execute more” after a 15-10 loss to Connacht. Connacht inflicted a dominant second-half performance to beat Ulster 15-10 in the Interprovincial Championship opener. Fijian Saimoni Vunilagi died of suspected heatstroke after a training session with Japanese club Kyuden Voltex.

Soccer

Ian Rush said reaching Euro 2028 is a must for Wales after World Cup qualifying heartbreak. Ballymena shocked Linfield 3-0 at Windsor Park to lay down an early marker. Swansea City fear a significant Achilles injury for Cameron Burgess after he limped off in the Carabao Cup. Matthias Jaissle will take charge of his first friendly as Newcastle United head coach against Valencia. BBC Sport NI agreed a new three-year deal for 30 Irish Premiership games.

Other Sports

Hacky sack has surged in popularity; here’s the story behind its throwback momentum. Ex-ball boy (Larry Fitzgerald) reached the Hall of Fame after the Vikings rehired him. Michael Johnson spoke after Grand Slam Track went bankrupt, clarifying payments to athletes. Ben Pritchard eyes a world title defence after retaining his European title. The PLL Week 12 preview includes four games and playoff scenarios for Throwback Weekend. Slippery Stairs is an iconic Ocho event; here’s a firsthand account. The WSOP 2026 final table featured great play, while the Hall of Fame process needs addressing. Hannah French paid tribute to medical staff after recovering from an ACL in time for the Hockey World Cup. The Ocho tradition celebrates 10 years of quirky competitions like T. rex races. T-Rex races at Emerald Downs honor a tradition that began as a team-bonding exercise. Lucas Jumalon, won the 2026 WSOP main event for $10 million. The European Athletics Championships in Birmingham from 10-16 August have a full timetable and BBC coverage.