SPORT
Sport coverage
Today's coverage leans right of center. 149 stories in the last 48 hours across 295 outlet reports.
UEFA threatens to pull all members from World Cup over Infantino's sale plan
All 55 UEFA national associations say they will quit the FIFA World Cup if Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell tournament ownership proceeds.
UEFA threatens to skip 2030 World Cup over Infantino's privatization plan
UEFA is set to discuss a possible boycott of the 2030 World Cup after FIFA president Gianni Infantino proposed selling tournament rights to private investors.
FIFA President Proposes Selling World Cup Commercial Rights to Private Investors
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino plans to auction commercial stakes in the World Cup to private capital, sparking criticism.
UEFA, AFC and Concacaf Rally Against FIFA's Plan to Sell World Cup Assets
European, Asian and North American football bodies are pushing back on Gianni Infantino’s proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise and sell a large stake to private investors.
LIV Golf pulls the plug on $40 million team championship amid financial woes
LIV Golf announced the cancellation of its late-August Team Championship, a $40 million prize event slated for Michigan, citing ongoing money problems.
Queensland MP praises White Australian sprinter after Commonwealth Games silver
National Party MP Llew O’Brien lauded Lachlan Kennedy’s silver medal and new record, saying it shows white Australians can excel in sprinting.
FIFA launches disciplinary case against Argentina for multiple World Cup infractions
FIFA has opened formal proceedings against Argentina, citing several alleged violations during the 2026 World Cup, including a Falklands-related banner.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid reports Mia Bieniemy out of ICU and improving after shooting
Andy Reid said at training camp that Mia Bieniemy is no longer in intensive care and is making progress after being shot.
Félix Dolci clinches silver for Canada, missing gold by two-tenths at Commonwealth gymnastics
Canadian gymnast Félix Dolci took silver in the men’s all-around at the Commonwealth Games, finishing just 0.20 points behind Scotland’s Reuben Ward.
Big Ten Says It Will Back College Sports Bill Only After Final Revisions Arrive
Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti told reporters the league will support the Protect College Sports Act once it receives amended language that addresses the conference’s concerns.
Fans organize pre-game rally in Seattle supporting Fever guard Sophie Cunningham
A group of local athletes is planning a rally outside Climate Pledge Arena before the Indiana Fever face the Seattle Storm, showing support for guard Sophie Cunningham after her comments on trans participation in women's sports.
Justin Langer says he hasn't been contacted about England Test coach vacancy
Former Australia coach Justin Langer told a cricket podcast he has not received any approach from the ECB regarding the open England Test head-coach role, though he expressed casual interest.
Former UFC contender Anthony Smith detained on multiple felony charges in Nebraska
Anthony Smith was taken into custody in Nebraska on three felony counts, including terroristic threats and domestic violence, after his arrest on Monday night.
Jake Paul and Eddie Hearn forge unexpected alliance to boost women's boxing
YouTuber-turned-fighter Jake Paul and promoter Eddie Hearn announced a long-term partnership between MVP and Matchroom Boxing aimed at expanding the global profile of women's boxing.
ICE busts over 900 traffickers and frees 180 victims during 2026 World Cup
Federal agents arrested more than 900 alleged traffickers and rescued 180 victims, including children, amid the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Viral clip shows alleged sound-mimic cheating in English amateur cricket match
A video of an amateur game in Saltburn, England, claims a fielder faked the sound of a bat-ball contact to deceive an umpire, sparking worldwide outrage.
WNBA faces backlash after posting players' $400 friendly bet online
The league shared a video of Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese joking about a $400 wager, sparking criticism that it violated the WNBA’s own betting rules.
MLS targets $400-500 million U.S. TV deal as Messi boosts league profile
Major League Soccer is aiming for a $400-500 million U.S. media rights contract, leveraging the surge in interest sparked by Lionel Messi’s World Cup run.
Charley Hull tricks caddie with fake $100,000 lottery win at AIG Women’s Open
During media duties at the AIG Women’s Open, Charley Hull played a prank on her caddie Adam Woodward by giving him a bogus $100,000 scratch-card, prompting an excited but brief celebration.
Former Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith Jr., 64, passes away
Billy Ray Smith Jr., a former NFL linebacker and College Football Hall of Famer, died at age 64 after battling dementia linked to CTE.
Lolo Jones claims USOPC and USA Bobsled denied her care after spinal injury
Olympian Lolo Jones alleges the USOPC and USA Bobsled blocked her medical treatment and barred her from the training center following a back injury sustained in March 2025.
Tech billionaires eyed for minority stake in Liverpool as Bhatia-led consortium negotiates
A consortium headed by Amit Bhatia is in early talks with Fenway Sports Group to buy about 30% of Liverpool, with Jeff Bezos and Eduardo Saverin among potential investors.
Over 50 college athletes file suit demanding an extra year of eligibility
A group of 52 student-athletes has taken legal action against the NCAA, seeking a court order that would let them compete in the 2025-26 basketball season under the organization’s new five-year eligibility rule.
Newcastle United part ways with Eddie Howe after nearly five years as head coach
Eddie Howe has left his position as Newcastle United head coach following discussions with the club’s hierarchy.
Former Packers star Ahman Green discloses Parkinson's diagnosis
Ahman Green announced he has Parkinson's disease during a Go Long podcast interview.
Real Madrid posts record €1.22 billion operating revenue, first club to top €1.2 billion
Real Madrid’s 2025-26 accounts reveal operating revenue of €1.221 billion, the first time any sports organization has exceeded the €1.2 billion threshold.
Ten Cheltenham High football players and coaches charged in severe hazing case
Ten members of a Pennsylvania high school football team, including four coaches, have been charged after a sophomore was stomped with cleats and prodded with a broomstick.
Police admit clerical mistake shifted blame in Kyle Shanahan crash report
Palo Alto police confirmed a data entry error wrongly blamed another driver for the collision involving 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan.
ICC announces twelve African venues for the 2027 Men's Cricket World Cup
The International Cricket Council revealed the twelve cities in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia that will host the 2027 ODI World Cup, the tournament’s first return to Africa in 24 years.
India adds silver in long jump and record gold in para sprint at CWG 2026
Murali Sreeshankar secured a second straight long jump silver while Dilip Mahadu Gavit set a Games record to win para 100m gold, boosting India’s medal count.
Saints lock up Chris Olave with record-setting $132 million extension
The New Orleans Saints have agreed to a four-year contract extension with wide receiver Chris Olave worth up to $132 million, including $90 million guaranteed.
Top-ranked Scheffler and Matsuyama headline 2026 3M Open as play begins Thursday
The first round of the 2026 3M Open kicks off Thursday in Blaine, Minnesota, with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and former No. 30 Hideki Matsuyama among the favorites.
WNBA media pushes basketball focus as political debates dominate the league
Recent incidents in Seattle highlighted a clash between the WNBA’s long-standing political activism and a growing call from some media figures to refocus on basketball.
Mid-season review: rising stars, rule woes and team turnarounds in F1 2026
After eleven races, the 2026 Formula 1 season has highlighted a breakout rookie, controversial power-unit rules, a revived champion and mixed fortunes for Aston Martin and Williams.
Germany grapples with scorching heat, cabinet shake-up and BMW job cuts
A new heatwave pushed temperatures to near 39 °C across western Germany while the cabinet was reshuffled and BMW announced plans to cut up to 8,000 office jobs.
Cruz claims $48 M cap is firm, but major conferences demand stronger language
Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz says the proposed $48.8 million salary cap for college athletes is a hard limit, while the Big Ten and SEC push for tighter wording.
NCAA chief urges swift Senate support for stalled Protect College Sports Act
NCAA president Charlie Baker appealed to lawmakers and college-sports leaders to back the Protect College Sports Act as negotiations stall and a Senate vote looks uncertain before the August recess.
Cignetti vows to guard against complacency as Indiana defends national title
Coach Curt Cignetti warns Indiana must avoid a championship hangover as the Hoosiers start their title-defense season.
FA imposes mandatory ten-match suspensions for discrimination offenses starting next season
The Football Association said any player found guilty of discriminatory conduct will now receive a suspension of at least ten matches.
Mets forge historic alliance with prediction market platform Novig
The New York Mets announced a multi-year deal with Novig, becoming the first MLB club to partner with a sports prediction market.
Kawhi Leonard investigation could linger until 2027, delaying Clippers-Raptors trade
The NBA probe into Kawhi Leonard may not conclude until 2027, putting the proposed Clippers-Raptors deal on hold.
NBA cancels Middle East preseason tour amid ongoing conflict, eyes China games
The NBA will not hold any preseason matches in the Middle East this year, citing the current war, while planning two games in China for October.
Mauricio Pochettino Close to Securing Four-Year Extension as U.S. Coach
Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly about to sign a four-year contract to stay on as head coach of the U.S. men’s national team through the 2030 World Cup.
Search for British surfer Arran Strong called off after disappearance off Portugal
Search operations for 28-year-old British surfer Arran Strong were halted on Thursday after he vanished while crossing between Monte Clerigo and Carrapateira on Portugal’s Atlantic coast.
Gina Rinehart pushes to shift 2032 Olympic rowing to crocodile-infested Fitzroy River
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart lobbied Queensland officials to move the 2032 Olympic rowing competition to Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River, a site known for saltwater crocodiles.
PGA Tour suspends Trey Mullinax for six months after doping breach
The PGA Tour announced a six-month suspension for Trey Mullinax after he tested positive for a prohibited performance-enhancing substance.
Ajinkya Rahane announces retirement, ends a decade-long international career
Ajinkya Rahane posted an emotional video on Instagram on Thursday, confirming his retirement from all formats of international cricket.
Warriors explored a Jaylen Brown deal after a failed Giannis offer
NBA insider Shams Charania disclosed that the Golden State Warriors tried to trade for Jaylen Brown, but the price was lower than the four first-round picks they had offered for Giannis Antetokounmpo, which the Bucks rejected.
Packers showcase defensive playmaking and roster depth in second camp practice
Green Bay held its second non-padded training camp session, highlighting strong defensive performances and several players stepping into new roles.
Former LSU star Demetrius Byrd arrested after pulling multi-tool on bus passenger
Demetrius Byrd was taken into custody in Miami-Dade after an altercation on a Miami Beach bus where he displayed a silver multi-tool blade and threatened another rider.
Raiders confirm Maxx Crosby cleared for first training-camp reps after knee surgery
Edge rusher Maxx Crosby is cleared to practice at the Raiders' training camp, with head coach Klint Kubiak saying he’s ready to take reps.
LeBron James could turn Philadelphia 76ers' jersey patch into a premium sponsorship
LeBron James' arrival in Philadelphia may make the 76ers' expiring jersey-patch deal with Crypto.com a highly sought-after asset.
Dodgers Appear Quiet at Trade Deadline, Yet History Warns of a Surprise Move
The Los Angeles Dodgers seem to be staying low-key as the Aug. 3 deadline approaches, but past behavior suggests a last-minute deal remains possible.
Marcus Rashford thanks Barcelona before heading back to Manchester United
England striker Marcus Rashford posted a farewell message to FC Barcelona, expressing gratitude before returning to Manchester United.
MLS owners to choose new commissioner in upcoming vote next week
Major League Soccer owners will meet on Monday to vote for Don Garber's successor, with LAFC co-owner Larry Berg and former Fox executive David Nathanson as the leading candidates.
Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti predicts unprecedented conference strength
Commissioner Tony Petitti said the Big Ten is in the strongest position in its history and expects continued dominance.
Canadian athletes claim bronze in weightlifting and Warner tops decathlon on Day 7
Canada earned two bronze medals in weightlifting while decathlon leader Damian Warner extended his advantage after three events at the Commonwealth Games.
Thomas Muller shatters MLS All-Star shooting challenge record in Charlotte
Thomas Muller set a new MLS All-Star shooting challenge high with 79 points, surpassing the previous record held by Evander.
Scottish swimmer skips Love Island, Idi Amin's grandson vows Scottish throne, and family weightlifting legacy shines at Commonwealth Games
Day six of the Commonwealth Games saw Scottish swimmer Katie Shanahan turn down a Love Island offer, Ugandan boxer Aziz Abdul claim a Scottish royal ambition, and Australian weightlifter Ollie Saxton match his father's 1986 medal.
Santiago Castro shares excitement after joining AS Roma and his goals ahead
Argentine forward Santiago Castro gave his first interview as a new AS Roma player, praising the warm welcome and outlining his ambitions.