AP Sports Digest

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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TEN--WIMBLEDON

DESCRIPTION: Serena Williams plays her first singles match in nearly four years at age 44 when she faces 20-year-old Maya Joint in her opening match at Wimbledon.

UPCOMING: By 06/30/2026 9:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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HKN--FREE AGENCY PRIMER

DESCRIPTION: A year removed from backstopping the Florida Panthers to the second of back-to-back Stanley Cup titles, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is among the most intriguing possibilities as NHL free agency begins Wednesday. Defensemen Rasmus Andersson and John Carlson and wingers Anders Lee and Anthony Mantha could also fetch big paydays on the open market. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/30/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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SOC--WCUP-NETHERLANDS-MOROCCO

Saibari’s shootout winner sends Morocco past the Netherlands, earliest World Cup exit for the Dutch

SUMMARY: Ismael Saibari scored the decisive goal in a penalty shootout, and Morocco sent the Netherlands to its earliest World Cup exit, eliminating the Dutch 3-2 after a 1-1 draw. With the shootout tied at 2-all after four rounds, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a strong save of Crysencio Summerville’s attempt, batting it away with his left hand. The Netherlands had reached at least the round of 16 in 11 previous World Cups, including a quarterfinal appearance four years ago, when Morocco reached the semifinals. Morocco moves on to face Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday in Houston.

WORDS: 389 - MOVED: 06/30/2026 12:16 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9187f746b2f53ff591287ac59c1f02f0&mediaType=text

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BBO--RED SOX-EMOTIONAL CONTRERAS

A bat flip, a shout of ‘Venezuela’ and tears for home as Red Sox 1B Willson Contreras plays on

SUMMARY: Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras knows people in Venezuela are suffering after two massive earthquakes. He can’t return home to help, so he found a way to show his support in a victory over Washington. Contreras hit a 421-foot homer, leading to a 6-3 Boston victory. Contreras shouted “Venezuela” after his three-run drive, marking his 18th homer of the season. He expressed frustration over aid difficulties and emphasized the resilience of the Venezuelan people since a pair of powerful earthquakes last week left hundreds dead.

WORDS: 382 - MOVED: 06/30/2026 12:01 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:986ab9d8a852860657283ff24531182f&mediaType=text

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BKN--GRIZZLIES-TRAIL BLAZERS TRADE

Ja Morant is headed to Portland after the Memphis Grizzlies trade the 2-time All-Star

SUMMARY: Ja Morant is headed to Portland, after the Trail Blazers and Memphis agreed on a trade Monday that sees the Grizzlies starting anew and gives the two-time All-Star a chance to revive his career. Portland is sending Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to the Grizzlies as part of the deal. It’s a big swing by the Trail Blazers and could suggest Portland might not be done making moves. Morant adds to a logjam at point guard right now for Portland, with Jrue Holiday, Damian Lillard and Scoot Henderson also on the current roster.

WORDS: 425 - MOVED: 06/29/2026 9:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e64907d0d564a82a716761895b8e9fda&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-GERMANY-PARAGUAY

Paraguay stuns Germany in a penalty shootout for the biggest upset of the 2026 World Cup

SUMMARY: José Canale scored on the first sudden-death penalty kick, Orlando Gill made two key saves in the shootout, and Paraguay beat Germany 4-3 on penalties to earn the biggest upset of the 2026 World Cup. The Round of 32 match ended 1-1 after extra time. Paraguay took the lead when Julio Enciso scored on a header late in the first half, but Kai Havertz equalized in the 52nd minute for four-time champion Germany. Paraguay will next face the winner of Tuesday’s match between France and Sweden in the round of 16 on Saturday in Philadelphia.

WORDS: 860 - MOVED: 06/29/2026 9:33 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:819ffc6e897f8be74f48d6b9d3e76e9b&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-BETTING

Sportsbooks say World Cup betting has surged past expectations, with US hype driving action

SUMMARY: Sportsbook operators are seeing record betting on this year’s World Cup. The event is in North America, allowing U.S. audiences to watch live. And the U.S. team has high expectations after winning its first two matches. Caesars Sportsbook’s Mark Bickerdike says the betting has exceeded expectations. DraftKings’ Johnny Avello compares the wagering to the NCAA Tournament, saying it could be the biggest event of the year. BetMGM’s Christian Cipollini expects the U.S. game against Bosnia-Herzegovina to be the sportsbook’s most bet-on soccer game ever. France and Argentina are favorites, but long-shot bets are also popular.

WORDS: 874 - MOVED: 06/29/2026 7:39 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4fe8b631c86757be2594c632f92c3e46&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA-FREE AGENCY

Free agency starts Tuesday in NBA, and LeBron James has all eyes on him once again

SUMMARY: LeBron James is once again the focus of NBA free agency. Sixteen years after his move to Miami, his decision this summer is highly anticipated. Free agency begins Tuesday evening, and James’ future is a top storyline. Retirement seems unlikely, so he might return for a record 24th season. His options include staying with the Lakers, returning to Miami or Cleveland or even joining Golden State. Draymond Green has declined his option with the Warriors, possibly to entice James. Meanwhile, trades and deals already are shaping teams, with more expected in the coming days.

WORDS: 1031 - MOVED: 06/29/2026 6:41 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:aee1c915e2ad3c069eb2b4683a1cc76e&mediaType=text

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TEN--WIMBLEDON-SERENA’S RETURN

Serena Williams’ return at Wimbledon is ‘the ticket to have’ for the grass-court Grand Slam

SUMMARY: Anticipation is building at Wimbledon for Serena Williams’ first singles match in nearly four years. The 44-year-old Williams is scheduled to play an opponent less than half her age in 20-year-old Maya Joint of Australia in the third match Tuesday on Centre Court. All England Club chief executive Sally Bolton says “I think everyone’s feeling the same way: Cannot wait to be watching Serena back on Centre Court again.” Bolton adds that “she is such an icon of the sport and particularly here at the championship she’s one of our most special champions. So it really will be the ticket to have tomorrow when she walks back on Centre Court.”

WORDS: 422 - MOVED: 06/29/2026 6:08 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b28d933bdf498a6480010fb18988d8c8&mediaType=text

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TEN--WIMBLEDON

Defending champion Sinner comes back to beat Kecmanovic in 5 sets in 1st round of Wimbledon

SUMMARY: Defending champion Jannik Sinner had to come back from a set down twice and regain his composure following a worrisome tumble to the grass in a five-set victory over 50th-ranked Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round of Wimbledon. A month after his French Open meltdown the top-ranked Sinner produced a 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-3 win that lasted 3 hours and 30 minutes. Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic had Bad Bunny cheering him on during a 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 victory over 102nd-ranked Wu Yibing. Serena Williams will play her opening match on Tuesday against 20-year-old Maya Joint of Australia. It will mark the first time she competes in singles in nearly four years.

WORDS: 971 - MOVED: 06/29/2026 5:46 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3d7ccb31245aaa1b00930c66bea616bb&mediaType=text

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US--NBA-GAMBLING CHARGES

Former NBA players Malik Beasley, Ed Davis are latest to be charged in gambling scandal

SUMMARY: Former NBA players Malik Beasley and Ed Davis have been indicted in the latest round of charges in the government’s gambling investigation. Authorities say Beasley tailored his play while with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024, based on bets on his performance, and others benefited, including Davis. Six people were named in the indictment returned in Brooklyn. Authorities say the scheme involved hundreds of thousands of dollars. There was no immediate comment from lawyers for Beasley and Davis.

WORDS: 816 - MOVED: 06/29/2026 5:26 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7650529136c0a17a1b0d3d09150a71d5&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-BRAZIL-JAPAN

Gabriel Martinelli scores late in injury time to help Brazil beat Japan 2-1 at World Cup

SUMMARY: Gabriel Martinelli scored the winning goal late in injury time to give five-time champion Brazil a 2-1 win over Japan in the round of 32 at the World Cup. Martinelli’s winning goal came in the sixth minute of injury time. Casemiro earlier equalized on a header in the 56th minute after just missing another chance two minutes earlier. Kaishu Sano stole a misplaced pass at midfield and took it down the field before a right-footed shot from above the half circle put Japan ahead in the 29th minute. Brazil will next face either the Ivory Coast or Norway on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the round of 16.

WORDS: 835 - MOVED: 06/29/2026 5:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d5c025da2efeaf08a6b7c694b8e6534e&mediaType=text

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FBN--LIONS-ARNOLD-ARMED ROBBERY

The NFL’s Detroit Lions have released cornerback Terrion Arnold, who is charged over kidnappings

SUMMARY: The NFL’s Detroit Lions have announced that they’ve released cornerback Terrion Arnold. The announcement Monday came only days after Arnold’s arrest over allegations that he orchestrated the abduction and beating of three men who prosecutors believe he wrongly suspected of having stolen luxury goods and $100,000 in cash from him. The team made the announcement on the X social media platform. The team did not give a reason, but the announcement came the same day that a Florida judge Arnold’s bail at $1 million. Prosecutors say the three victims were robbed while being held at gunpoint in a Tampa apartment in February.

WORDS: 611 - MOVED: 06/29/2026 5:14 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:79b7236613ee62aa5ac942b90efc54c1&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-US OPTIMISM

US riding wave of confidence to World Cup knockout rounds after strong start to home tournament

SUMMARY: U.S. captain Tim Ream says his teammates all recognize the golden opportunity in front of them to make their nation’s best World Cup run in their home tournament over the following days. Yet instead of feeling amplified pressure under the raised expectations created by their strong group round and a groundswell of national support, the Americans appeared to be energized by the opportunity to make history. The U.S. is significantly favored to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32, which is sort of an achievement in itself. This team has won exactly one knockout-round match in its entire World Cup history.

WORDS: 909 - MOVED: 06/29/2026 5:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bbb1c19231bf09268018781c86f0468a&mediaType=text

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FBC--COLORADO-SANDERS CANCER-FREE

Deion Sanders says he feels like his old self a year after surgery: ‘I consider myself cancer-free’

SUMMARY: University of Colorado football coach Deion Sanders says he feels like his younger self again after undergoing surgery to remove his cancerous bladder last year. He considers himself cancer-free, thanks to the robotic surgery that reconstructed his bladder using part of his intestine. Sanders shared his experience recently, highlighting the benefits of robotic surgery, which is less invasive and speeds recovery. Last year, he missed football camps due to cancer treatments. Now, he’s back overseeing offseason training and seems fitter and more energetic.

WORDS: 770 - MOVED: 06/29/2026 3:58 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f9bdd437caaf6d977bed112f653f5e5e&mediaType=text

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TEN--WIMBLEDON-DJOKOVIC-PROPOSAL

A marriage proposal and Bad Bunny steal attention from Novak Djokovic’s opening Wimbledon match

SUMMARY: Novak Djokovic witnessed a proposal in the crowd during his opening Wimbledon match on Centre Court on Monday and was quick to ask for an invitation to the wedding. After Djokovic won the first set against Wu Yibing of China, one man in the crowd took the opportunity to pop the question to his girlfriend. The seven-time Wimbledon champion clearly took notice, coming back out on court and making a heart gesture toward the couple before shouting out: “I want an invitation to the wedding.” If he gets one, he could bring a pretty decent wedding singer along. Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny was in the player’s box on Centre Court, two days after Djokovic appeared on stage during the artist’s concert in London.

WORDS: 163 - MOVED: 06/29/2026 3:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f0ebf73ef71ba060bd3cbea3b781c5d3&mediaType=text

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BKL--AROUND THE WNBA

Liberty and Aces chase history in Commissioner’s Cup final, with a 2nd title at stake

SUMMARY: The New York Liberty or Las Vegas Aces will make history on Tuesday in the Commissioner’s Cup championship as the winner will become the first franchise to win the in-season tournament twice. There have been five different winners in the five years of the tournament. Las Vegas was victorious in 2022 and the Liberty beat the Aces the next season. New York will host the game on Tuesday, coming off a West Coast road trip that saw the team drop its last two games to Seattle and Golden State. The Liberty beat Las Vegas last Tuesday.

WORDS: 706 - MOVED: 06/29/2026 3:25 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bd676124664607fde60c7df208987718&mediaType=text

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TEN--WIMBLEDON-OSAKA

Naomi Osaka wows Wimbledon crowd with kimono inspired by Lucy Liu’s character in ‘Kill Bill’

SUMMARY: Wimbledon’s strict rules about all-white clothing didn’t prevent Naomi Osaka from making another fashion statement as she walked onto the grass at the All England Club. Osaka, who has made a habit of creating a buzz with her creative outfits at recent Grand Slam tournaments, wore a flowing kimono with elaborate embroidery as she walked onto No. 3 Court for her first-round match against Elsa Jacquemot. Osaka won 6-1, 7-5 and said she got the inspiration for the outfit from a ‘Kill Bill’ character O-Ren Ishii played by actress Lucy Liu. The Japanese player’s latest creation drew a rave reaction from the crowd. One female fan shouted “C’mon queen!” as Osaka walked out.

WORDS: 666 - MOVED: 06/29/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:daf02cfa72d9381a2a088b6ce5e98225&mediaType=text

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