Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.

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UPCOMING

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FBC--GEORGIA TECH-KING

DESCRIPTION: Newly ranked No. 18 Georgia Tech is gaining attention after knocking off Clemson. The Yellow Jackets are led by sixth-year senior quarterback Haynes King, who had a standout performance on Saturday. Coach Brent Key praises King’s leadership and believes he deserves Heisman consideration. By Maura Carey, 550 words.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--PREDATORS-JOSI

DESCRIPTION: NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nashville captain Roman Josi credits a hit that gave him a concussion with giving him time to find out why he didn’t feel himself last season. He’s health and on the ice as the Predators start training camp after being diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome late last season. The Predators had expected Josi back for training camp when his POTS diagnosis was announced in June. Josi says he took advantage of a long rehab and now has the tools to manage his health. The 2020 Norris Trophy winner and three-time All-Star also will be on Switzerland’s Olympic team at the 2026 Olympics. By Teresa M. Walker. SENT: 500 words, photo.

SENT: By 09/18/2025 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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US MUHAMMAD ALI-DRAFT CARD

DESCRIPTION: The Vietnam-era military draft card that Muhammad Ali refused to sign — changing the boxing champ’s life forever and energing the anti-war movement — will be sold at auction in October.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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HKN--ISLANDERS-TOP PICK-SCHAEFER

DESCRIPTION: EAST MEADOW, N.Y. -- Matthew Schaefer looks like a lock to make the New York Islanders after they took him with the first pick in the draft. But they’re certainly treating him like a rookie to start training camp. Schaefer has a seat in the auxiliary locker room, which perfectly fits his mentality of wanting to earn a spot. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. 400 words, file photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--CHIEFS-GIANTS PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs probably can bounce back from starting the NFL season 0-2. Falling to 0-3 by losing at the also-winless New York Giants would be cause for alarm for a team that has been to five of the past six Super Bowls and won three of them. The Giants with no similar aspirations and a brutal start to the schedule just want to get on track. By Stephen Whyno. 700 words, preview capsule photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--PADRES-METS

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- Pete Alonso and the New York Mets host the San Diego Padres in their series finale at Citi Field.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 4:10 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--CAPITALS-OVECHKIN

DESCRIPTION: ARLINGTON, Va. — A day after his 40th birthday, Alex Ovechkin looks ahead to his 21st NHL season when he speaks to reporters at media day. By Noah Trister. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--PENGUINS RESET

DESCRIPTION: CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Sidney Crosby is still here. Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang too. The longtime core of the Pittsburgh Penguins remains intact after nearly two decades together. It’s the lone constant on a team with a new coach in Dan Muse and potentially new ownership in the near future. By Will Graves. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BKL--FEVER-DREAM

DESCRIPTION: ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever will meet in the decisive Game 3 of their best-of-three first round WNBA playoff series on Thursday night with a spot in the semifinals on the line. UPCOMING: 300 words. Game starts at 7:30 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 7:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKL—STORM-ACES

DESCRIPTION: LAS VEGAS — The Seattle Storm visit the Las Vegas Aces in a series-defining Game 3 of the WNBA playoffs' first round. Game starts at 9:30 p.m.

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HKN--GOLDEN KNIGHTS- MARNER

DESCRIPTION: LAS VEGAS — Golden Knights marquee free agent signee Mitch Marner opens his first training camp with Vegas. He starred in Toronto but said recently one reason he decided to leave the Maple Leafs was because he was concerned about his family’s safety. By Mark Anderson. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--DOLPHINS-BILLS

DESCRIPTION: ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills seek to continue their dominance over AFC East rival Miami when they host the Dolphins. Allen is 12-2 overall and the Bills have won nine straight home meetings against Miami. By John Wawrow. 750 words, photos. Game starts at 8:15 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 11:15 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBC—T25-OHIO STATE-BYE WEEK

Ohio State’s new coordinators, Brian Hartline and Matt Patricia, are making a strong impression after the first three games. UPCOMING: 780 words by 2:30 p.m.

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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ATH--WORLDS-KERSEE’S CHAMPION

Bobby Kersee’s ‘mad scientist’ methods help lead McLaughlin-Levrone to 400-meter gold at worlds

SUMMARY: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone became the first woman in nearly 40 years to break the 48-second barrier in the 400 meters. She won gold at the world championships in Tokyo with a time of 47.78 seconds. Her coach, Bobby Kersee, known for his outside-the-box methods, wasn’t surprised. He had trained her for this moment. McLaughlin-Levrone is already the world-record holder in the 400 hurdles. Kersee believes she could break the 400-meter world record, too. Kersee would love nothing more than to see McLaughlin-Levrone compete in both the 400 and 400 hurdles at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

WORDS: 938 - MOVED: 09/18/2025 1:45 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dff8f239bc5a1f7957ba1b01097d1e36&mediaType=text

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SOC--INTER MIAMI-MESSI

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami near deal to extend contract through at least 2026, AP source says

SUMMARY: Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are reviewing the final details of a contract extension to keep him with the club until at least 2026, a person with knowledge of the matter tells The Associated Press. Talks have been ongoing for months, but neither Messi nor the team has revealed details. Reports say the deal is close to being finalized. Inter Miami wants Messi to stay, especially with their new stadium opening next year. The 38-year-old Messi has scored 20 goals and provided 11 assists this season. He joined Inter Miami in July 2023 on a 2½-year contract. Messi has helped the team win its first two trophies.

WORDS: 354 - MOVED: 09/18/2025 1:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d8bb9e69b7355f4767209fa65b566cb4&mediaType=text

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US--NC STATE-ABUSE-LAWSUIT

14 former NC State athletes have filed a lawsuit alleging abuse by ex-head trainer

SUMMARY: Fourteen former N.C. State male athletes have filed a civil lawsuit in state court alleging sexual abuse under the guise of treatment and harassment by the Wolfpack’s former director of sports medicine. That expands a case that began with a federal lawsuit from a single athlete three years ago. The lawsuit filed Wednesday evening in Wake County Superior Court alleges years of misconduct by Robert Murphy Jr. That includes improper touching of the genitals during massages and intrusive observation while collecting urine samples during drug testing.

WORDS: 514 - MOVED: 09/18/2025 12:44 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cb50ad0affe371225317cffec43f6f0d&mediaType=text

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TEN--SINNER-ITALY-RACISM

Italian rapper Fedez accused of inciting racial hatred for lyrics targeting Jannik Sinner

SUMMARY: Italian rapper Fedez has been accused of inciting racial hatred for publishing musical lyrics saying that top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner speaks with “Adolf Hitler’s accent.” Fedez recently posted an Instagram story featuring lyrics of a new song that said in Italian: “Italian has a new idol named Jannik Sinner. Pure-blooded Italian with Adolf Hitler’s accent.” A city council member in Bolzano presented a formal complaint over Fedez’s lyrics based on an article in Italy’s penal code that sanctions inciting racial hatred and propaganda. Bolzano is the capital of the German-speaking autonomous province of Alto Adige in northern Italy where Sinner is from.

WORDS: 405 - MOVED: 09/18/2025 12:43 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fa57df5103511b414bb8d80cd034cc78&mediaType=text

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CAR--NHRA-STEWART’S FUTURE

NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart to race against his wife, Leah Pruett, in NHRA during 2026

SUMMARY: NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart will continue his drag-racing career in 2026 — and he will compete against his wife. Stewart says he will drive a Top Fuel dragster for Elite Motorsports next season. The move comes a week after he announced plans to turn his NHRA seat back over to his wife, Leah Pruett. Pruett took a little more than a year off after welcoming their son, Dominic. Pruett will resume her role at Tony Stewart Racing in 2026, and Stewart will now race against her even though their teams have a marketing alliance.

WORDS: 356 - MOVED: 09/18/2025 12:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:38c476ccc45cf66f2bb69b3660b88ee0&mediaType=text

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ATH--WORLDS-DAY 6

McLaughlin-Levrone cracks 48 seconds in historically fast 400 at the worlds

SUMMARY: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has become the first woman in nearly 40 years to crack 48 seconds in the 400 meters. She timed 47.78 in an historically fast one-lap race at the world championships in Tokyo. McLaughlin-Levrone had company. Second-place finisher Marileidy Paulino clocked 47.98 on the rain-slickened track. They were the second and third-fastest times in history, behind only the 47.60 run by East Germany’s Marita Koch in 1985. That’s one of the last remaining vestiges of an Eastern Bloc doping system that was exposed decades after it ended.

WORDS: 1193 - MOVED: 09/18/2025 12:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ab84760c33725bf13f4f95f7c5314372&mediaType=text

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SOC--BENFICA-MOURINHO

‘Less egocentric’ Mourinho back in Portugal to coach after deal with Benfica

SUMMARY: José Mourinho is set to return to coaching in Portugal with Benfica. Benfica announced on Thursday it reached a deal with Mourinho. Portuguese media reports have suggested a two-year deal. Mourinho last coached in Portugal when he led Porto to the Champions League title in 2004. He started his coaching career at Benfica in 2000 but left after three months. Mourinho on Wednesday confirmed his interest in returning to Benfica. The club fired coach Bruno Lage on Wednesday following poor results, including a Champions League loss to Qarabag at home.

WORDS: 637 - MOVED: 09/18/2025 11:59 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:518ec5c38da8fbf72a4ef1b76c26ebf2&mediaType=text

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GLF--RYDER CUP

RYDER CUP ’25: The recipe for what Justin Thomas calls the ‘biggest golf event ever’

SUMMARY: This Ryder Cup might be the most anticipated one of them all. The Americans are desperate to win back the 17-inch gold cup from Europe. They’ll be on home soil at Bethpage Black on Long Island in New York. The public course has a reputation of having the loudest and at times most obnoxious gallery in golf. Add to that two teams competing for flags and it’s a recipe for a wild week. Justin Thomas believes it will be the biggest golf event ever. Justin Rose says Europe is anticipating a rude welcome and is up for the challenge.

WORDS: 1202 - MOVED: 09/18/2025 11:24 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fb37a7ca2f2e7bbd1f19af2c0bce175c&mediaType=text

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FBC--SOUTH CAROLINA-SHAW

Former South Carolina QB Connor Shaw reportedly collapses while coaching son’s football team

SUMMARY: Former South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw collapsed while coaching his 9-year-old son’s football team, according to media reports. The 33-year-old Shaw was taken to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital and was in ICU as of Thursday morning, according to The State newspaper. Shaw was South Carolina’s starting quarterback from 2011 to 2013 and was inducted into the school’s athletics Hall of Fame in 2021. Social media accounts reported that Shaw fell or passed out on Wednesday night during a game in Simpsonville, South Carolina, and was wheeled off the field in an ambulance.

WORDS: 161 - MOVED: 09/18/2025 11:06 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c4c113fedc57eab8ac334a7dfedb1ab8&mediaType=text

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REL--FAITH IN FILM-FAUST

From ‘Faust’ to ‘Him’: Why Hollywood can’t quit the devil’s deal

SUMMARY: F.W. Murnau’s 1926 film “Faust” is hailed as one of the greatest silent films ever made. Its core plot element of a deal with the devil has become a lasting cinematic trope. A new Jordan Peele-produced horror film, “Him” is the latest example and hits theaters Friday. It tells the story of a football player who must decide what he’s willing to sacrifice. The Faustian theme spans genres, from horror to comedy to neo-noir dramas. The enduring appeal lies in its exploration of desires like youth and power and can be adapted to fit any culture’s priorities, making it a timeless Hollywood narrative.

WORDS: 1247 - MOVED: 09/18/2025 9:07 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b818ea0dde84baebb46d1e604aa2cbb6&mediaType=text

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SOC--FIFA RANKINGS

Spain overtakes Messi’s Argentina to lead FIFA rankings for first time since 2014

SUMMARY: Spain and Lamine Yamal have taken top spot from Argentina and Lionel Messi in the new FIFA men’s rankings. Spain leads for the first time since being dethroned as world champion in June 2014. Spain’s two-win start to a 2026 World Cup qualifying group against Turkey and Bulgaria lifted the European champion up from second place. World Cup holder Argentina fell to third. Argentina’s loss in a World Cup qualifier in Ecuador also let France rise one to No. 2. FIFA rankings in November should decide seedings for the Dec. 5 World Cup draw in Washington.

WORDS: 272 - MOVED: 09/18/2025 7:47 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0b6b2bafd9ebf1e553afd3b929a46aac&mediaType=text

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ATH--WORLDS-BURRITO BAN

Back on track after her four-year ‘Burrito Ban,’ Shelby Houlihan looks to make up for lost time

SUMMARY: America’s reigning 5,000-meter track champion, Shelby Houlihan, is back from a four-year doping ban. In what is now infamously known as the Burrito Ban, Houlihan got suspended despite her claim that she accidentally ingested a performance-enhancing substance by eating a pork burrito tainted with the drug. She says she used her four years away from the sport to check some things off her bucket list. Among them, traveling the U.S. in a ’71 VW minibus she bought on a whim. She’s entered in the 5,000 meters this week at the world championships in Tokyo.

WORDS: 1060 - MOVED: 09/18/2025 6:55 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f3762bb4fe587ce5303f38da6db331e5&mediaType=text

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FBN--KICKOFF CHAOS

No longer a dull formality, NFL kickoffs require a new set of skills for kickers and returners

SUMMARY: The NFL introduced the so-called dynamic kickoff last year, limiting how far the coverage team has to run and establishing a landing zone inside the 20-yard line. This year, touchbacks on kicks that reach the end zone on the fly put the ball on the 35 instead of the 30. Now there’s a big incentive for kickers to land the ball between the 20 and the goal line, and that’s altered the nature of the job. Although distance isn’t a priority anymore for kickers, they do have a chance to show off their creativity trying to create tricky bounces for returners.

WORDS: 903 - MOVED: 09/18/2025 6:01 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:501db549ce338f6584496113ccb7d4a1&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA BALANCED PLAYOFFS

WNBA playoffs: Three decisive Game 3s highlight a balanced season

SUMMARY: It’s fitting that many of the opening round playoff series are going the distance after the balanced regular season the WNBA had. They’ll be three decisive Game 3s over the next two days. That’s the first time that’s happened since 2015. Last season all four opening round series were sweeps. The WNBA changed its playoff format this season giving each team at least one home game in the opening round which probably has helped. In the past few years, the better seeded team would have the first two games at home. Indiana and Seattle evened up their series on their homecourt Tuesday night and Golden State came within a point of beating No. 1 Minnesota to make it 4-for-4 on series going the distance.

WORDS: 683 - MOVED: 09/18/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:48017811b3a5626cf0b38c9dafcbca7b&mediaType=text

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ATH--KERLEY-ENHANCED GAMES

Former world champion sprinter Fred Kerley set to join no-testing Enhanced Games

SUMMARY: Former world sprint champion Fred Kerley has become the first track athlete to join the no-drug-testing Enhanced Games. Kerley is serving a ban for missed doping tests and is not at the world championships in Tokyo. His lawyers have said he’s looking to contest the so-called whereabouts failures that led to his suspension. The Enhanced Games is set to debut next May in Las Vegas. Track, swimming and weightlifting contests are offering $500,000 in prize money for each event.

WORDS: 416 - MOVED: 09/18/2025 5:35 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1871da27b978f7ff83d022fe5ee62531&mediaType=text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP

Yamal missing for Barcelona as De Bruyne returns to Man City in Champions League

SUMMARY: Barcelona must cope without superstar winger Lamine Yamal for a trip to Newcastle in the Champions League and there’s a sooner-than-expected return to Manchester City for Kevin De Bruyne. The final batch of matches from the first round of the league stage on Thursday also sees tournament newcomer Kairat from Almaty in Kazakhstan visit Sporting Lisbon after a trek across three time zones and more than 6,500 kilometers (4,000 miles). Some star power will be missing at St. James’ Park because the 18-year-old Yamal will not appear for Barca because of an injury the team says the Spain winger sustained on international duty last week. De Bruyne will play for Napoli at Etihad Stadium four months after making an emotional farewell to City following a 10-year stint.

WORDS: 358 - MOVED: 09/18/2025 4:15 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:976b348d0951316711ae44278b922063&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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—ATH--Worlds-Day 7

—BKL—Liberty-Mercury