Last updated: August 17, 2026, 1:00 AM ET
Golf
Scottie Scheffler opened the PGA Tour postseason with a commanding eight-shot victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, carding a 9-under 61 on Sunday to tie the course record at TPC Southwind. Scheffler birdied the first five holes and never looked back, extending his lead to 13 strokes at one point before coasting to his 18th PGA Tour win. Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, endured a difficult week, finishing 66th — 25 strokes behind Scheffler — and admitted he felt "lost" during the tournament. Keith Mitchell and Jordan Spieth both saw their playoff hopes dashed after finding water on the back nine Sunday, falling short of the cutline for the next FedEx Cup event.
Jack Whaley, the 22-year-old Florida State Seminoles star, captured the U.S. Amateur title at Merion Golf Club, defeating Jay Leng Jr. in the final match. Whaley became only the second Englishman since 1911 to win the prestigious amateur championship, earning himself a spot in next year's Masters Tournament. The victory capped off a remarkable week for the rising collegiate golfer, who had been playing with double gloves throughout the week at the rain-soaked course.
In international competition, Kate Douglass set a new world record in the women's 50-meter freestyle at the Pan Pacific Championships, blazing to a time that left her competitors in the dust. Douglass broke the record twice in one day, showcasing her dominance in the pool as she prepares for the upcoming Olympic cycle. Lani Pallister also made headlines, stunning Katie Ledecky in the 800-meter freestyle — handing Ledecky her first international loss in the event. Adam Ramsay-Peaty expressed confusion over his early exit at the European Aquatics Championships, as his poor form continued in the 50m breaststroke final.
College Football
Kalani Sitake remains one of college football's most respected coaches, with many peers citing his player development and program-building acumen as reasons he's considered a favorite among fellow coaches. His BYU Cougars are poised for a College Football Playoff push in 2026, building momentum after a strong offseason. AK Dear, however, will miss approximately six weeks after suffering an ankle injury in a preseason scrimmage, dealing a blow to Alabama's backfield depth. Tennessee also faced a major setback as starting safety Edrees Farooq was ruled out for the season with a torn patellar tendon sustained in practice.
Rocky Flintoff continues to generate buzz after a stunning century for Somerset, with former England coaches calling for the talented teenager to be "fast-tracked" to international cricket. His performances have reignited discussions about his potential role in England's upcoming tour. Tamim made history as the first Bangladesh cricketer to score a Test century in Australia, leading his side to dominance on day two of their match in Darwin.
WNBA & Women's Basketball
The Indiana Fever secured a crucial 95-91 overtime victory against the Atlanta Dream on Sunday, a win that carries significant playoff implications for both teams. The atmosphere inside State Farm Arena felt unmistakably postseason-like, with the Fever clawing back from a late deficit to force extra time. Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers delivered a star-studded showdown, each scoring 29 points as Clark's Fever edged out Bueckers' short-handed Wings 98-87 in a highly anticipated matchup.
Angel Reese continues to defy conventional wisdom, grabbing rebounds at a pace never before seen in WNBA history despite not being the tallest player or best leaper in the league. Her unique approach to positioning and timing has drawn praise from analysts and opponents alike. Diana Taurasi, hours before her No. 3 jersey retirement ceremony, revealed her hopes to join the Phoenix Mercury's ownership group within the next year or two, signaling a potential transition from player to executive role.
WNBA legends addressed the league's growing pains during Hall of Fame weekend, acknowledging that increased scrutiny is a natural byproduct of the sport's unprecedented growth and success. The icons emphasized that while controversy often accompanies rapid expansion, the positive momentum far outweighs the challenges.
European Championships & Athletics
Kate O'Connor claimed heptathlon gold at the European Championships in Birmingham, delivering a superb performance that solidified her status among Europe's elite combined-event athletes. She dedicated her victory to her late grandmother, saying the win would have made her "jumping for joy." O'Connor entered day two with a commanding lead after strong opening performances, though she acknowledged having "mixed emotions" about the pressure of competition.
Amy Hunt completed a historic sprint treble for Great Britain, while Dina Asher-Smith matched a British record in the process. Jeremiah Azu added a second gold to Wales' tally, finishing with two golds and a silver across multiple events. Abbie Donnelly became the first British woman to win a marathon medal at the European Championships, claiming bronze in Birmingham on Sunday.
Keely Hodgkinson was forced to settle for European silver after Switzerland's Audrey Werro denied her a third consecutive 800m title in a thrilling final. Hodgkinson vowed she still has the hunger to compete at the highest level, stating that if she isn't competitive, she'll begin asking questions about her future. Katarina Johnson-Thompson echoed similar sentiments, saying injuries have held her back as she struggles on day one of the heptathlon at the European Championships.
Cycling
Tragedy struck the cycling world as the death of British rider Finlay Tarling during Friday's stage of the Volta a Portugal sent shockwaves through the sport. His team withdrew from the race as the cycling community mourned the loss. The cyclists' union expressed "fury" over the incident, calling for better helmet safety standards across the sport. Rui Oliveira won the final stage of the Volta a Portugal in his hometown of Porto, dedicating the emotional victory to the Tarling family.
Soccer
Wigan Warriors scored six tries to hammer Bradford 34-6, maintaining their position second in the Super League, trailing only Leeds on points difference. The dominant performance showcased Wigan's attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Castleford Tigers overcame their off-field coaching problems to defeat Hull FC 18-14 at the MKM Stadium, recording only their third Super League away win of the season.
Dan Burn, the new Newcastle captain, believes the Magpies perform best when embracing an "us against the world" mentality as they look to return to European competition. Newcastle drew 1-1 with Strasbourg in a preseason friendly, with Burn emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience in building toward a successful campaign.
Cricket
Afghanistan completed a commanding 4-0 One-Day International series sweep over Ireland, thanks to captain Rahmat Shah's unbeaten 143 at Stormont. The victory marks another milestone in Afghanistan's rise as a competitive force in international cricket. Leicestershire reached the One-Day Cup final with a 23-run victory over Notts Outlaws at Grace Road, setting up a showdown with Middlesex, who stunned Durham with a two-wicket win to reach their first List A final since 1990. Luke Hollman starred with an unbeaten 83 to guide Middlesex to the historic final appearance.
Baseball
Kumar Rocker and other struggling pitchers dominated fantasy baseball headlines this week, with several notable names skipping starts or being shifted in rotations due to injury concerns. The AL East shuffle created ripple effects across fantasy leagues, prompting managers to reconfigure lineups. Spencer Steer and other Royals hitters were highlighted as potential bounce-back candidates heading into Sunday's slate.
ESPN's MLB experts released their updated top 50 players for the 2026 in-season rankings, reflecting the best performances as the regular season enters its final stretch. Shohei Ohtani continues to anchor the list, though several young stars have cracked the upper echelon with standout campaigns.
Football (Soccer)
The impact of new ownership on The Hundred has been mixed, with BBC Sport examining how private stakes in teams have influenced the tournament's trajectory. Attendance figures have dipped compared to 2025, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of the rebranding strategy. Manchester Super Giants survived a late wobble to win the men's Hundred final at Lord's, preventing Trent Rockets from becoming the first team to win both Hundred trophies in the same year.
Combined trophies featuring both men's and women's points have sparked debate across sports, with BBC Sport assessing how such formats might translate to other competitions. The concept has generated excitement among fans and administrators seeking innovative ways to boost engagement.
Lacrosse
The Premier Lacrosse League enters its final week with playoff berths on the line for the men's teams, while the WLL championship showdown between the Charm and Palms promises high-stakes action. The Waterdogs and Whipsnakes face off in what could be a pivotal matchup for postseason positioning.
Coaching & Management
Former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones is set to join the Ospreys board ahead of the 2026-27 season, bringing his extensive leadership experience to the front office. His appointment adds credibility to the region's rebuilding efforts. Jonathan Davies, also a former Wales captain, has called for the Welsh Rugby Union board to step down, citing a lack of direction in addressing the organization's financial challenges.
The WRU announced plans to reduce Welsh professional rugby teams from four to three by 2028, acknowledging that revenue projections cannot support the current structure. The decision has sparked controversy among fans and players concerned about the future of Welsh rugby.
Boxing & MMA
Islam Makhachev further cemented his legacy as one of the greatest fighters ever at UFC, surpassing Anderson Silva's all-time record of 16 consecutive wins and moving to 29-1 overall. His dominant performance against Dan Hooker showcased why he remains the undisputed lightweight champion. Mackenzie Dern also delivered a dominant title defense, closing out the main card with a statement victory that sets up her next challenge.
Two exciting welterweights — Carlos Prates and Michael Morales — have entered the Makhachev sweepstakes, adding intrigue to the lightweight division's title picture. Dern revealed that her poker hobby has helped develop composure inside the octagon, contributing to her championship success.
Snooker
Mark Selby claimed his fourth China Open title in Taiyuan, defeating Noppon Saengkham 10-6 in the final. At 41 years old, Selby said he was "somewhere close to his best," proving that experience and tactical brilliance can still triumph over younger rivals. The victory adds another chapter to his legendary career.
Motorsports
Joy Logano broke a nine-year winless streak at Richmond Raceway, surging to victory on Saturday night with a late-race charge on fresh tires. The win boosts his confidence heading into the NASCAR playoffs, where momentum and timing are everything.
Basketball (NBA)
NBA Hall of Fame week provided a platform for legends like Mike D'Antoni to reflect on their legacies, including his revolutionary "seven seconds or less" offense that redefined NBA basketball. D'Antoni discussed his time with Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant, as well as his "doomed" Lakers tenure, offering insights into the evolution of professional basketball strategy.
American Football (NFL)
Nazeeh Johnson, a two-time Super Bowl winner, believes fertility medication led to his positive test for a banned substance, resulting in his NFL suspension. His case highlights the complexities of substance testing and the personal struggles athletes face off the field.
Fantasy Sports
Fantasy football enthusiasts received guidance from Matt Bowen, who broke down his favorite draft picks ranging from first-round superstars to late-round dart throws. His analysis covers everything from quarterback tiers to hidden gems at skill positions. Tight end rankings were similarly dissected, helping fantasy managers identify value throughout the draft.
Fantasy baseball lineups for Saturday action included recommendations to target players like Gleyber Torres and Corey Seymour, with experts weighing in on optimal lineup construction amid shifting rotations and injury updates.
Olympics & International Competition
Great Britain's women's flag football team missed out on qualifying for the 2028 Olympics after a narrow 20-19 defeat to Mexico at the World Championships. Despite the loss, the team's performance demonstrated significant progress in a relatively new sport on the international stage.
Lottie Fry made history as the first rider in FEI World Championships history to retain both individual dressage titles, securing double gold for Great Britain. Her flawless performances in the dressage arena solidified her reputation as one of the sport's top competitors.
Golf (Continued)
Yanhan Zhou, an 18-year-old rising star, crushed a 514-yard drive during the third round of the DP World Tour Danish Golf Championship, with the help of a cart path. The incredible shot showcased Zhou's power and precision, marking another milestone in her promising young career.
Rugby
Glentoran manager Declan Devine has set his sights firmly on silverware, declaring he "needs to put silverware in the cabinet this year" after failing to secure a trophy last season. The pressure is mounting on the manager to deliver results in the upcoming campaign.
Little League
The Little League World Series is underway, with comprehensive coverage including schedules, results, and analysis from Williamsport. Fans can follow all the action through ESPN's dedicated platform, tracking the progress of young athletes from around the globe competing for the coveted championship.
Coaching Legacy
Skip Bertman, the legendary LSU baseball coach who transformed the Tigers into a national powerhouse with five Men's College World Series titles, passed away at the age of. His influence on collegiate baseball extends far beyond his impressive win-loss record, shaping generations of coaches and players.
NFL Analysis
Mitch Trubisky and other quarterbacks were evaluated based on specific skills by analyst Matt Bowen, who ranked QBs by arm strength, pocket presence, and improvisation ability. The analysis revealed interesting insights into how different quarterbacks excel in various aspects of the game, with Josh Allen leading in raw arm strength while Lamar Jackson remains the most unstoppable rushing threat.
NFL Team Updates
Lamar Jackson is adapting to a new offensive system under OC Declan Doyle, showing flexibility and growth as the Ravens aim to build on their previous season's success. His adjustments to the new playbook have been closely watched by analysts and fans alike.
Fantasy Football
Quarterback rankings for the 2026 season reveal a competitive landscape at the top, with established veterans and rising stars vying for dominance. Caleb Williams enters the conversation as one of the most promising young improvisers, drawing comparisons to established playmakers.
College Football Preview
With 138 FBS teams ranked across 20 tiers, the upcoming 2026 college football season promises intense competition and unpredictable outcomes. The tiered ranking system provides a comprehensive preview of how teams stack up heading into the season opener.
Football Insights
The flow of college football games has evolved significantly in 2025, with changes in sequencing, fourth-down decisions, and overall pace affecting scoring trends. Coaches are adapting their strategies to these shifts, leading to fewer points but more strategic complexity on the field.
Training Camp Intel
NFL training camps are providing early glimpses of how teams will look in the upcoming season, with camp standouts and key questions emerging from all 32 franchises. Our team of reporters is delivering real-time updates and insights from each facility.
Boxing Tragedy
The boxing community continues to mourn the loss of Prichard Colon, who died 11 years after suffering a severe brain injury during a 2015 fight. Colon was 33 at the time of his passing, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence conversations about fighter safety in the sport.
Golf Records
Jessica Bang, an 18-year-old rising Australian golf star, tragically passed away after suffering a brain haemorrhage while preparing for a tournament in Thailand. Her untimely death has sent waves of grief through the golf community, with tributes pouring in from around the world.
Horse Racing
Mark Selby may dominate snooker, but Aneurin Donald is ready to fly the Welsh flag at Lord's, even though Welsh Fire didn't make the Hundred final. His readiness to step into the spotlight demonstrates his commitment to representing his country.
Cricket Standout
Zan Vipotnik found himself at the center of transfer speculation after Hull City's £10 million bid was deemed "pathetic" by former Swansea City forward Andy Robinson. The valuation gap highlights the complexities of modern football transfers and player negotiations.