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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CRI--INDIA’S PRODIGY

DESCRIPTION: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a 15-year-old Indian taking cricket by storm as perhaps the greatest sporting prodigy of this generation. And he’s about to go international by playing for India’s senior men’s team for the first time. By Steve Douglas. UPCOMING: 900 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/24/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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TEN--WIMBLEDON-SINNER

DESCRIPTION: No. 1 Jannik Sinner to play exhibition match ahead of Wimbledon. He faces Cameron Norrie at the the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic amid a heat wave in London. By Ken Maguire. Upcoming: 300 words; photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/24/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKN--BULLS-GRAHAM’S VISION

DESCRIPTION: Bryson Graham took over the Chicago Bulls when he was hired as executive vice president of basketball operations in May. At his introductory press conference, he mentioned the acronym SLAP — size, length, athleticism, physicality. That vision is beginning to come into focus. By Jay Cohen.

UPCOMING: By 06/24/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--NHL DRAFT-GRAND CAYMAN-COVER

DESCRIPTION: Jaxon Cover grew up roller-blading in the Bahamas before giving ice hockey a try during a family trip to Toronto. At 18, and four years after playing in his first competitive game, the 6-foot-2, 183-pound forward is projected in being a potential second-round pick in the NHL draft being held this weekend. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. 650 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/24/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKN--NBA DRAFT COVERAGE

FORMATS: Photo, Text

1. WITH: BKN--NBA DRAFT COVERAGE

2. DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the NBA draft

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

4. WITH: BKN--NBA DRAFT-BEST AVAILABLE

5. DESCRIPTION: A look at the best available players entering Wednesday’s second round. By Aaron Beard. Text, photos.

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

7. WITH: BKN--NBA DRAFT

8. DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- The NBA draft resumes with the second round, where NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson was selected and the Denver Nuggets found superstar Nikola Jokic.

9. UPCOMING: By 06/24/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT

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HKN--BLACKHAWKS-BYRAM

DESCRIPTION: Bowen Byram meets with the media for the first time since he was traded from the Buffalo Sabres to the Chicago Blackhawks in a blockbuster deal. Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson also talks about the move. By Jay Cohen.

UPCOMING: By 06/24/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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SOC--WCUP-ENGLAND-GHANA

England and Ghana play to 0-0 draw at World Cup despite flurry-filled final minutes

SUMMARY: England dominated possession but came up empty on several late scoring opportunities in a 0-0 draw with Ghana at the World Cup. Both teams won their opening matches, with Ghana beating Panama 1-0 and England defeating Croatia 4-2. Now both still have work to do in Group L before securing a spot in the knockout round. England had a chance to take the lead in the 86th minute when Nico O’Reilly’s header hit the crossbar. Harry Kane gathered the rebound but couldn’t get enough on it with his left foot and shot high. England hasn’t lost to an African country at the World Cup in nine meetings.

WORDS: 678 - MOVED: 06/24/2026 1:01 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:be912fb8fffd8feabda8179d72ac5216&mediaType=text

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US--CLIMATE-OLYMPIANS-EPA

In visit to Capitol, Jessie Diggins and other Olympians push for climate change solutions

SUMMARY: Olympian Jessie Diggins is visiting Capitol Hill with her four medals in hand to advocate for clean air, clean water and a healthy planet. America’s most decorated cross-country skier is part of “Protect Our Winters,” an athlete-driven environmental group that sent a coalition to Washington to meet with lawmakers Tuesday and Wednesday. The group is most concerned with how the Environmental Protection Agency has weakened key climate, water and pollution regulations since President Donald Trump returned to office. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has said the agency will save trillions of dollars in regulatory costs and hidden taxes, to make the cost of living more affordable and reignite domestic manufacturing.

WORDS: 898 - MOVED: 06/24/2026 12:14 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:446af423a8f1c11658ef0fae4b39653c&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA DRAFT

AJ Dybantsa is the No. 1 pick on a big NBA draft night for freshman stars and Michigan’s champions

SUMMARY: The Washington Wizards selected forward AJ Dybantsa, who led the nation in scoring in his one season at BYU, with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft. Dybantsa averaged 25.5 points, highlighted by a 43-point effort that broke BYU’s freshman scoring record. At 6-foot-9 and 217 pounds, Dybantsa has drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant, who happens to be his favorite player. Durant grew up in the Washington area, and Wizards fans can only hope Dybantsa can live up to the comparisons.

WORDS: 1125 - MOVED: 06/23/2026 11:41 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e9358f909b9f862c567fb8deae1a145b&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA DRAFT-SELECTIONS

2026 NBA draft tracker: List of 1st-round picks

SUMMARY: The players selected in Tuesday’s first round of the 2026 NBA draft. BYU freshman forward AJ Dybantsa went with the No. 1 overall pick to the Washington Wizards. The Utah Jazz followed by choosing Kansas freshman guard Darryn Peterson with the No. 2 pick. Memphis took Duke freshman forward Cameron Boozer at No. 3 after Boozer was named AP national player of the year. Chicago took North Carolina freshman forward Caleb Wilson with the No. 4 pick. National champion Michigan saw forwards Morez Johnson Jr., and Yaxel Lendeborg join big man Aday Mara in going in the top 12 picks.

WORDS: 2453 - MOVED: 06/23/2026 11:32 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c1da13e6f482fb9faffa25b32dc6a8f1&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-FANS-PHOTO GALLERY

World Cup fans flood stadiums and fan zones with dazzling costumes, facepaint and flags — in photos

WORDS: 42 - MOVED: 06/23/2026 7:50 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1d86f9b4c972d1537f88f906b56d49d3&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-MESSI VS MBAPPÉ

Messi and Mbappé romping through World Cup with dazzling display of history-making goals

SUMMARY: Argentina’s Lionel Messi has been mesmerizing. France’s Kylian Mbappé has been, well, magnifique. Two of the biggest stars of the World Cup are setting records with history-making goals in a sizzling start that has even the most casual soccer fans in the U.S. taking notice. Other goal scorers like Norway’s Erling Haaland are making their marks as well in a World Cup on a record goal-scoring pace. But Messi and Mbappé are the maestros making this World Cup their personal symphony. It’s one they’ve been writing since the 2022 final in Qatar.

WORDS: 820 - MOVED: 06/23/2026 7:27 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:17802f78eac063d23c4021418e88f840&mediaType=text

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FBN--SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT-SORSBY

Brendan Sorsby has to wait until 2027 to join the NFL

SUMMARY: Brendan Sorsby will have to wait until 2027 to begin his NFL career. The NFL informed the 22-year-old quarterback on Tuesday that it will not hold a supplemental draft this year, and encouraged him to focus on preparing for possible entry into the league through the regular draft next year. The league told Sorsby of its decision in a letter that was obtained by The Associated Press. Sorsby had applied for the supplemental draft after a legal battle with the NCAA, which had declared him ineligible for making thousands of bets on sporting events worth at least $90,000 during his college career.

WORDS: 680 - MOVED: 06/23/2026 7:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4fb88e98d2bd824b541f2da3cd1df8bb&mediaType=text

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FBN--FALCONS-PITTS-CONTRACT

Falcons agree to $54 million, 3-year deal that makes Kyle Pitts Sr. 1 of NFL’s top paid tight ends

SUMMARY: The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a three-year, $54 million contract with tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., securing another foundation player through the 2028 season. The deal was announced by Pitts’ agency, Athletes First, in a social media post. The agency says it is the largest three-year deal for a tight end in NFL history. The agreement comes three weeks after the team signed wide receiver Drake London to a four-year, $141 million deal. Pitts set a career high with 88 catches last season. He had 928 receiving yards and five touchdowns. The deal includes $36 million in guaranteed salary.

WORDS: 347 - MOVED: 06/23/2026 6:36 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:00417ebd9e864cf045aa12ead9d19d20&mediaType=text

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US--NCAA-ELIGIBILITY RULES

NCAA panel approves new eligibility rules giving Division I athletes 5 years to play 5 seasons

SUMMARY: The NCAA adopted a new eligibility model for Division I athletes allowing five seasons of competition over a five-year period beginning upon initial college enrollment or the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. The Division I Cabinet approved the change from the longstanding tenet of college sports that gave athletes five years to complete four seasons of competition with their eligibility clock starting at the time of enrollment, regardless of age. It eliminates waivers for extended eligibility except for pregnancy, religious missions or active-duty military service. No longer will extensions be considered for athletes who are injured.

WORDS: 843 - MOVED: 06/23/2026 6:32 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b407d009bf8a8de1ad44768dcb6441b2&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-RONALDO SCORES

Ronaldo becomes first player to score in six World Cups with two goals against Uzbekistan

SUMMARY: Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments by getting two goals in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. The 41-year-old Ronaldo made history in the sixth minute when João Cancelo crossed it to him and he shot with his right foot to make it 1-0. He ran toward the bench and celebrated with his teammates after the score. He scored again in the 39th minute when he got a pass from Bruno Fernandes and shot with his right foot just inside the near post to make the score 3-0. Ronaldo was named man of the match.

WORDS: 640 - MOVED: 06/23/2026 5:45 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b511151c5a78afb738e8249c07d30aef&mediaType=text

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LT--WCUP-ARGENTINA MESSI TRIBUTE

Goalllll! Messi mania overtakes Argentina as legend breaks scoring record

SUMMARY: Argentina’s passion for Lionel Messi has taken shape during the 2026 World Cup through two striking tributes: a giant statue in Patagonia and a mural created by more than 1,300 fans. The 26-meter-tall monument in the town of Cutral Co depicts Messi celebrating Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph and is believed by its creators to be the largest monument ever dedicated to the captain. In the Buenos Aires suburb of Berazategui, artist Leonel García painted a hyperrealistic mural of Messi surrounded by the names of hundreds of admirers who contributed to the project.

WORDS: 681 - MOVED: 06/23/2026 5:36 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cad9c7aeea718b4b1515630095df541f&mediaType=text

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HKN--NHL TEXAS EXPANSION PROCESS

NHL exploring Texas expansion in Houston or Austin with billionaire Dan Friedkin and family

SUMMARY: The NHL is exploring expansion to Texas, focusing on Houston or Austin, with a framework agreed upon with billionaire Dan Friedkin and his family. Commissioner Gary Bettman said Tuesday that the Board of Governors executive committee endorsed the plan for the next six months. The total investment, including an expansion fee and building a new arena, would be $3.5 billion. Discussions initially centered on Houston before Austin joined the conversation. This move could make the NHL the largest professional sports league in North America. The league last expanded with the Seattle Kraken in 2021.

WORDS: 801 - MOVED: 06/23/2026 5:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cea35e02406db733b07eca9d55632b16&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-MEXICO’S SUPERFAN

Meet Caramelo, the Mexico superfan attending his 11th World Cup

SUMMARY: Héctor Chávez, known as Caramelo, is a beloved figure among Mexican soccer fans. He has attended 543 matches supporting Mexico’s national team, “El Tri,” since 1986. Chávez, now at his 11th World Cup, is joined by his son, Caramelo Jr. Both are known for their oversized sombreros. Despite his popularity, Chávez faces criticism for drawing too much attention. He says the high costs of attending the World Cup has kept some fans away. Chávez remains committed to supporting the team, emphasizing the importance of passionate fans in creating a vibrant atmosphere.

WORDS: 676 - MOVED: 06/23/2026 4:58 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6d6b3cb48aaa2f3863e6d53f91a8a274&mediaType=text

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BKN--ON BASKETBALL-GIANNIS TRADE

In today’s NBA, when a Giannis-sized opportunity knocks, teams have to take the leap

SUMMARY: Giannis Antetokounmpo is 31 years old. He has a history of injury issues, including calf strains. He played in only 36 games for the Milwaukee Bucks this past season. And he will be expecting an extension that could pay him nearly $1 million per game a few years from now. Some of these things could be considered red flags. Not to the Miami Heat. If the parity era — eight different NBA champions in the past eight seasons — has taught teams anything, it’s to be aggressive when opportunity presents itself. And that’s why Antetokounmpo is headed to Miami.

WORDS: 843 - MOVED: 06/23/2026 3:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:db50f0a08dea919e7ac82a548c3e9a18&mediaType=text

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US--NCAA-ELIGIBILITY RULES-IMPACT

The NCAA changed its eligibility rules. What does that mean for transfers, rosters and playing time?

WORDS: 915 - MOVED: 06/23/2026 3:23 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:82d0c8ef059b2066c0d6e74f8bbad9e0&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-INFANTINO-HYDRATION BREAKS

Infantino says FIFA will analyze using hydration breaks at future World Cups

SUMMARY: FIFA will consider keeping hydration breaks for future World Cups despite backlash to the extra stoppages in play at this year’s tournament. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the decision to introduce breaks at this World Cup and says they may be providing more entertainment for fans. He tells SNTV that FIFA will analyze what it will do in future tournaments “based on this experience.” But after criticism that the breaks which come midway through each half were a stealth way to insert advertising or American-style timeouts, Infantino suggested the stoppages had been positive.

WORDS: 472 - MOVED: 06/23/2026 2:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:73cd13c4c9a17736b934f6af9e7aba9c&mediaType=text