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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NASCAR DRIVER-PLANE CRASH

DESCRIPTION: The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to release its preliminary report Friday afternoon on the North Carolina plane crash that killed NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and 6 other people last month. By AP Transportation Writer Josh Funk. With file photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/30/2026 4:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

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BKN--ROOKIE OF THE YEAR CHASE

DESCRIPTION: No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg was the heavy favorite to win NBA Rookie of the Year coming into the year and remains the frontrunner. But his college teammate Kon Knueppel is giving him a run for the money, putting together a magnificent rookie season. Knueppel had eight 3-pointers and scored 34 points on Thursday night as the Hornets beat the Mavericks and Flagg, who poured in 49 points. By Steve Reed. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/30/2026 4:15 p.m. EST, Text

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FBN--SUPER BOWL-PATRIOTS-GONZALEZ

DESCRIPTION: FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – There was nowhere do to go but up for Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez after his breakout 2024 season But all his progress looked in jeopardy after a hamstring injury in the first week of training camp eventually sidelined for the first three games. It’s proven just to be a hiccup for the 23-year-old, who again was trusted to cover opponents’ best receivers, and finished second on pass breakups while being selected to his first Pro Bowl. He’s done his best work in the fourth quarter during the playoffs, allowing just 12 receiving yards and no touchdowns with an interception. It sets up what could be a pivotal matchup in the Super Bowl with Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith Njigba. By Kyle Hightower. 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/30/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBN--SUPER BOWL-SEAHAWKS-WALKER

DESCRIPTION: RENTON, Wash. – Running back Kenneth Walker III has surged as of late, and at optimal timing considering fellow tailback Zach Charbonnet is out with a season-ending knee injury. But Walker is also in the final year of his rookie contract, and is an unrestricted free agent after this season. As Walker continues to surge, so, too, does his value, which brings uncertainty to his future in Seattle while the Seahawks seek to win their second Super Bowl in franchise history. By Andrew Destin. 650 words. Photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/30/2026 6:00 p.m. EST, Text

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GLF--FARMERS INSURANCE OPEN

DESCRIPTION: SAN DIEGO -- Justin Rose has a one-shot lead and heads to the tough South course at Torrey Pines in the Farmers Insurance Open. Brooks Koepka is on the easier North as he tries to get to the weekend in his return to the PGA Tour from LIV Golf. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/30/2026 8:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKL--UNRIVALED-PHILLY

Unrivaled expands women’s 3-on-3 league to Philadelphia as city breaks through as a hotbed of hoops

SUMMARY: Natasha Cloud, a New York Liberty standout, plays in Philadelphia for the first time professionally. She’s part of the 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, Unrivaled, which held games in Philly on Friday. The event marked the return of women’s pro basketball to the city after nearly 30 years. Philly native Kahleah Copper, a 2021 WNBA Finals MVP, also played. The league that was co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier aims to expand its fan base and revenue by touring. Despite challenges with viewership, the sold-out event shows strong support for women’s basketball in Philadelphia.

WORDS: 916 - MOVED: 01/30/2026 1:39 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:daa2551133392c548629bfc454046d69&mediaType=text

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FBN--VIKINGS-GM FIRED

Vikings fire general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah after 4 seasons and contract extension last year

SUMMARY: The Minnesota Vikings have fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah after mixed results over four seasons and giving him a contract extension last year. The Vikings appointed executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski as the interim replacement through the NFL draft. The search for a new general manager will take place after that. Vikings owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf said they made the decision following their annual end-of-season organizational meetings. The Vikings finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs for a second time in Adofo-Mensah’s four years. They didn’t win a postseason game.

WORDS: 255 - MOVED: 01/30/2026 1:26 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4e964f84ad3b056ade31e37a65e769f2&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA-CBA

WNBA and the players’ union to resume stalled CBA negotiations on Monday

SUMMARY: The WNBA and the players’ union will meet Monday in New York for the first time in several weeks to try to move the stalled collective bargaining negotiations forward. Kelsey Plum, who is vice president of the players union, mentioned the meeting while she was preparing for a game in Philadelphia with the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled. Plum will be joined at the meeting by other members of the executive council, including Nneka Ogwumike and Napheesa Collier, as well as union leadership. The league will have its regular negotiating team, including WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, according to a person familiar with the situation.

WORDS: 541 - MOVED: 01/30/2026 12:49 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a0d962600c0cc1c7b81b612e12d6ef1e&mediaType=text

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FBN--BILLS-CARMICHAEL

Joe Brady turns to former colleague, agreeing to hire Pete Carmichael as Bills offensive coordinator

SUMMARY: A person with knowledge of the discussions tells The Associated Press that Buffalo Bills coach Joe Brady began filling out his staff by turning to a former colleague in agreeing to hire Pete Carmichael as offensive coordinator. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because Carmichael has yet to sign his contract. The 54-year-old Carmichael has been a long-time assistant under Sean Payton, including the previous two seasons as the Broncos senior offensive assistant. It was during Payton’s time coaching New Orleans when Carmichael’s tenure overlapped with Brady. The 36-year-old Brady spent the previous two-plus seasons as Buffalo’s offensive coordinator before being promoted to succeed Sean McDermott.

WORDS: 357 - MOVED: 01/30/2026 12:23 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:34a8b56556c770e27982fff3a41611fa&mediaType=text

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TEN--AUSTRALIAN OPEN

History-chasing Djokovic and Alcaraz to meet in Australian Open final after epic wins

SUMMARY: Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz will meet in the Australian Open final and pursue their bids for history after coming through epic, momentum-swinging, five-set semifinals. Top-ranked Alcaraz fended off No. 3 Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-7 (4), 7-5 in a match that started in the warmth of the afternoon Friday and, 5 hours and 27 minutes later, became the longest semifinal ever at the Australian Open. That pushed the start of the No. 2 vs. No. 4 night match back a couple of hours and 24-time major winner Djokovic finally finished off a 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 win just after 1:30 a.m. Saturday.

WORDS: 918 - MOVED: 01/30/2026 11:51 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dace8fb9ff848d6f6a77f2079818eac6&mediaType=text

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BBO--TWINS-FALVEY OUT

Twins executive Derek Falvey departs in mutual agreement as organizational revamp continues

SUMMARY: The Minnesota Twins and president of baseball and business operations Derek Falvey have mutually decided to part ways. The 42-year-old Falvey spent nine seasons with the Twins. He was hired to run the baseball department and elevated a year ago to oversee the business side as well. The Twins made the postseason four times during Falvey’s tenure. The last two years have been rocky for the organization both on and off the field. Executive vice president and general manager Jeremy Zoll remains in his role overseeing the baseball department. Executive chair Tom Pohlad assumes interim oversight of the business operations.

WORDS: 340 - MOVED: 01/30/2026 11:34 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7245d331dd0025d248cb9e4de49e2e76&mediaType=text

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SKI--VONN-CRASH

Lindsey Vonn says ‘Olympic dream is not over’ after crashing in last downhill before Winter Games

SUMMARY: Lindsey Vonn crashed in her final downhill race before the Winter Olympics and injured her left knee. But the 41-year-old U.S. ski star says her “Olympic dream is not over” just a week before the Milan Cortina Winter Games. Vonn lost control when landing a jump in a World Cup race and ended up tangled in the safety nets. She eventually got up after receiving medical attention and walked away gingerly, taking weight off her left knee and using her poles to steady herself. She then clicked her skis back on but stopped to check her left knee. The race was later canceled after three of the first six racers crashed.

WORDS: 894 - MOVED: 01/30/2026 11:11 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:36264674d842aacaf63c908a254e3769&mediaType=text

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ENT--FBN-SUPER BOWL-ENTERTAINMENT-WHAT TO KNOW

Inside Super Bowl week’s concerts, parties and celebrity scene heading into big game

SUMMARY: Super Bowl week unfolds in the Bay Area with a mix of sports, music, and celebrity events. The week kicks off with leadership and media events, including the Sports Power Brunch on February 4. On February 5, Bad Bunny and other performers take the stage at the NFL media event, followed by the NFL Honors. February 6 features concerts by Shaquille O’Neal, Post Malone, and Kehlani. On February 7, Dave Chappelle’s comedy show highlight the day. Game day on February 8 includes fan experiences like Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Tailgate near Levi’s Stadium.

WORDS: 1688 - MOVED: 01/30/2026 9:35 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:18cd39ef15633ff41badb075558c9362&mediaType=text

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US--SHACARRI RICHARDSON SPEEDING ARREST

Olympic gold medalist Sha’Carri Richardson charged with speeding in Florida

SUMMARY: Olympic sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson has been arrested and charged with speeding in Florida. Authorities say she was driving 104 mph on a parkway near Orlando. A spokesperson for the Orange County sheriff’s department says she was dangerously tailgating and weaving through traffic. The 25-year-old Richardson is a renowned sprinter, having won a silver medal in the 100 meters and gold in the 4x100 relay at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Last year, she apologized to her boyfriend after being arrested for a domestic violence offense at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

WORDS: 158 - MOVED: 01/30/2026 9:03 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c10c569fecffb434f6ede4a5cd2691af&mediaType=text

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HKN--RED WINGS-KANE US RECORD

Patrick Kane passes Mike Modano for the most NHL points by a US-born player

SUMMARY: Patrick Kane is now the highest-scoring U.S.-born player in NHL history. Kane passed Mike Modano by recording his 1,375th point on Thursday night in the Detroit Red Wings’ game against the Washington Capitals. Kane reached the milestone a couple of months after turning 37. Modano was 40 when he scored a goal to register point No. 1,374. Kane has been one of the faces of American hockey since getting taken with the first pick in the 2007 draft by Chicago. He helped the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup three times from 2010-15.

WORDS: 656 - MOVED: 01/30/2026 8:55 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:423d461114feafff822d60606b7df284&mediaType=text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW

Champions League draw: Real Madrid faces Benfica again, PSG vs. Monaco and Bodø/Glimt vs. Inter

SUMMARY: Real Madrid faces an immediate rematch with Benfica after the teams were drawn together in the Champions League playoffs. Benfica dumped Madrid into the playoffs with a dramatic 4-2 win against the 15-time European champion on Wednesday, which included a goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin score in the eighth minute of added time. Defending champion Paris Saint-Germain faces an all-French showdown with Monaco in the playoffs and this season’s surprise package, tiny Norwegian team Bodø/Glimt, will play last year’s beaten finalist Inter Milan.

WORDS: 528 - MOVED: 01/30/2026 7:25 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5ebccd23ddf9045fe984c8fd9d874d7c&mediaType=text

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BKN--ON BASKETBALL-TRADE DEADLINE

The trade deadline is less than a week away. And all NBA eyes are on Giannis and the Bucks

WORDS: 920 - MOVED: 01/30/2026 6:00 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8fcd959340af29da039e376d9b9d9e14&mediaType=text

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OLY--OLYMPIC TRUCE-EXPLAINER

Olympic organizers invoke an ancient pledge to call for the suspension of all wars

WORDS: 748 - MOVED: 01/30/2026 5:05 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:632c68789384433f19c40f193005a215&mediaType=text

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OLY--AUSTRALIA’S ITALIAN HOME

Australian base in Italy gives athletes from Down Under a home edge at the Winter Olympics

SUMMARY: Australia has a “home away from home” for the Milan Cortina Olympics at the European Training Centre in Gavirate, Italy. Opened by the Australian Institute of Sport nearly 15 years ago, it provides a base for 3,000 Australian athletes traveling through Europe each year. The center features a gym, games room, and Australian touches like Vegemite and Melbourne coffee. Director Fiona de Jong says it addresses the challenge of long-distance travel for Australian athletes and is the closest Australia will get to a home Winter Olympics. The location was chosen for its proximity to Milan and supportive local community, creating a welcoming environment for athletes.

WORDS: 834 - MOVED: 01/30/2026 4:56 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0cb5d145586ef4e71756d57965b82f61&mediaType=text

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BKN--MAVERICKS-FLAGG

Cooper Flagg breaks NBA teen record with 49 points in Mavs’ loss to Hornets

SUMMARY: As Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg set the NBA record for points by a teenager with 49 on Thursday night in a 123-121 loss to Charlotte, he broke the franchise rookie scoring record he shared with Mark Aguirre — whose jersey was retired at halftime. Flagg turned 19 in December. Also special for the No. 1 draft pick last summer from Duke was playing his first NBA game against Kon Knueppel, his roommate as Blue Devils freshmen. Knueppel had a career-high 34 points, hitting the two winning free throws with 4.1 seconds left after being fouled by Flagg. Cliff Robinson set the previous NBA teen record of 45 at age 19 for New Jersey in a game against Detroit on March 9, 1980.

WORDS: 526 - MOVED: 01/30/2026 1:48 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:45479c8dde70aa6b01e6c572bfb3d2e7&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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TEN--AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will play in her fourth straight Australian Open final and try for a third title at Melbourne Park when she faces fifth-seeded Elena Rybakina in a rematch of the 2023 decider.

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BKC--T25-ARIZONA-ARIZONA STATE

No. 1 Arizona tries to set a school record with its 22nd straight win when the Wildcats play at rival Arizona State. By John Marshall.

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

After three games without a win in the Premier League, first-place Arsenal travels to Leeds on Saturday. Defending champion Liverpool hosts Newcastle.

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