Arizona State and Kansas will play in the inaugural Union Jack Classic at Wembley Stadium in London on September 19, 2026, marking a historic moment as the first FBS college football game in England, part of the Big 12's efforts to globalize college sports.
The European Commission has strongly opposed the idea of hosting European football matches in foreign countries, with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin expressing disapproval of plans to hold league games in the U.S. and Australia, citing concerns about the integrity and tradition of European football.
President Trump is set to sign an executive order creating a task force to oversee preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, focusing on security, transportation, and visa issues, with support from the LA Olympics chair and the White House, despite some political tensions.
LeBron James and Nikola Jokić are reportedly involved in discussions about a new $5 billion international basketball league, inspired by LIV Golf and Formula One, which would feature touring teams and offer player equity stakes, potentially competing with NBA expansion efforts in Europe.
LeBron James and Maverick Carter met with agent Misko Raznatovic to discuss a potential new international basketball league, possibly launching in 2026, with a touring format across multiple countries and significant investment from global entities, aiming to rival NBA salaries and format similar to Formula 1 or LIV Golf.
The University of Michigan Football team is in discussions to open the 2026 season with a historic game against Western Michigan in Frankfurt, Germany, at Deutsche Bank Park, marking the first time the Wolverines would play outside North America, offering a unique international experience for players and fans.
The Venezuelan team Cacique Mara was denied visas to participate in the U.S.-based Senior League World Series due to visa restrictions linked to a Trump-era executive order, leading to Mexico's team replacing them and raising concerns about international sports participation amid U.S. immigration policies.
The PGA Tour has announced a partnership with LIV Golf, a rival circuit backed by Saudi Arabia, which is expected to transform the sport of golf. The deal comes after a bitter two-year rift in the sport caused by the arrival of LIV Golf. The move gives Saudi Arabia a powerful new seat at the table of international sports.
The most exciting young athlete in the world is not playing in America, but rather in Europe. A 16-year-old football player from Norway named Martin Ødegaard has been making waves in the international sports scene, drawing comparisons to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite interest from top football clubs, Ødegaard has chosen to sign with Real Madrid. Meanwhile, in basketball, 18-year-old Slovenian Luka Doncic is also making a name for himself in Europe and is expected to be a top pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
The Big 12 is close to finalizing a deal to play football and men's basketball games in Mexico, with the agreement lasting for multiple years. The football games are expected to take place in Monterrey and men's basketball in Mexico City, with potential for more sports in the future. The move is part of Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark's efforts to nationalize and internationalize the conference's brand. Specific dates and teams involved have not yet been determined.