Women's Test matches are infrequent, making their outcomes often inconsequential in the broader context of the sport. While exceptions like the Ashes exist, where victory contributes to a multi-format series, the scarcity of women's Test cricket remains a challenge. Even cricket powerhouses like England, Australia, and India typically engage in a maximum of two Tests annually.
For the 2024 season, the Swiss Sauber team has returned to its original name after racing as Alfa Romeo since 2019. The naming rights deal with Alfa Romeo concludes this year as Sauber prepares for its transition into the factory Audi team in 2026. Audi's official association with the team will begin when they formally enter the championship. The team's new official name is Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber, and the chassis will be referred to as a Kick Sauber. Sauber, which entered F1 in 1993, had raced under its own name until the rebranding as Alfa Romeo in 2019.
Shohei Ohtani has chosen to defer the majority of his record-breaking contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, totaling $680 million of his $700 million 10-year deal. The arrangement involves receiving $2 million annually until 2034, followed by $68 million per year until 2043. Ohtani, a two-time American League Most Valuable Player, emphasized that his decision aims to help the Dodgers succeed in Major League Baseball by providing them with more flexibility under salary cap rules.
The UFC 296 news conference in Las Vegas took an unpleasant turn when Colby Covington made a repulsive comment about Leon Edwards' late father, stating he was "in hell." Edwards, whose father was murdered in 2004, reacted angrily, throwing a bottle at Covington, leading to a security intervention. The fighters were separated, but tensions remained high.
The Las Vegas Raiders established a franchise record for points scored by defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 63-21. Rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell had an impressive performance, completing 20 of 34 passes for 248 yards and four touchdowns. The Raiders dominated with a halftime lead of 42-0, falling just nine points short of the NFL's all-time regular-season record for points in a single game, set by Washington in 1966. The victory keeps the Raiders' slim AFC wildcard hopes alive as they move to a 6-8 record for the season.
On the second day of the first Test between Australia and Pakistan in Perth, Australia strengthened their dominant position. Mitchell Marsh played a vital role, scoring 90 off 107 balls, helping Australia add 141 runs to reach a total of 487 all out. Despite the debutant Pakistan bowler Aamer Jamal impressively taking 6-111, Australia maintained control.
In a thrilling turn of events, the Tennessee Titans staged a remarkable late comeback to secure a 28-27 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Iga Swiatek, the current world number one, has been awarded the WTA Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. At 22, she becomes the first player since Serena Williams (2012-2015) to achieve this feat. Swiatek's remarkable year included successfully defending her French Open title in June, securing her fourth Grand Slam victory. She capped off the season by clinching the WTA Finals for the first time, enabling her to reclaim the top spot and surpass Aryna Sabalenka.
Steve Simon will step down from his position as chief executive of the WTA Tour, transitioning to the role of executive chairman once his successor is appointed. The decision to split the roles, which he has held since 2015, aims to enhance focus on the WTA's objectives.
Netball Australia (NA) Chief Executive Kelly Ryan has resigned in the aftermath of a recent agreement to resolve a prolonged pay dispute in the Super Netball League. The players in the league had not received payment since their contracts expired in September, causing financial hardship.