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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BKN-NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE

FORMATS: Photo, Text

1. WITH: BKN--CAVALIERS-PISTONS

2. DESCRIPTION: The Detroit Pistons host the Cleveland Cavaliers, shooting for a 2-0 lead in their second-round series. By Larry Lage. 400 words, photos, more on merits. Game starts 7 p.m. EDT.

3. UPCOMING: By 05/07/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: BKN-LAKERS-THUNDER

5. DESCRIPTION: LeBron James and the Lakers will try to even their series against the heavily favored Thunder in Game 2 of their Western Conference playoff game. By Cliff Brunt. Upcoming: 400 words, photos. Game starts at 9:30 pm ET. — With: Separates on merit

6. UPCOMING: By 05/07/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

7. WITH: BKN--SPURS-WEMBANYAMA-REBOUND

8. DESCRIPTION: San Antonio All-Star Victor Wembanyama responded to the Spurs Game 1 loss to Minnesota by setting a suffocating tone as San Antonio handed the Timberwolves their largest postseason loss in franchise history. SENT

9. UPCOMING: By 05/07/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

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GLF--PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

DESCRIPTION: In the 32 days between Rory McIlroy holding off Scottie Scheffler for another Masters green jacket to the start of the PGA Championship, golf no longer seems to be a two-man show. More starts are emerging, and they meet at Aronimink for the 108th edition of the PGA Championship next week. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 900 words, photos. Also moving for weekend editions. With PGA-Facts & Figures and PGA-Capsules.

UPCOMING: By 05/07/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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SOC--EUROPEAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Nottingham Forest visits Aston Villa with a 1-0 advantage to defend in the second leg of their all-English Europa League semifinals. Also, Freiburg needs to overcome a 2-1 deficit from the first leg at Braga to reach its first European final.

UPCOMING: By 05/07/2026 5:15 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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GLF--LIV GOLF

DESCRIPTION: STERLING, Va. -- Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau go for a third win as LIV Golf Virginia starts amid questions about the league’s future. Upcoming: 250 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/07/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN--49ERS-MORRIS

DESCRIPTION: SANTA CLARA, Calif. — After Robert Saleh left for a head coaching job in the offseason, San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan turned to an old friend to run his defense. Shanahan hired Raheem Morris, who is expected to bring a few new wrinkles to San Francisco’s defensive system. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 700 words, photo.

UPCOMING: By 05/07/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--TRUIST CHAMPIONSHIP

DESCRIPTION: Rory McIlroy returns for his first tournament since the Masters at the Truist Championshi at Quail Hollow. Rain is expected on the first day of the tournament. By Steve Reed. UPCOMING. 600 words, photos. Approximately 7 p.m. ET --Breakouts on merit

UPCOMING: By 05/07/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--LPGA TOUR

DESCRIPTION: WEST CALDWELL, N.J. -- Jeeno Thitikul leads the field at the Mizuho Americas Open, where Michelle Wie makes a rare appearance. Upcoming: 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/07/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKC--ARIZONA ST-BENNETT’S RETURN

DESCRIPTION: TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona State basketball coach Randy Bennett had to delay starting his new job due to an unexpected medical issue. He’s since been cleared and has already pulled in one of the Big 12’s best transfer classes. By John Marshall. 600 words, photos by 4 p.m. PT.

UPCOMING: By 05/07/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--CARDINALS-BECK

DESCRIPTION: The Arizona Cardinals introduce several rookies on Thursday, including quarterback Carson Beck, who was selected in the third round after a stellar college career at Georgia and Miami. By David Brandt. 500 words, photos by 5 p.m. PT.

UPCOMING: By 05/07/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--NHL PLAYOFFS COVERAGE

FORMATS: Photo, Text

10. WITH: HKN--FACEOFF

11. DESCRIPTION: ANAHEIM, Calif. — Just making the Stanley Cup playoffs was a big achievement for the Anaheim Ducks’ young core. After knocking off the conference champs in the first round and outplaying Vegas so far in the second, the Ducks are clearly much more than just happy to be here. By Greg Beacham. 700 words, photos.

12. UPCOMING: By 05/07/2026 9:00 p.m. EDT

13. WITH: HKN--AVALANCHE-NIFTY NECAS

14. DESCRIPTION: DENVER -- For Martin Necas, a breakout year with the Colorado Avalanche includes his first 100-point season, playoff success and locker-room pranks. Yep, he’s feeling more and more at home. By Pat Graham. 750 words, photos by 3 p.m. ET.

15. UPCOMING: By 05/07/2026 9:00 p.m. EDT

16. WITH: HKN--HURRICANES-FLYERS

17. DESCRIPTION: PHILADELPHIA -- Carolina plays the Flyers in Game 3, looking to go up 3-0 in their second-round playoff series. By Dan Gelston. Game starts at 8 p.m. Text, photos.

18. UPCOMING: By 05/07/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBO--CUBS-BOYD

Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd has surgery on knee that he injured playing with his kids

SUMMARY: Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd has had surgery to repair a partial meniscus tear that he suffered in his left knee while playing with his children. Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Thursday he expected Boyd to miss about six weeks. The 35-year-old left-hander injured the knee on Wednesday. He joins starters Cade Horton, Justin Steele and Jordan Wicks on the injured list. Horton is out for the season while Steele is not expected back until the second half. Counsell said he had yet to decide how to fill the the scheduled start for Boyd on Friday at the Texas Rangers.

WORDS: 478 - MOVED: 05/07/2026 1:21 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8c8c214cf108cdb957f1c29593d8db2f&mediaType=text

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SOC--AFGHANISTAN REFUGEE TEAM

The fight for an Afghanistan women’s team isn’t only about soccer to its advocates

WORDS: 845 - MOVED: 05/07/2026 1:18 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c7f5314f634bddd96bf9825e3bd39608&mediaType=text

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OLY--IOC-BELARUS

IOC urges sports to let Belarus athletes compete again without vetting as neutrals

SUMMARY: The International Olympic Committee says athletes from Belarus should once again be able to compete with their full national identity and not be vetted for neutral status. The IOC’s advice to sports governing bodies does not yet apply to Russia. It does seem to point toward being closer to ending Russia’s isolation in Olympic circles during its war on Ukraine. Athletes from Russia and Belarus have had to be approved as neutrals for individual events at the 2024 Paris Olympics and 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The 32 neutral athletes who competed in Paris combined to win five medals including one gold.

WORDS: 816 - MOVED: 05/07/2026 12:58 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:21e5b0368bef2d06c1d41aae2eb2af6a&mediaType=text

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BBO--TIGERS-VALDEZ

Tigers’ Framber Valdez suspended 5 games by MLB for intentionally throwing at Boston’s Trevor Story

SUMMARY: Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez was suspended for five games and fined, one day after he was ejected for hitting Boston’s Trevor Story with a pitch during a 10-2 loss in which he allowed a career-high 10 runs. Valdez was at first banned for six games by MLB, which cited him for intentionally throwing a pitch at Story, but the penalty was reduced in an agreement between Major League Baseball and the players’ association. He started serving the penalty during Wednesday night’s series finale and barring rainouts will be eligible to pitch Wednesday at the New York Mets. Detroit already is missing injured starting pitchers Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize and Justin Verlander.

WORDS: 506 - MOVED: 05/07/2026 12:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8fda5723999b7beefc94f438921caa24&mediaType=text

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US--TED TURNER-SPORTS

An outrageous owner and savvy businessman, Ted Turner reshaped the sports world

SUMMARY: Ted Turner was a sportsman and visionary media mogul who transformed the Atlanta Braves into a national sensation. He bought the struggling team in the 1970s, broadcast their games nationwide, and turned them into a World Series mainstay by the 1990s. Turner also owned the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers. He founded the Goodwill Games, inspired by Olympic boycotts, bringing together athletes from around the world. Turner’s larger-than-life personality and innovative approach set a model for modern sports owners, making him a unique figure in sports and media history.

WORDS: 707 - MOVED: 05/07/2026 12:38 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cba46bb2c5f46e5126b8b0a47263dbc2&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA-CBA EFFECT

WNBA’s new CBA sets blueprint as emerging women’s leagues chart their own path

SUMMARY: The WNBA’s landmark new collective bargaining agreement is setting a higher standard for player pay and benefits, offering a roadmap for emerging women’s leagues like the WPBL, PWHL and WER. The deal, which includes revenue sharing, a sharp rise in the salary cap and improved travel and health benefits, reflects years of player advocacy and growing commercial success. Leaders in newer leagues are studying those gains, particularly the role of player unity in driving change. Still, they caution that differences in funding, structure and league maturity mean reaching similar milestones will take time, patience and sustained investment.

WORDS: 908 - MOVED: 05/07/2026 12:10 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d55653ad926ffa466008f7cf09aed6e6&mediaType=text

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BKN--76ERS-KNICKS FANS-TICKETS

A Knicks takeover in Philadelphia? Embiid’s plea to 76ers fans meets the resale market for Game 3

SUMMARY: Joel Embiid has urged 76ers fans not to sell their playoff tickets to Knicks supporters. The Sixers need Embiid, the 2023 NBA MVP, who missed Game 2 against the Knicks due to injuries. The Knicks lead the series 2-0, with Games 3 and 4 in Philadelphia on Friday and Sunday. The Sixers tried to limit ticket sales to local fans through geo-fencing, but resale platforms make it easy for Knicks fans to buy tickets. This strategy isn’t new; other teams have tried it. The effectiveness will be seen in the crowd’s colors on Friday night.

WORDS: 889 - MOVED: 05/07/2026 11:59 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:aa7333867083fc1d9d5e78bfcd3d63bb&mediaType=text

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TEN--FRENCH OPEN-PRIZE MONEY

Sinner adds his voice to French Open prize money protests and awaits Wimbledon response

SUMMARY: The top tennis players are already upset that they are not receiving a bigger share of tournament revenues at the French Open. Now Jannik Sinner says they’re hoping Wimbledon and the U.S. Open respond to their demands. Fellow No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka said this week that players should consider a boycott. Sinner says “It’s more about respect. Because I think we give much more than what we are getting back.” Sinner wouldn’t commit to a boycott. He says “I think in the next couple of weeks we know also the prize money we’re going to have in Wimbledon. We truly hope that it’s going to be better. Then, of course, U.S. Open.”

WORDS: 666 - MOVED: 05/07/2026 11:44 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d67c591c2bbf6c64f3d36915ed81ccde&mediaType=text

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TEN--ITALIAN OPEN-PRIZE MONEY

Italian Open leaders side with players on prize money issue and aim to become a 5th Grand Slam

SUMMARY: Italian Open organizers are supporting tennis players who are urging a boycott unless the Grand Slam tournaments improve their prize money. Italian tennis chief Angelo Binaghi is also campaigning to turn the Rome event into a fifth Grand Slam. The players have targeted the coming French Open for reducing players’ share of revenue well below regular ATP and WTA events. Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff are among players who have threatened a boycott of the Slams if they don’t start receiving more compensation. Binaghi says “the players have our full support” and adds “it’s scandalous” that the four Grand Slams hand out a smaller cut of revenues.

WORDS: 812 - MOVED: 05/07/2026 10:02 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3c7f7ed3ae0ffcab6924f7c85a116078&mediaType=text

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EU--POLAND-ALTERNATIVE SOCCER CLUB

A fan-run club pushes back against aggressive stadium culture in Poland

WORDS: 760 - MOVED: 05/07/2026 7:44 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d53e078e9d625ad9929bcabe309b7842&mediaType=text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-BAYERN’S REGRET

Bayern Munich falls short of Champions League final again ruing referee decisions

SUMMARY: Twice in three seasons Bayern Munich has fallen short in the Champions League semifinals with regrets about a referee’s decision in the second leg. A free kick that should have led to a second yellow card for handball by Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes was overturned after just 29 minutes when Bayern badly needed a way back on Wednesday. Bayern was trailing 1-0 and 6-4 on aggregate score and would score just once late in the game. Two years ago Bayern’s potential stoppage-time goal to force extra time at Real Madrid was ruled out for a questionable offside.

WORDS: 724 - MOVED: 05/07/2026 7:41 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c8d044555c8b4185d7d7720e2a235803&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-INJURIES

The World Cup will be missing some star players as injuries mount before the big kickoff

SUMMARY: Kylian Mbappe is sidelined by a hamstring injury. Lamine Yamal is out for the rest of the club season and so is Brazil star Estevao. Injuries to some of soccer’s biggest names are mounting ahead of the World Cup which starts in five weeks. Mbappe is expected to play again for Real Madrid this month and there is no suggestion his issue will rule him out of the World Cup. But every setback to France’s best player will be of concern to the national team. Barcelona’s teenage sensation Yamal is recuperating from a leg muscle injury and is also expected to be part of Spain’s squad and appear at his first World Cup. Others however have not been so fortunate.

WORDS: 526 - MOVED: 05/07/2026 6:14 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d1bcde4182b6da94a2689cb443107b23&mediaType=text

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BBH--MCCLYMONDS’ REVIVAL

The Oakland high school that produced Frank Robinson and others fights to keep baseball alive

SUMMARY: The once-storied McClymonds High School baseball program where Hall of Famers Frank Robinson and Ernie Lombardi flourished is starting again from square one after a two-year absence. The school’s alums also include Curt Flood, Vada Pinson and even basketball great Bill Russell. Enthusiastic coach Jamey Smart, his father, friend and supporters are making it happen. Even when McClymonds fielded a roster in recent years, a lack of numbers and support prevented the program from completing a full season.

WORDS: 1378 - MOVED: 05/07/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4f84d0a13c02cb0d35fad518809cbff2&mediaType=text

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OLY--INDIA’S SPORTS AMBITIONS

From cricket’s capital to Olympic ambitions, India’s next play on the world sports stage

SUMMARY: India is expanding its influence in international sports, with the 2030 Commonwealth Games set for Ahmedabad and a bid for the 2036 Olympics in the same city. Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions a developed India by 2047 and the government is focused on the transformations required to make that happen. That’s also where India’s Olympic aspirations come in. Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya says “India today reflects a confident and aspirational mindset, ready to lead and shape the future of global sport.” The country has hosted major cricket events in 2026 and is working on ways to bring back Formula 1. India’s domestic sports ecosystem is thriving.

WORDS: 792 - MOVED: 05/07/2026 3:03 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:eb121141640eb48cfa19598afd9197f2&mediaType=text

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BKN-SPURS WEMBANYAMA REBOUND

Wembanyama, Spurs take out frustration on Timberwolves to even semifinal series at one apiece

SUMMARY: Whether it’s chess, a drawing contest or table tennis, San Antonio Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama hates to lose. A defeat in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals to the Minnesota Timberwolves only magnified that loathing. Wembanyama responded by setting a suffocating tone as San Antonio handed Minnesota its largest postseason loss in franchise history, beating the Timberwolves 133-95 on Wednesday night to even their series at one game apiece. What resulted was what Minnesota coach Chris Finch said was a punking before a raucous sell-out crowd at the Frost Bank Center.

WORDS: 691 - MOVED: 05/07/2026 2:48 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:510bdcd83b4b804e5f96fd531886a98c&mediaType=text

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BKN--TIMBERWOLVES-SPURS

Wembanyama and Spurs rebound to hand Timberwolves largest postseason defeat, 133-95, to even series

SUMMARY: Victor Wembanyama had 19 points and 15 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs handed Minnesota the worst postseason loss in franchise history, beating the Timberwolves 133-95 to even their Western Conference semifinal series at one game apiece. Stephon Castle had 21 points and De’Aaron Fox added 16 points for San Antonio, which shot 50% from the field and 41% on 3-pointers. It was the highest-scoring playoff game for the Spurs since a series-clinching 145-105 win over Denver on May 4, 1983. Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels and Terrence Shannon Jr. each scored 12 points for Minnesota.

WORDS: 505 - MOVED: 05/07/2026 1:49 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bd966a53b6943098bf468e2935cdf24d&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

—NBA playoffs

—NHL playoffs

—SOC--WCup-Messi-Where It Started

—WNBA season begins with 3 games