Get the appCanberra United start their new era today against the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford. The club secured new owners in July and survived a difficult period. Coach Antoni Jagarinec and striker Michelle Heyman are key signings, joined by several young players. Both clubs have new owners, and the Mariners opened their season with a 4-2 win over Brisbane. The match starts at 3 pm.
Ballan's men's team scored 5/226 against Bacchus Marsh in BCA Division 2 at Ballan, with Heath Doherty making 67. Bacchus Marsh passed Ballan's total in the 43rd over, with Cody Salmon scoring 66. In a separate match, Ballan's senior women opened their season by defeating Napoleons Sebastopol by 59 runs. Ballan restricted the visitors to 4/133 after defending a total of 192, with several players taking wickets and catches.
Geelong Venom's new centre Han Xu arrived at the club on Thursday ahead of her first home game this Saturday. The 211cm player, who has played for New York Liberty and Perth Lynx, says her priority is winning every game. She expects a physical welcome back to the WNBL and says she wants to share the ball and play faster. Coach Chambers praised Xu's growth and urged fans to buy tickets early, as the home opener is close to selling out. The Venom play Southside Melbourne Flyers at home on Saturday 24 October, with tip-off at 3pm.
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Get the appOklahoma City defeated San Antonio 116-104 in the NBA season opener on Tuesday night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points for the Thunder. Jared McCain added 20 points, hitting six of eight three-point attempts, which gave Oklahoma City extra scoring range. The Thunder led by 21 points at halftime. Victor Wembanyama struggled, scoring 12 points on one of 13 field-goal attempts, though he recorded six blocks. Stephon Castle led San Antonio with 24 points.
Paul George scored a game-high 38 points for the Celtics, but Boston lost 121-113 to the Pistons after blowing a 22-point lead. Jayson Tatum made only 6 of 23 shots and missed all seven of his three-pointers. Detroit scored 23 unanswered points in the second half to win. In Philadelphia, LeBron James and Jaylen Brown both played well in a 106-100 Sixers win over the Knicks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to a 116-104 victory over the Spurs, while Victor Wembanyama shot 1 of 13.
The Philadelphia 76ers opened the NBA season with a road win over the defending champion New York Knicks. Tyrese Maxey scored 28 points, while Jaylen Brown added 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists in his debut for the team. Brown said the side is not yet close to its best, given how little time the new players have had to play together. LeBron James said he is still finding his rhythm but praised the team's defence. The 76ers host James' former team, the Cavaliers, on Thursday night.
The Philadelphia 76ers opened their season with a 106-100 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. It was the first game for LeBron James and Jaylen Brown with the team. Tyrese Maxey scored 28 points, and James and Brown combined for 33 points in the win. Philadelphia scored 24 points on fast breaks and forced 15 Knicks turnovers. The team's defence looked weaker, especially at centre, where the Knicks scored easily around the rim.
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New York Knicks 106-100 in the NBA season opener, spoiling the Knicks' championship banner ceremony. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 28 points, while LeBron James and Jaylen Brown contributed 14 and 19 points respectively. The Knicks, who honoured their 2025-26 title with a pre-game ceremony, were led by Jalen Brunson's 21 points and Andre Drummond's 12 points and 14 rebounds. The 76ers' strong third quarter proved decisive, with the Knicks unable to mount a late comeback.
Washington Wizards' No. 1 draft pick AJ Dybantsa will miss the team's season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks due to an ankle injury. Head coach Brian Keefe confirmed Dybantsa is day-to-day, but the rookie will not play in Wednesday night's game. Dybantsa suffered the injury in the team's final preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans last Friday. The Wizards have back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday.
Central Coast Mariners opened the A-League Women season with a 4-2 away win over Brisbane Roar. Melbourne City came from behind to beat Wellington Phoenix 2-1, with Momo Hayashi scoring a late winner in the 87th minute after a penalty and a free kick. Sydney FC and Adelaide United drew 2-2 in Sydney. Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory each won 1-0 away from home, with both goals coming from set pieces. Wellington and Melbourne Victory meet next on Sunday, followed by Sydney FC against Melbourne City.
Auckland FC, Wellington Phoenix and Macarthur FC all won their opening A-League matches. Riley Bidois scored a late winner as Wellington beat Melbourne Victory 2-1 in their 20th-anniversary season opener. Auckland beat Melbourne City 3-1, with Lachlan Bayliss scoring twice on debut. Central Coast and Newcastle drew 2-2, and Sydney FC and Western Sydney were held to a goalless draw. Sydney FC coach Patrick Kisnorbo and Wanderers coach Ufuk Talay both said the derby was a scrappy contest.
Moe began its season in the Strzelecki North Weekend Pennant with an 85-63 win over Traralgon RSL, after winning Division 2 last season. Michael Smogavec's rink led the way, winning 30-10 against Brian Smith. Jayde Leech and Sandy Caines also won their games for Moe. Ross Sizeland was the lone RSL winner, beating Peter Phillips 17-16. Elsewhere, Traralgon beat Trafalgar 87-59 in a replay of last year's grand final, while Boolarra won its Division 2 match against Garfield 96-48.
San Antonio Spurs coach Mitch Johnson says Tobias Harris will miss Tuesday's season opener against the Thunder due to a left calf strain. Harris, 34, signed a two-year, $31 million deal in the offseason to address the team's perimeter scoring issues. Johnson emphasised they will not rush Harris' recovery, with his availability for the opener described as 'totally questionable'. The Spurs retained most of their roster from last season's NBA Finals run, with Harris as their sole free agency signing.
Oakleigh Cannons opened their Australian Championship campaign with a 4-2 win over Sydney Olympic. Sydney Olympic struck early, but Oakleigh levelled in the 14th minute and led 2-1 at half-time. Sydney Olympic equalised just before the hour, before Oakleigh scored on 83 minutes and again in stoppage time. Sydney Olympic had 62 per cent possession, but Oakleigh took 12 attempts to their opponent's six and recorded seven shots on target to three.
Summer Pennant tennis returned on Saturday 10 October, with many teams adding new players, some from other clubs. Reigning 1 Open premiers Geelong Lawn will not defend their title, as the team has disbanded. Torquay beat Bellbrae 3-1 in the Surfcoast derby, while Waurn Ponds beat Clifton Springs 3-1. Newcomb beat Ocean Grove 4-2 in a close match, and Highton beat Lara 3-1. All teams scored points in the opening round.
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Get the appTasmania have ended a 30-year wait for a WNBL team, beating Geelong Venom 103-90 in the season opener. The game was played before a sold-out crowd at the Derwent Entertainment Centre on Thursday night. Captain Darcee Garbin scored 20 points, and six Jewels players reached double figures. Geelong had a new coach, Cheryl Chambers, and Maddison Rocci scored a game-high 33 points in defeat. Chambers said Han Xu would return for the Venom's next match.
Clay Mulgrew scored 82 from 95 balls as Armstrong Creek beat Barwon Heads by six wickets in the BPCA A1 Grade season opener on Saturday 10 October. Barwon Heads made 8/157, with Ande Santilli retiring on 56. Ben Norgove made 51 as Mulgrew and Norgove shared a 116-run second-wicket partnership. Hayden Illingworth made an unbeaten 91 as Queenscliff chased down Winchelsea's 3/178 with seven wickets in hand. Barrabool beat Anglesea by six wickets, and Jan Juc beat Drysdale by five wickets.
The UC Capitals open their WNBL season against the Bendigo Spirit on Saturday at AIS Arena, with a 3 pm tip-off. The Spirit roster includes six former Capitals players, including three former Canberra captains. Bendigo's general manager, Dan Jackson, previously worked as the Capitals' operations manager. Only three players from last season's roster remain, so the new-look Capitals must build combinations quickly. Coach Paul Goriss is known for developing young players, and former Bendigo point guard Meg McConnell is the club's main signing.
Stockton-Northern Districts opened their Newcastle District Cricket first-grade title defence with a decisive win over Cardiff-Boolaroo at Lynn Oval last weekend. Rain reduced the match to 28 overs. Cardiff-Boolaroo made 6-112 batting first. Stockton-Northern Districts reached the target in the 19th over, finishing 2-114. Aaron Bills top-scored with an unbeaten 45 and took 2-7 with the ball. Josh Mctaggart took 3-42 for Stockton. The Seagulls will host Charlestown in their next one-day fixture this Saturday.
St Peters beat South Barwon in the season opener on Saturday 10 October at Reynolds Oval. St Peters was all out for 187 in 50 overs, with Billy Ford making 77 from 87 balls. South Barwon was dismissed for 151, and St Peters claimed the six points. Captain Luke Ford said the team relies on homegrown players committed to the club and is content to fly under the radar in Division One.