Friday, June 19, 2026

Sports Updates

Dana White
Photo Credit: USA TODAY

UFC’s Fight Island is on as fighters will head to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi next month. The four July dates were announced Tuesday after months of anticipation as UFC tried to find a way to host fights with International fighters.

While UFC has found a way for international competition, the LPGA lost one of its majors as the Evian Championship in France was canceled over international travel concerns. The event was scheduled to field 120 players from 30 countries, but the organization felt “opening the borders, in particular with Asia and the USA, poses a major risk.” 

Other News:

  • COVID-19 effects are also at the heart of why Brazil withdrew its bid to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Brazil has more than 37,000 COVID-19 deaths and expects its economy to contract by at least 7.4%, so it can’t provide FIFA the financial assurances the organization needs. The event is expected to be awarded June 25 and is now down to Colombia, Japan or a joint candidacy of Australia and New Zealand.
  • New Zealand looks to be fully recovered from the coronavirus pandemic as rugby will resume play this weekend, with more than 35,000 fans expected at one game. The country has no active COVID-19 cases – just 1,500 total – and started opening up stores, public transportation and restaurants this week.
  • In the U.S., NASCAR is ready to welcome fans at its upcoming races in Florida and Alabama. Up to 1,000 Florida service members will watch Sunday’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, while up to 5,000 guests will be allowed in the grandstands at Talladega Superspeedway on June 21.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Feb 11, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (84) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Exclusive

Jimmie Johnson Joining TNT as NASCAR Analyst

Johnson will make his TNT debut on June 28.

White Says Never Again After White House Fight: ‘I Can’t Afford It’

The MMA promotion also distanced itself from staging future events outdoors. 

UFC Freedom 250 Goes Off Despite Political and Weather Drama

UFC’s “one-of-one” White House event happened. 

Eric Trump Accused of Seeking UFC Fight Intel, Calls It ‘Fake’

A prominent announcer posted, and then deleted, the damning exchange.

Featured Today

Why U.S. Open Host Sites Are on a 25-Year Plan

The U.S. Open has already picked out 22 future sites through 2051.
Wisconsin Badgers forward Laila Edwards, left, and defender Caroline Harvey celebrate after Edwards scored against the Minnesota Gophers in the first period in a game Saturday, February 8, 2025, at LaBahn Arena in Madison, Wisconsin.
June 15, 2026

Two Rookies Are Rewriting Women’s Hockey Stardom

Their platforms are a mutual boon for the PWHL and its players.
Ai sports slop
June 5, 2026

How Sports Became Ground Zero for AI Slop

The category is the perfect breeding ground for AI content churn.
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group A - Germany v Luxembourg - Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Sinsheim, Germany - October 10, 2025 Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann
June 4, 2026

‘Weird Corners of the World’: How to Find a World Cup Coach

National associations look for a winning record—and also hope for serendipity.
Sponsored

How Long Acre Tavern Is Built to Handle Soccer’s Biggest Moments

Learn how Spectrum Business helps keep Long Acre Tavern in Times Square connected and ready to serve soccer fans from around the world.
FIFA
December 11, 2024

Saudis Awarded 2034 World Cup in Uncontested Vote

Saudi Arabia was the only option after Australia decided not to bid.
Sponsored

The Hidden Economy of Race Weekend

Learn more about the Vintage Flying Museum and how Spectrum Business is helping them achieve their business goals while fueling their dreams.
Sponsored

Midge Purce Sounds Off on the Trinity Rodman Rule

Midge Purce discusses the Rodman Rule and the future of NWSL.
The stands at the Solheim Cup
September 13, 2024

LPGA Apologizes for Solheim Cup Fan Bus Debacle

The USA-Europe women’s team golf event teed off Friday morning.
May 20, 2024

Top Sports Business Jobs This Week (May 2024)

Each week, our staff combs through the thousands of job listings from…
October 3, 2022

Real Madrid President Renews Call for Super League

Real Madrid’s president believes that soccer is losing ground.
August 10, 2022

PGA Tour Touts Projected Earnings to Keep Players

The PGA Tour is asking its players to consider their potential futures.