Football fans can mark their calendars as the complete 2026 NFL schedule becomes available Thursday evening, wrapping up the lineup of 272 games spanning 18 weeks. The season will begin September 9 with the Seahawks celebrating their Super Bowl championship with a banner ceremony. This marks only the second occasion the NFL has started its season on a Wednesday, following the Giants-Cowboys matchup on September 5, 2012. Multiple games have already been confirmed, including a historic nine international contests spanning four continents. The 49ers will meet the Rams in Melbourne on September 10 for the season’s first overseas game, while the Steelers take on the Saints in Paris on October 25, marking the NFL’s inaugural regular-season game in France.
At Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, the PGA Championship is delivering a stern examination for competitors. Among the morning wave, no golfer managed better than 67 strokes. Rory McIlroy encountered difficulties, carding a 74, while Bryson DeChambeau fared even worse with a 76. Four players – Aldrich Potgieter, Stephan Jaeger, Min Woo Lee and Ryo Hisatsune – achieved 67 by making sufficient birdies to counter their errors. Xander Schauffele sits among those posting 68, with Jordan Spieth and Brooks Koepka recording 69. Spieth expressed optimism about his ball-striking despite the score, noting it provides a solid foundation as he pursues the final piece of the career Grand Slam.
McIlroy’s round at Aronimink deteriorated significantly after dealing with a blister on his right pinky toe during practice sessions. The Masters champion had planned to attack with his driver and adapt accordingly, but struggled to locate fairways throughout his round. He concluded with four consecutive bogeys for his 74. Historically, no PGA champion has recovered from an opening round of 74 or higher in 27 years, leaving him facing an uphill battle. McIlroy found just five fairways, missing all of them over his final eight holes.
DeChambeau’s quest to improve his position encountered a bizarre obstacle when his tee shot found its way onto a hospitality tent’s staircase. The unusual situation contributed to his struggles in a 6-over 76 at Aronimink, representing his worst score relative to par in PGA Championship competition. This performance puts him in danger of missing the cut in consecutive major championships. Despite his on-course difficulties, DeChambeau maintains his popularity with spectators who continue celebrating his powerful drives. His association with LIV Golf faces uncertainty following Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrawing its support, potentially leading him toward social media ventures if he doesn’t secure a new agreement.
Georgia safety Ja’Marley Riddle faces legal troubles following his arrest on two felony charges for controlled substance possession plus a misdemeanor speeding violation. Police reports obtained by WGIG 98.7 FM indicate officers observed Riddle driving erratically through traffic at approximately 95 mph Friday evening. During the traffic stop, authorities noted his anxious demeanor and detected marijuana odors. A search revealed a bag containing various packages marked as marijuana and THC vapes in his backpack. The football program’s spokesperson acknowledged they are collecting additional details but refused to elaborate. Riddle joined Georgia this winter following his transfer from East Carolina University.
The WNBA’s efforts to address excessive physical play are creating adjustment challenges during the season’s opening week. Teams are currently averaging 21.6 fouls per game, an increase from 19.9 during the comparable period last season. That figure typically decreases as the year progresses, with teams averaging 17.5 fouls per contest by season’s end last year. The uptick in whistles hasn’t significantly impacted free throw attempts, with 21.9 being shot this season compared to 21.4 at this point previously.
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund strengthened its sports investments by becoming an “official tournament supporter” of the World Cup Thursday, demonstrating continued commitment despite recent pullbacks from other ventures. The kingdom’s public investment fund announced this month it would cease future LIV Golf funding, creating questions about long-term sports strategies following massive recent expenditures. However, the partnership announcement emphasized sport remains a “priority sector.” Financial terms of the agreement covering North America and Asia weren’t revealed, but it deepens connections between Saudi Arabia and soccer’s global governing organization.
Israel’s defense minister has condemned Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal for displaying a Palestinian flag during Spanish league championship celebrations. Minister Israel Katz posted on X that Yamal’s flag-waving “incites hate” toward Israel. The 18-year-old Yamal held a large Palestinian flag while riding Barcelona’s victory parade bus through the city Monday. Yamal is expected to feature prominently for Spain in next month’s World Cup tournament in North America.
The Edmonton Oilers dismissed coach Kris Knoblauch following their first-round playoff elimination, ending his tenure after leading the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances. Knoblauch assumed control as a midseason replacement when Jay Woodcroft was terminated following a poor start in November 2023. This marks the organization’s sixth coaching change in 12 seasons since Connor McDavid joined the NHL and established himself as the sport’s premier talent alongside fellow MVP Leon Draisaitl. General manager Stan Bowman’s decision to release Knoblauch suggests he will continue in his role alongside president of hockey operations Jeff Jackson.
Trainer Brittany Russell has an opportunity to create horse racing history as another woman to capture a Triple Crown race victory. Following Cherie DeVaux’s Kentucky Derby triumph and Jenna Antonucci’s Belmont success, Russell seeks to finish the series by winning Saturday’s Preakness Stakes with Taj Mahal. The event occurs at Laurel Park, Russell’s regular venue, with her husband Sheldon serving as jockey. Success would establish them as the first married team to claim a Triple Crown race as trainer and rider. Taj Mahal enters as a legitimate threat, maintaining a perfect record through three starts at Laurel Park.
