General Sports 8 Hours

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 9:43 PM ET

NFL Training Camps Heat Up

As NFL training camps intensify across the league, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is showcasing remarkable focus during drills, a key sign for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Buccaneers signal-caller Baker Mayfield is feeling the heat in Tampa Bay, as the team's competitive practices push him to elevate his game. The pressure is on for both quarterbacks to deliver in what promises to be a highly competitive NFC landscape this season.

MLB Trade Deadline Fallout

Baseball insiders are buzzing about the flurry of activity at the MLB trade deadline, with several blockbuster deals reshaping the playoff picture. Our panel of executives and scouts believes the biggest winners made strategic moves to bolster their rotations and bullpens for the stretch run. The deadline deals have set the stage for a thrilling final two months of the regular season, with contenders clearly separating themselves from pretenders.

WNBA Playoff Race Intensifies

WNBA playoff picture is coming into focus, with seven teams looking like locks for the postseason and six franchises vying for the final spot. The Mystics, Sparks, Mercury, Sky, Fire, and Tempo all have realistic paths to claim the No. 8 seed as the season winds down. Fever guard Clark addressed the media Thursday, stating that it is up to individuals to "speak when you feel like you want to speak" regarding political issues. The 24-year-old rookie said she is "trying to navigate life" amid the immense scrutiny that comes with her stardom.

College Football Headlines

North Carolina Bill Belichick announced Thursday that his son, defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, is on indefinite medical leave. The Tar Heels will need to adjust their defensive game planning while Steve is away from the program. In other ACC news, the Way-Too-Early Top 25 sees Texas moving into the top five, while North Carolina falls out in favor of UCLA. Key nonconference are already circled on the calendar for every ranked team, with several potential playoff-defining matchups looming. Over in the Big Ten, every team's ceiling and floor has been evaluated, with some programs dreaming of a national title while others fear missing the tournament entirely. New Purdue director Tommy McClelland took a thinly veiled dig at rival Indiana, apparently forgetting the Hoosiers' CFP national championship win in January. McClelland's comments that "we are here to win championships" have sparked controversy in the heated in-state rivalry.

The Hundred and Rugby League

London Spirit the first side eliminated from the men's Hundred after a six-wicket defeat to MI London at Lord's. The loss ends Spirit's campaign in the competition, while MI London keeps their semifinal hopes alive. In rugby league, Wigan Warriors kicked off the new Super Four format of the Women's Super League with a dominant 44-6 victory over St Helens. St Helens Hull FC have confirmed they will face off in Dublin as part of a Super League double-header next April. The Dublin event will take place the day after Warrington Wolves take on Wigan Warriors in the same city.

Cricket and Cycling

England white-ball Brendon McCullum has backed Harry Brook as a future Test captain, though he insists Joe Root will do an "amazing job" in his second stint. McCullum's comments as England looks to build leadership depth for the years ahead. In cycling, Kimberley Le Court won a sprint finish to take stage six of the Tour de France Femmes on Thursday. Swiss rider Reusser held on to the overall lead despite a dramatic day that included a mechanical failure for the stage winner.

ESPN Features and Fantasy Football

Fantasy football should take heed of the annual "Do Not Draft" list for 2026, which highlights players going earlier than they should in drafts this summer. ESPN's preseason schedule evaluation has broken down which teams face the toughest stretches and which have the easiest roads ahead. Ocho, ESPN's 75-hour tradition of obscure competitions, celebrates its 10th year with events ranging from T. rex races to sign spinning. Hundreds of competitors are poised to take the turf at Emerald Downs for the T. rex races, a tradition that began as a team-bonding experience. Finally, Ryan College Football Supervillain Power Rankings have identified Lane Kiffin as the biggest pot-stirrer of all time, fueling fans' ire more than anyone else.