- The biggest global story today is the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, which opened September 4 with 16 national teams competing for the world title. Japan defeated Mali 102–97 in an opening-day comeback, while Australia beat Puerto Rico 70–54; the United States faces China later today. The tournament runs through September 13.
- The WNBA has temporarily shifted its spotlight to international competition. Seventy current and former WNBA players are on World Cup rosters, with 14 of the 15 WNBA teams represented by at least one current player. WNBA action resumes September 17 after the World Cup.
- The US Open is entering its crucial third round at Flushing Meadows. Friday’s schedule features Carlos Alcaraz, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, Jessica Pegula, Aryna Sabalenka, Emma Navarro and other major contenders.
- MLB’s pennant races are tightening. The Dodgers avoided a sweep against St. Louis with Teoscar Hernández’s ninth-inning walk-off double, while Texas moved closer to Tampa Bay in the AL East race and Toronto strengthened its wild-card position.
- Formula 1 has arrived at Monza for the Italian Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc led Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari 1-2 during Friday’s opening practice, with George Russell third. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli was fifth and faces a grid penalty because of an engine change.
- MotoGP heads toward the San Marino Grand Prix, with Pol Espargaró returning to replace Maverick Viñales at Tech3 KTM as Viñales continues his recovery. It will be Espargaró’s third MotoGP appearance of the season.
- College football enters another major weekend. Friday’s schedule includes Miami at Stanford, Long Island University at Kansas and San José State at Eastern Michigan, while Saturday brings major games including East Carolina at Alabama, Baylor vs. Auburn and Tennessee State at Georgia.
- The NFL is in its final preparation period before the regular season. The 2026 regular season begins September 9, leaving teams in the final days of roster decisions, injuries and preparation.
- Premier League: England’s 2026/27 campaign is underway, with Liverpool scheduled to visit Ipswich Town today, followed by a full weekend of fixtures.
- Cricket/ICC: England women secured an unassailable ODI-series lead over Ireland after a six-wicket victory, highlighted by Issy Wong’s maiden international five-wicket haul, 5/33.
- NASCAR, IndyCar, golf, rugby, boxing, MMA, athletics, swimming, cycling, volleyball, gymnastics, combat sports and esports remain part of the wider international sports calendar, but today’s strongest verified headlines are concentrated around the US Open, FIBA Women’s World Cup, MLB, F1, MotoGP and college football.
- NBA/NCAAB/WNCAAB: These competitions are currently in their offseason or preparation periods, so there is comparatively little live-game news today versus the active international competitions above.
Bottom line: September 4 is an unusually busy global sports day, led by the opening of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, the US Open third round, Monza F1 practice, MLB’s playoff race and a major college-football Friday, with the NFL season only days away.
