LIV Golf, a golf league funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, filed for bankruptcy protection after struggling to find a sustainable business model. The league spent over $5 billion but failed to attract enough TV viewers, and its Saudi backers decided to end support after 2026.
Key Facts
LIV Golf was backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which invested more than $5 billion.
PIF announced it would stop funding LIV Golf after the 2026 season due to changing investment priorities.
The league filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to reorganize and keep operating.
LIV Golf hopes to become majority owned by its players after restructuring.
Bankruptcy might end contracts with top players like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.
The PGA Tour said players who left for LIV must earn their way back if they want to return.
LIV Golf faced criticism for "sportswashing," which means improving a country’s image despite controversies.
Supporters said LIV Golf could help grow golf worldwide.
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Aston Villa won their first game of the season in the Champions League by beating Club Brugge. Key players John McGinn, Emi Buendia, and Nicolas Jackson scored goals, helping Villa overcome challenges in the match.
Key Facts
Aston Villa secured their first win of the season against Club Brugge in the Champions League.
John McGinn scored the first goal, becoming Villa’s top European goalscorer with 12 goals.
Emi Buendia and Nicolas Jackson also scored, with Jackson netting his first goal for Villa.
Villa’s young player George Hemmings became the first teenage starter in a European Cup match for the club in 43 years.
Club Brugge scored a penalty late in the game, making the last part of the match tense.
The win is important for Villa as they adjust after losing key players and adding 10 new ones.
Manager Unai Emery said the team showed grit and resilience to secure the victory.
The result builds confidence as Villa prepares for upcoming Champions League matches against Fenerbahce and Viking.
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LIV Golf has asked for bankruptcy protection in the United States after Saudi Arabia stopped funding the company. This allows all the golf players in the league to leave if they want to.
Key Facts
LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S.
Chapter 11 helps companies reorganize and continue operating while managing debt.
Saudi Arabia withdrew its multibillion-dollar funding from LIV Golf.
The bankruptcy filing means players signed to LIV Golf are free to leave.
The company says the filing will help preserve its business.
The news was reported shortly after the bankruptcy filing was made.
LIV Golf is a professional golf league.
The situation is still developing with more updates expected.
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Aryna Sabalenka won a tough match against Linda Noskova to reach the US Open semi-finals. She came back from behind in the final set and is trying to defend her US Open title for the third time in a row.
Key Facts
Sabalenka beat Noskova in three sets, after being behind 4-2 in the third set and 2-0 in the tie-break.
This is Sabalenka’s 19th straight win at the US Open; she has not lost since the 2023 final.
She is the first woman since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach six straight US Open semi-finals.
Sabalenka still holds the world number one ranking but may lose it soon if Elena Rybakina wins her next match.
Next, Sabalenka will play against either Jessica Pegula or Emma Navarro.
Sabalenka showed strong mental focus despite previous struggles with her emotions in matches.
Noskova had more winners and fewer mistakes but lost after saving seven of nine break points.
Sabalenka remains undefeated in US Open quarter-finals over six tries.
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Matthew Brennan from Great Britain won the 16th stage of the 2026 Vuelta a Espana, making it his fourth stage win in this race. The stage ended with a sprint finish in Palos de la Frontera, where Brennan beat Bryan Coquard and Vito Braet.
Key Facts
Matthew Brennan rides for Team Visma Lease-a-bike.
The 16th stage was 181 kilometers long and favored sprinters.
A group of five riders broke away early but was caught about 23 kilometers before the finish.
Brennan celebrated his fourth stage win by holding up four fingers.
Enric Mas from Spain continues to lead the overall race by 2 minutes 6 seconds.
The next stage will be 185 kilometers from Dos Hermanas to Seville, expected to have another sprint finish.
Top finishers in stage 16 included Bryan Coquard (France) and Vito Braet (Belgium).
The general classification ranks riders by total time over all completed stages.
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Major League Soccer (MLS) saw record spending during its latest summer transfer window, with teams spending almost $190 million, a 65% increase from last year. The league’s new rules allowing teams to buy players with cash transfer fees alongside the existing system have helped increase spending and player trades, showing growth as the 2026 World Cup approaches.
Key Facts
This was the fourth MLS transfer window using traditional transfer fees in addition to the previous system called general allocation money (GAM).
MLS teams spent nearly $190 million this summer on player trades and transfers, 65% more than the previous year.
Overall spending in 2026 is on track to exceed $410 million, more than twice the total from 2023.
Cash-for-player transfers have added $41 million in trades that were not possible before.
MLS allows clubs to convert up to $3 million of transfer income into GAM, increasing the funds teams can use for trades.
The league earned almost $800 million from selling players since 2022, with younger players moving abroad, including Americans.
Examples include Lucas Herrington sold for $17 million to Hull City and Zavier Gozo for $15 million to Crystal Palace.
Sporting KC has made major changes with a new head coach, sporting director, and majority owner, shifting from a low-spending approach to a more active roster strategy.
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Jonathan Zimmerman writes about a new Penn State exhibit honoring football coach Joe Paterno. He points out that the exhibit leaves out the details about the child sexual abuse scandal involving Jerry Sandusky.
Key Facts
Joe Paterno was a longtime football coach at Penn State University.
The university created a new exhibit to honor Paterno.
The exhibit does not mention the Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal.
Jerry Sandusky was a former assistant coach involved in the scandal.
Jonathan Zimmerman disagrees with leaving out the scandal’s details.
Zimmerman suggests the exhibit should neither fully praise nor completely reject Paterno.
The article discusses how to remember Paterno’s complicated legacy.
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US President Donald Trump is expected to visit the Irish Open golf tournament being held at his resort in Doonbeg, Ireland. Top golfer Rory McIlroy said the event will feel different with Trump there, but players will focus on the competition. Trump will also meet Irish leaders during his trip.
Key Facts
The Irish Open is taking place at President Trump's golf resort in Doonbeg, County Clare, Ireland.
President Trump will visit the tournament during the weekend as part of a two-day trip to Ireland.
Rory McIlroy, a leading golfer and multiple Irish Open winner, says the event will feel different with Trump's presence.
Trump owns the Doonbeg resort, which he bought in 2014.
Trump is scheduled to meet with Irish President Catherine Connolly and Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin.
Trump may present the tournament trophy to the winner on Sunday evening.
McIlroy noted the golf course is somewhat Americanized compared to traditional Irish links courses.
The tournament features other top golfers, including players from the LIV golf series like Jon Rahm.
Security at the resort will be increased due to Trump’s visit.
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Harry Kane, a striker for Bayern Munich and England, is among three English players nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or award. The 30-player shortlist also includes Lionel Messi, who is aiming to win his ninth Ballon d’Or, and Paris St-Germain players who recently won the World Cup with Spain.
Key Facts
Harry Kane is the favorite for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) and Declan Rice (Arsenal) are the other English nominees.
Lionel Messi, playing for Inter Miami, is nominated despite retiring from international football.
Six players from Spain’s World Cup-winning team are on the shortlist, including Ferran Torres.
Paris St-Germain has nine players nominated, not counting new signing Torres.
Other notable nominees include Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid, and Arsenal defenders Gabriel and William Saliba.
The Ballon d’Or award was created in 1956 and will celebrate its 70th anniversary this year.
The winner will be announced in London on 26 October as a tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews, the first-ever Ballon d’Or winner.
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The US Open tennis tournament has reached the quarter-final stage with top players in both the women’s and men’s singles draws competing. Key matches include Aryna Sabalenka facing Linda Noskova, and American Frances Tiafoe playing Alex Michelsen, as players aim to advance toward the finals.
Key Facts
Four women who hold or can become world No. 1 are still competing: Sabalenka, Rybakina, Gauff, and Pegula.
Elena Rybakina can secure the No. 1 ranking for the first time if she wins her next match.
Notable women’s players who won strong matches recently include Rybakina, Coco Gauff, Zheng Qinwen, and Mirra Andreeva.
On the men’s side, Karen Khachanov defeated Learner Tien, ending hopes for four American men in the quarter-finals.
Ticket prices for some matches, like the Alcaraz vs. Shelton game, are very high, with resale prices reaching up to $11,000 for courtside seats.
Aryna Sabalenka has won all her matches in straight sets but has faced pressure and some unexpected losses recently.
Linda Noskova, 21, is new to this stage but has performed well, including a strong showing at Wimbledon.
Frances Tiafoe, aged 28, is more experienced than Michelsen but feels pressure as his chance to win a major title may be limited.
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Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood, two England football players, are nominated for the 2026 women's Ballon d'Or award. The award ceremony will take place in London on 26 October to mark the prize's 70th anniversary.
Key Facts
Alessia Russo plays for Arsenal and scored 24 goals in 40 club games last season.
Alex Greenwood is the captain of Manchester City, which won the Women’s Super League and FA Cup last season.
Russo and Greenwood are the only England players nominated this year.
The Ballon d'Or was created in 1956 and 2026 is its 70th anniversary.
The award ceremony is held in London to honor Sir Stanley Matthews, the first Ballon d'Or winner.
The list of 30 nominees includes players from clubs in Europe, the US, and other countries.
Other categories announced include young talent, goalkeeper, coach, and club of the year.
The Ballon d’Or is given based on votes considering individual and team achievements during the season.
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NFL games in London are facing challenges with many unsold seats due to high ticket prices and fans feeling tired of some teams playing too often. The NFL is hosting three games in London this October, but some tickets remain available even after being on sale for months.
Key Facts
Matt Cullen, a longtime NFL fan in London, is considering stopping his attendance because of costly tickets and "team fatigue."
Three NFL games are scheduled to take place in London in October.
Tickets for some games, like Jaguars vs. Texans at Wembley, still have many unsold seats months after going on sale.
The Jacksonville Jaguars handle ticketing for their game, while the NFL manages the other London games.
The NFL will have a record nine international games in 2024, including in Germany, Spain, France, and Australia, which may reduce demand for London games.
The NFL UK stopped its "season tickets" program in 2023, leading to more expensive ticket options.
Many fans have expressed frustration online about rising ticket prices.
Some ticket sales, like for the Colts vs. Commanders game, have been slow despite ongoing promotions.
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The AP Top 25 college football rankings may change after Oregon narrowly beat Boise State, LSU had a big win over Clemson, and Michigan won a close game with a last-second touchdown. Ohio State likely stays at No. 1 after strong wins, and Texas probably keeps its spot in the top five.
Key Facts
No. 2 Oregon had a close win over Boise State.
No. 11 LSU won by a large margin against Clemson.
Michigan’s 13-12 win over Western Michigan came from a last-second Hail Mary pass.
Michigan might drop out of the Top 25 despite the win, which rarely happens after a high ranking.
Ohio State stayed No. 1 after defeating Ball State.
Texas likely remains in the top five after beating Texas State.
Ohio State and Texas are scheduled to play each other in Week 2 in Austin, Texas.
The AP Top 25 poll is voted on by 69 writers and broadcasters.
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For only the second time in 19 years, no rookie quarterbacks will start in the first week of the NFL season. Both the Las Vegas Raiders’ No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza and the Los Angeles Rams’ No. 13 pick Ty Simpson will begin the season as backup quarterbacks.
Key Facts
No rookie quarterbacks are starting in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.
Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, will be a backup behind Kirk Cousins for the Raiders.
Ty Simpson, the No. 13 pick, will also start as a reserve for the Rams.
The last time this happened was in 2022 and before that in 2007.
Since 1967, 30 quarterbacks were taken first overall; 20 started their rookie season opener.
The NFL trend is to start rookie QBs earlier now due to smaller differences between college and pro play.
Baker Mayfield was the last No. 1 pick before Mendoza to start his rookie career as a backup (2018).
Most first overall picks have started at least one game during their rookie season.
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Christian Gonzalez, a cornerback for the New England Patriots, signed a four-year contract worth $135 million. This makes him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, with $102 million guaranteed.
Key Facts
Christian Gonzalez agreed to a four-year, $135 million deal with the New England Patriots.
His contract includes $102 million guaranteed money.
This contract surpasses the previous highest cornerback deal held by Devon Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks.
Gonzalez was a first-round draft pick by Bill Belichick in 2023.
He earned a second-team AP All-Pro honor in 2024 and made the Pro Bowl in 2025.
The contract starts after his current rookie deal ends in 2027.
Gonzalez has played 30 games over the past two seasons with noted strong defensive performance.
The contract was finalized just before the NFL season started, resolving earlier negotiation uncertainties.
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Filipino tennis player Alexandra Eala reached the third round of the U.S. Open, marking her best performance at a major tennis tournament. She spoke about her experience and the start of her tennis career on CBS Mornings.
Key Facts
Alexandra Eala is a tennis player from the Philippines.
She reached the third round of the U.S. Open, a major tennis event.
This was her best performance so far in a Grand Slam tournament.
She lost her third-round match to Iva Jovic.
Eala discussed her U.S. Open experience on the CBS Mornings show.
She also talked about how she began playing tennis.
The U.S. Open is one of the four biggest events in tennis.
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Joe Root, England’s Test cricket captain, said the current England cricket team is very different from the team when Kevin Pietersen left in 2014. Pietersen, a former England player known for his skill and bold playing style, has joined the England white-ball coaching staff as a mentor ahead of the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.
Key Facts
Joe Root is the only current England player who played alongside Kevin Pietersen.
Pietersen left international cricket in 2014 after being dropped from the England team.
Pietersen is known for his innovative batting and scored 13,779 international runs for England.
He is now joining the England white-ball coaching team as a mentor.
Pietersen’s style of play fits well with modern white-ball cricket, which is a shorter, faster format of the game.
Pietersen was a senior player who helped young players like Root during his career.
Root described the England team as much changed since 2014 and expects Pietersen to add value to the coaching setup.
England will play a Test match against Pakistan, with Root leading the team.
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Rangers captain Lawrence Shankland will be out for up to four months due to a hamstring tear that may require surgery. This leaves Rangers without their two top strikers as Youssef Chermiti is also sidelined with a serious knee injury.
Key Facts
Lawrence Shankland suffered a 2cm hamstring tear, similar to a previous injury.
He may need surgery, which could extend his recovery by three to four weeks.
Best case recovery is about three months; worst case is about four months.
Shankland has scored 4 goals in 10 appearances for Rangers this season.
He will miss matches including league games and Scotland's Nations League fixtures.
Youssef Chermiti is also out for a long time after an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Rangers won 1-0 against Motherwell with Ryan Naderi scoring the only goal after replacing Shankland.
Other players like Kevin Kelsy and Bojan Miovski are expected to step up during Shankland’s absence.
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Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister said he is sad that the club has not offered him a new contract, even though he has two years left on his current deal. He promised to keep giving his best for Liverpool and mentioned he had options to leave during the summer transfer window.
Key Facts
Mac Allister joined Liverpool in June 2023 on a five-year contract from Brighton.
He has two years remaining on his current Liverpool contract.
The club chose not to offer him a new contract at this time.
Fellow teammates Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch recently extended their contracts with Liverpool.
Mac Allister said he has not had direct talks with the club about the contract decision.
He confirmed there were chances for him to leave Liverpool during the summer but decided to stay.
Liverpool’s new manager, Andoni Iraola, said contract talks are ongoing and that Mac Allister is an important player.
Mac Allister has been linked with a possible move to Manchester City.
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Scott McTominay, the Scotland football player for Napoli, had a heart procedure to fix an irregular heartbeat. The surgery was successful, and he is expected to rest for two weeks before starting training again this month.
Key Facts
McTominay underwent an ablation procedure to correct an irregular heart rhythm.
The surgery happened at Spire Manchester Hospital.
He last played on 30 August in a Napoli game against Como.
The heart condition was described as a mild benign arrhythmia.
Napoli expects McTominay to resume training after two weeks of rest.
He aims to return to play after the international break in early October.
An arrhythmia means the heart beats too fast, too slow, or unevenly.
Cardiac ablation uses heat or cold to create small scars that block faulty heart signals.
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