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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SOF--NCAA-WCWS

DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the Women’s College World Series games in Oklahoma City: Texas vs. Tennessee, noon ET. Texas Tech vs. Alabama, 7 p.m. ET. Rematches immediately after each game if necessary.

UPCOMING: By 06/01/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--ATHLETICS-SACRAMENTO PARK

DESCRIPTION: Yankees manager Aaron Boone had just finished a successful road series but still felt a bit exasperated after New York took two of three games against the Athletics in the minor league stadium that torments pitchers and fielders alike. The A’s don’t have that luxury. Less than halfway through their second season at their temporary home at Sutter Health Park in the Sacramento area, they are still trying to deal with the challenges of a ballpark that inflates offensive numbers. By Josh Dubow. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/01/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKN-NBA FINALS COVERAGE

FORMATS: Photo, Text

1. WITH: BKN-NBA FINALA COVERAGE

2. DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the NBA playoffs

3. UPCOMING: By 06/01/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: BKN-NBA FINALS--MANAGEMENT MATTERS

5. DESCRIPTION: The Knicks spent two mostly miserable decades where it seemed their plan was simply to wait for superstars to sign because it was New York. Building championship teams doesn’t work that way. It’s done with smart moves over time, like smaller market clubs have to do. Team president Leon Rose has the league’s biggest market back in the NBA Finals by thinking small.

6. UPCOMING: By 06/01/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

7. WITH: BKN--ON BASKETBALL-NBA FINALS-WEMBY

8. DESCRIPTION: SAN ANTONIO -- The marquee outside of Madison Square Garden in December 1949 once said the following: “Geo Mikan vs Knicks.” It feels the same now. Victor Wembanyama vs. Knicks feels like the headline for these NBA Finals. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.

9. UPCOMING: By 06/01/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

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RAC--BELMONT DRAW

DESCRIPTION: Post positions are drawn for the Belmont Stakes, with Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo expected to be among the favorites. Text, file photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/01/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--NHL PLAYOFFS COVERAGE

FORMATS: Photo, Text

10. WITH: HKN--STANLEY CUP-THE MARNER EFFECT

11. DESCRIPTION: Mitch Marner in March 2025 had the chance to accept a trade to Carolina from Toronto for Mikko Rantanen and turned it down, choosing instead to sign with Vegas last summer. The decision caused a wave of events that led the Hurricanes and Golden Knights to this stage. Carolina got Logan Stankoven - arguably their best player this playoffs - back from Dallas for Rantanen along with picks that helped get defenseman K’Andre Miller and the salary cap space to sign Nikolaj Ehlers. Vegas got Marner, who has been its best player and now gets to face a team he could have joined with the Stanley Cup on the line. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

12. UPCOMING: By 06/01/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

13. WITH: HKN--STANLEY CUP-PREVIEW

14. DESCRIPTION: This Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes is nearly a decade in the making for each franchise. Vegas has only been around for nine years, but this is a third trip to the final, three years removed from hoisting the Cup in 2023. Carolina has been building to this in the eight seasons Rod Brind’Amour has been coach but had never gotten past the third round. Two different paths made them NHL powerhouses, and changes over the past several months got them to this showdown for hockey’s hallowed trophy. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

15. UPCOMING: By 06/01/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

16. WITH: HKN--STANLEY CUP-FACT FOCUS

17. DESCRIPTION: The Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes looks even in a lot of ways. Vegas has won 12 of 16 games in the playoffs, while Carolina is 12 of 13. They have been two of the stingiest defensive teams in the field and have each averaged more than three goals a game. With the margins this slim, who gets the job done on the power play and the penalty kill could make the difference in a matchup of two NHL powerhouses. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos

18. SENT: By 06/01/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

19. WITH: HKN--STANLEY CUP-BY THE NUMBERS

20. DESCRIPTION: The Vegas Golden Knights against the Carolina Hurricanes is the 68th unique matchup of teams in the Stanley Cup Final in NHL history. The Golden Knights are in the final for a third time in their nine years of existence. The Hurricanes are back for the first time since 2006. That was two years after Vegas coach John Tortorella won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Their five combined losses in the playoffs are the fewest by the finalists since the league went to four rounds of best-of-seven series in 1987. Text, photos.

21. SENT: By 06/01/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

22. WITH: HKN--STANLEY CUP-DEFENSE RULES

23. DESCRIPTION: The Carolina Hurricanes have given up more than two goals just once in 13 playoff games. The Vegas Golden Knights are coming off a series in which they held the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche to seven goals. That sets up a Stanley Cup Final where defense rules. By Aaron Beard. Text, photos.

24. UPCOMING: By 06/01/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

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BKL--ACES-CARTER

DESCRIPTION: Chennedy Carter, who has dealt with off-court issues at other teams and was out of the WNBA last year, appears to have found a home with the Las Vegas Aces. Given their locker room full of strong leaders and championship pedigree, the Aces were a team that could take such a risk. One that has paid off when Carter producing a strong spark of the bench.

UPCOMING: By 06/01/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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GLF--TORREY PINES-SENTRY

Sentry to take over as title sponsor of PGA Tour event at Torrey Pines

SUMMARY: The Sentry is moving its title sponsorship across the Pacific Ocean from Kapalua to Torrey Pines. The PGA Tour says The Sentry will be played January 27-30 at Torrey Pines. It will end on a Saturday next year to avoid the NFL conference championship games. Torrey Pines has hosted a PGA Tour event since 1968. Farmers Insurance chose not to renew as title sponsor. Wisconsin-based Sentry previously was the title sponsor at Kapalua on Maui. A water dispute kept it from being played at Kapalua this year. And now the Hawaii swing is no longer on the tour schedule.

WORDS: 414 - MOVED: 06/01/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:047c7b21cbb42ffe49a3fc63977b274c&mediaType=text

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BKL--AROUND THE WNBA

Fever open Commissioner’s Cup defense as Caitlin Clark tries to end a 2-game shooting slump

SUMMARY: Caitlin Clark hopes to get out of a mini shooting slump and help the Indiana Fever to another WNBA Commissioner’s Cup championship. The in-season tournament begins this week with the Fever trying to become the first team to repeat as champions. They’ll need more from their superstar guard to have a chance. Indiana has dropped two straight games with Clark struggling from the field. She was a combined 4-for-19 from the field — the worst two-game stretch in her young career. Clark played just 22 minutes in a loss to Portland on Saturday as she got into foul trouble. She finished the game with just a season-low six points.

WORDS: 659 - MOVED: 06/01/2026 12:58 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:238dda892156e5643e05e2691625704e&mediaType=text

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US--WCUP-BAR HOURS

Last call? States look to extend bar and restaurant hours during the World Cup

SUMMARY: State leaders across the U.S. are extending bar and restaurant hours during the World Cup. They argue this will help local businesses and improve fan experiences. Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington have approved measures for longer alcohol sales hours. New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island are considering similar proposals. In Pennsylvania, bars can stay open until 4 a.m. during the World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Safety remains a concern, with businesses focusing on responsible service. Some argue the extended hours won’t necessarily lead to more drunken behavior, emphasizing family-friendly environments.

WORDS: 967 - MOVED: 06/01/2026 12:55 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d9ddabb23353a87b1d1e81d451c845d1&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-BOWMAN’S VERTIGO BATTLE

Battling vertigo, NASCAR driver Alex Bowman says ‘I’m as close to 100% as I’m going to get’

SUMMARY: Alex Bowman has been dealing with vertigo, which forced him out of NASCAR races, including the O’Reilly series at Nashville. He missed several races after vertigo hit him hard in March, causing dizziness and nausea while driving. Bowman forgot about his scheduled race at Nashville, leading to confusion. He has been driving for Hendrick Motorsports since 2018 and has faced other injuries, including a concussion and a broken back. Bowman underwent a minor operation and physical therapy to control his vertigo. Now, he feels almost back to normal and is focused on racing as NASCAR heads to Michigan.

WORDS: 741 - MOVED: 06/01/2026 12:17 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f58a074d07bb23a8edd2b4403473ccd5&mediaType=text

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BBO--PHILLIES-SÁNCHEZ

Phillies ace Sánchez closes in on Hershiser’s MLB record with 44 2/3 straight shutout innings

SUMMARY: Cristopher Sánchez has been on a remarkable streak, pitching 44 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings. This run has broken a 115-year-old franchise record. Sánchez struck out 13 batters in a recent game against the Pirates, including his friend Marcell Ozuna four times. His impressive performance in May included a 4-0 record with 45 strikeouts and only three walks over 39 innings. Sánchez’s success has helped the Phillies recover from a rough start and get back into wild card contention. He is now eyeing the major league record of 59 consecutive scoreless innings set by Orel Hershiser in 1988.

WORDS: 1023 - MOVED: 06/01/2026 11:58 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:613d488cf4358fc24d2ba4f93f5b0925&mediaType=text

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FBC--COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME

Offensive mastermind Mike Leach, who died in 2022, heads ballot for College Football Hall of Fame

SUMMARY: Offensive mastermind Mike Leach is among the nominees for the 2027 College Football Hall of Fame class. The National Football Foundation released the ballot for the class that will be announced in January. It includes 80 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 99 players and 39 coaches from lower levels. Leach died in 2022 at age 61. He became eligible for induction under adjusted criteria for coaches to be considered. The NFF announced last year the minimum career winning percentage required would go from .600 to .595 beginning in 2027.

WORDS: 409 - MOVED: 06/01/2026 11:51 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d88ca1cc58ad7749ded278ef62d5313a&mediaType=text

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TEN--SERENA WILLIAMS-COMEBACK

Serena Williams is returning to pro tennis at age 44 after nearly 4 years away from the sport

SUMMARY: Serena Williams is returning to professional tennis at age 44 after nearly four years away from the sport. The WTA Tour announces that the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion has accepted a wild card invitation to play doubles at the upcoming Queen’s Club grass-court tournament. The Queen’s Club tournament starts June 8 Williams has not competed since bidding farewell at the 2022 U.S. Open. At the time Williams said she didn’t want to use the word “retiring” and instead declared that she was “evolving” away from tennis. The WTA said Williams will play “with a partner to be announced in due course.”

WORDS: 742 - MOVED: 06/01/2026 11:48 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b0696e1d76b0e7695d6e7d6fc4a78875&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-IRAN SQUAD

Iran finalizes World Cup squad with 17 home-based players and no Azmoun

SUMMARY: Iran has finalized a 26-man World Cup squad to play in the United States this month. It includes 17 home-based players whose clubs have not play since February because of the Middle East regional war. Star forward Mehdi Taremi plays in Greece for Olympiakos and is among nine overseas players. They don’t include Sardar Azmoun who was dropped in March reportedly because of a social media post during the war. Iran is training in Turkey before a scheduled departure on Friday to its tournament base in Tijuana, Mexico. Iran plays New Zealand and Belgium in Inglewood, California, then Egypt in Seattle.

WORDS: 371 - MOVED: 06/01/2026 11:08 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6126e3e6865c6f44a223c8702a6ce6b9&mediaType=text

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BKN--MAGIC-SWEENEY

Magic hire Sean Sweeney as team’s coach. He’ll stay with Spurs through the NBA Finals

SUMMARY: Sean Sweeney has been formally named coach of the Orlando Magic. The sides struck an agreement in principle last week. Sweeney, the associate head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, will remain with that team through the conclusion of the NBA Finals. The Magic will introduce Sweeney at some point after the finals between the Spurs and New York Knicks.

WORDS: 343 - MOVED: 06/01/2026 10:30 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5dee26ac5a783249acb501e646590f34&mediaType=text

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BBO--THIS WEEK IN BASEBALL

Even without Cal Raleigh, the Mariners have used power and pitching to move in front in the AL West

SUMMARY: The AL West may have missed its chance to leave the Seattle Mariners behind. Seattle has been under .500 for most of the season, but now the Mariners are 31-29 and lead the division after six straight victories. They’ve made this run without slugger Cal Raleigh, who was hitting .161 when he went on the injured list over two weeks ago. Despite Raleigh’s absence, the Mariners are fourth in the American League in home runs. But pitching is what has driven this recent run. Seattle has held opponents to two runs or fewer in five of its last six games.

WORDS: 677 - MOVED: 06/01/2026 6:05 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:84a97feb37926a2f5ef5895462fce65d&mediaType=text

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HKN--STANLEY CUP-FACT FOCUS

Fact focus: Special teams could determine the Vegas-Carolina Stanley Cup Final

SUMMARY: The Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes looks even in a lot of ways. Vegas has won 12 of 16 games in the playoffs, while Carolina has taken 12 of 13. They have been two of the stingiest defensive teams in the field and have each averaged more than three goals a game. With the margins this slim, who gets the job done on the power play and the penalty kill could make the difference in a matchup of two NHL powerhouses.

WORDS: 669 - MOVED: 06/01/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:066d8764a2773a4ef4602bd4c79a2603&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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TEN--FRENCH OPEN

PARIS — Coverage of the French Open.

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BKN--NBA POSTSEASON COVERAGE

Coverage of the NBA postseason.

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HKN--NHL POSTSEASON COVERAGE

Coverage of the NHL postseason.

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