Recent news and analysis on Sports

Sports news across professional and college leagues, global competitions, athletes, and the business of sports.

• Olympic athletes condemn Novig ad sexualizing women's sport

  Olympic athletes have strongly condemned a sports betting advertisement featuring Sydney Sweeney for allegedly sexualizing women's sport. Former US Olympic gymnast Gracie Kramer and Australian boxer Skye Nicolson publicly criticized the campaign, with Nicolson distinguishing between athletic physique and using sex to sell sport. Female athlete Felicity Palmateer joined the criticism as the Instagram reel accumulated 37 million views in four days.

• Nairobi selected to host 2029 World Athletics Championships

  The World Athletics Council selected Nairobi to host the 2029 Championships, marking the first time the event will be held in Africa. British sprinter Amber Anning expressed excitement about the historic decision, which was chosen over London and Rome due to Kenya's strong fan engagement.

• Spain coach de la Fuente nears contract extension to 2030

  Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente is close to extending his contract through 2030. He led Spain to victory in the 2026 World Cup, securing his tenure for the next cycle including the 2030 tournament co-hosted by Spain. De la Fuente has guided Spain to only two defeats in 41 competitive matches since taking charge.

• US women beat France in World Cup final

  Team USA defeated France 97-79 in the FIBA Women's World Cup gold-medal game in Berlin, securing their fifth consecutive tournament title. Breanna Stewart was named MVP after recording a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds, joining Sue Bird as the only players with four World Cup gold medals.

• Zverev defeats Shelton to win US Open title

  Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton in four sets to claim his second Grand Slam title of the year, ending a 23-year American men's Grand Slam drought. The victory earned Zverev a record $5.5 million winner's prize, matching the women's champion payout.

• Lamine Yamal names Mbappe sole Ballon d'Or rival

  Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has named Kylian Mbappe as his only competitor for the Ballon d'Or, dismissing Harry Kane's strong candidacy despite Kane's record goal tally. Super-agent Jorge Mendes declared Yamal the clear favorite to win the award, calling him the best player in the world by a long way.

• Hurts praises Daniels after Eagles edge Commanders 24-22

  Jalen Hurts led critical fourth-quarter drives to secure a 24-22 victory over the Washington Commanders. Philadelphia held on after Washington failed on a tying two-point conversion. Sports Illustrated insider Albert Breer praised new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion for revitalizing the running game in Hurts' Week 1 debut.

• Two men die during Great North Run half marathon

  Two 25-year-old men died after collapsing during the Great North Run half marathon in England on Sunday. Both participants passed away despite medical intervention along the route between Newcastle and South Shields. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham completed the race in one hour and 57 minutes.

• Russian athletes appeal World Athletics ban to CAS

  Russian Athletics filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport challenging World Athletics' four-year exclusion ban. While the IOC provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, World Athletics reaffirmed its decision citing competition integrity rather than politics, as athletes submitted an open letter appealing for the end of the ban.

• Team USA advances to World Cup final after beating Spain

  The U.S. women's basketball team defeated Spain 76-66 in Berlin to reach the FIBA World Cup gold medal game. Guard Jackie Young came off the bench to score six points in the final minutes, sparking an 18-8 run that secured the victory as the Americans prepare to face France.