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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AP POLL-YOUTH SPORTS-EDUCATION
DESCRIPTION: A new AP/Ipsos poll looks at the cost of youth sports and who participates.
UPCOMING: By 08/13/2026 5:00 a.m. EDT, Text
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BKO--HALL OF FAME-RIVERS
DESCRIPTION: Doc Rivers reflects on his upcoming induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He says his speech will focus on those who helped him along the way. Rivers emphasizes that his journey was a collective effort. He ranks sixth in NBA history with 1,194 regular-season wins and won a championship with Boston in 2008. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds
UPCOMING: By 08/13/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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BBO--FIELD OF DREAMS-THE GHOST PLAYERS
DESCRIPTION: The passion for baseball in the farmlands of northeast Iowa persists nearly four decades after the filming of “Field of Dreams” with a group of locals who dutifully show up in old-time garb to have a catch with fans at the movie site. By Dave Campbell. 500 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 08/13/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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FBC--PICK SIX-UNDER THE RADAR
DESCRIPTION: Some of the nation’s best players on teams likely to struggle. By Steve Megargee. Text, file photos.
UPCOMING: By 08/13/2026 8:00 a.m. EDT, Text
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OLY--FBO-FLAG FOOTBALL GOES GLOBAL
DESCRIPTION: This week sees the first-ever Olympic qualifier in flag football with heavy backing from the NFL. The league sees the no-contact version of the game as a way to turn viewers into players and lifelong fans.
UPCOMING: By 08/13/2026 9:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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BKN--NBA SCHEDULE
DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- The NBA releases its schedule for the 2026-27 season.
UPCOMING: By 08/13/2026 3:30 p.m. EDT, Text
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ATH--EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
DESCRIPTION: Day 4 of the European track and field championships. Upcoming: 300 words; photos
UPCOMING: By 08/13/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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FBN--BEARS-STADIUM
DESCRIPTION: Chicago Bears chairman George McCaskey and team president Kevin Warren meet with the media. McCaskey and Warren could provide an update on the team’s long-running stadium saga. By Jay Cohen.
UPCOMING: By 08/13/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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GLF--ST. JUDE CHAMPIONSHIP
DESCRIPTION: MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Scottie Scheffler is the No. 1 seed and Jackson Koivun is at No. 70 as the PGA Tour postseason begins at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Upcoming: 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 08/13/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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FBC--COLORADO-GO-GO OFFENSE
DESCRIPTION: FOUNTAIN, Colo. — New coordinator Brennan Marion has implemented his innovative, fast-paced “Go-Go” offense at Colorado. Described by his players as “backyard football,” it could be just the thing to spark young quarterback Julian Lewis and the Buffaloes. By Pat Graham. 750 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 08/13/2026 6:34 p.m. EDT, Text
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GLF--US AMATEUR
DESCRIPTION: ARDMORE, Pa. -- Ryder Cowan is among three players from the top 10 amateurs in the world who advanced to the second round of the U.S. Amateur at Merion. Upcoming: 400 words.
UPCOMING: By 08/13/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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SWM--PAN PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
DESCRIPTION: Day 2 of the Pan Pacific Championships features Canada’s Summer McIntosh and Americans Bobby Finke and Simone Manuel. By Beth Harris. 500 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 08/13/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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GLF--LPGA TOUR
DESCRIPTION: Portland, Ore. -- First round coverage of The Standard Portland Classic on the LPGA Tour. Upcoming: 500 words.
UPCOMING: By 08/13/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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FBN--PACKERS-STEELERS
DESCRIPTION: Mike McCarthy and Eli Heidenreich, both Pittsburgh natives, will take the field at Acrisure Stadium for the first time as members of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the preseason opener against Green Bay on Thursday. By Will Graves. 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 08/13/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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GLF--LPGA TOUR
DESCRIPTION: PORTLAND, Ore. — First-round play in The Standard Portland Classic at Columbia-Edgewater. 350 words.
UPCOMING: By 08/13/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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FBC--LSU-DANIELS-JERSEY
Daniels sends LSU cease-and-desist letter regarding decision to give No. 5 jersey to current player
SUMMARY: A representative for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has told LSU it can no longer use the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner’s name, image and likeness. ESPN got a copy of the letter that was sent to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry and said Daniels’ decision stems from the school’s decision to allow cornerback D.J. Pickett to wear a No. 5 jersey. That’s the number Daniels wore during his two seasons at LSU. This would mark the first time an LSU player has worn No. 5 since Daniels’ departure. The school hadn’t retired the jersey.
WORDS: 331 - MOVED: 08/13/2026 12:30 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9ec3c6854d598dcaa52bd1f7214b440a&mediaType=text
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SOC--LEAGUES-CUP-LEON-MIAMI
León beats Inter Miami 3-2 on Arcila’s two goals as Messi returns after father’s death
SUMMARY: Daniel Arcila scored twice, including the go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute, and Club León advanced to the Leagues Cup knockout stage with a 3-2 win over Inter Miami, which saw star Lionel Messi return following the death of his father. Messi started the second half and received a loud ovation from fans at Miami’s Nu Stadium. It was his first match since his father, Jorge, died Saturday at 68. Juan Pablo Domínguez also scored for León. Daniel Pinter and Yannick Bright scored for Inter Miami, which was eliminated after winning the 2023 Leagues Cup and reaching last year’s final.
WORDS: 379 - MOVED: 08/12/2026 10:05 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bf8feda540a26d3f282f2262d8537b13&mediaType=text
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BKL--WNBA-TRANSGENDER DEBATE
WNBA denounces ‘bad-faith’ transgender debate and says league has no eligibility issues
SUMMARY: The WNBA is criticizing those trying to create a narrative about transgender women playing in the league. The league’s anti-hate task force, which was formed last year, met virtually on Wednesday. A league spokesperson says “there are no immediate eligibility matters affecting the league.” The spokesperson also says the league opposes “bad-faith efforts to use these topics to demean or marginalize others.” The league’s collective bargaining agreement says only women are eligible to play in the WNBA, without specifics. Last week, two former NBA players said they wanted to enter the WNBA draft, saying they identify as women.
WORDS: 490 - MOVED: 08/12/2026 9:07 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:99e137102826677747da7986025c8b69&mediaType=text
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FBN--GIANTS-BECKHAM
Odell Beckham Jr. to play in the Giants’ preseason opener vs. the Vikings, John Harbaugh says
SUMMARY: Odell Beckham Jr. is set to play for the New York Giants in their exhibition opener against Minnesota on Saturday at home, coach John Harbaugh says. Even though it’s preseason, it will be the popular wide receiver’s first time playing a game in a Giants uniform in nearly six years. Beckham is back with the team he spent his first five NFL seasons with as he tries to show he still belongs in the league at age 33. Harbaugh dodged the question of whether quarterback Jaxson Dart and the rest of the expected starters will take part against the Vikings.
WORDS: 671 - MOVED: 08/12/2026 7:53 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4a00e8f9b5b30b52ba77657f9639ad98&mediaType=text
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BKN--WESTBROOK RETIRES
Russell Westbrook retires from the NBA with a farewell video narrated by Michael B. Jordan
SUMMARY: Russell Westbrook, the NBA’s career leader in triple-doubles and the 2017 MVP, announced Wednesday he’s retiring after 18 seasons during which he was selected to the league’s 75th anniversary team. The two-time scoring champion shared his decision on social media in a post featuring a video narrated by actor Michael B. Jordan where the guard never says a word. Westbrook was the No. 4 pick in 2008 out of UCLA by the Seattle SuperSonics, just before they moved to Oklahoma City. He played his first 11 seasons with the Thunder and spent this past season with the Sacramento Kings.
WORDS: 370 - MOVED: 08/12/2026 7:24 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4c86c3c003efd958dd57883f2223c12a&mediaType=text
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BBO--FIELD OF DREAMS RETURNS
Major League Baseball is back at the Field of Dreams, now in a permanent ballpark amid the corn
SUMMARY: Major League Baseball is back at the Field of Dreams after a four-year hiatus while the community around tiny Dyersville, Iowa, worked on building a permanent ballpark. The Minnesota Twins will play the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday next to where the 1989 movie was filmed. MLB staged games in a temporary facility there in 2021 and 2022. Acres of corn rows sit beyond the outfield walls in a visible connection to the film that featured Kevin Costner turning his farmland into a ballfield, where he saw the ghosts of former baseball players — including his late father — emerge from the corn.
WORDS: 967 - MOVED: 08/12/2026 7:10 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:13e2902508d7a490e37f7ab0331e9b7d&mediaType=text
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FBN--CHIEFS-KELCE
Travis Kelce: Chiefs camp offers welcome ‘sanctuary’ after closely watched wedding to Taylor Swift
SUMMARY: Travis Kelce calls training camp with the Kansas City Chiefs his “sanctuary.” That refuge is especially welcome after his recent star-studded wedding to Taylor Swift at Madison Square Garden. The event tying together the famous tight end and even more famous pop star featured celebrities like Adam Sandler, Stevie Nicks and Tom Brady. Kelce has also been busy with business ventures, including buying a stake in the Cleveland Guardians. Despite contemplating retirement after last season, Kelce is determined to prove he can still perform at a high level. He remains focused on preparing for what many believe could be his final year in the NFL.
WORDS: 896 - MOVED: 08/12/2026 6:30 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c1cd29cfe3d52557c38bf53f34411127&mediaType=text
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BBO--RAYS-ATHLETICS
Rays complete 2nd 9-0 West Coast trip in MLB history with 8-4 win over Athletics
SUMMARY: The AL-best Tampa Bay Rays have become the second East Coast team in major league history to go 9-0 on a West Coast trip. The Rays beat the Athletics 8-4 on Wednesday behind a three-run homer from Liam Hicks and another solid start by Drew Rasmussen. Tampa Bay swept three-game series at Colorado and Seattle before scoring 30 runs in its three wins over the Athletics. The Boston Red Sox in 1977 are the only other team to go 9-0 out West. The Rays became the 13th team since 1900 to go 9-0 on any trip.
WORDS: 354 - MOVED: 08/12/2026 6:22 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fd1bfc8208cae2e14319187df2e003c6&mediaType=text
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FBN--BROWNS-QUARTERBACKS
Deshaun Watson starting Browns’ exhibition opener at QB, Shedeur Sanders to start next week vs Bills
SUMMARY: Deshaun Watson will start Cleveland’s exhibition opener at Chicago on Saturday. It will be the quarterback’s first game action since 2024 due to injuries. Watson is competing with Shedeur Sanders to be the Browns’ full-time starter. First-year coach Todd Monken informed the QBs of his plans following Wednesday’s practice. The QBs have been battling throughout training camp with every throw, incompletion and interception being scrutinized by media and fans. Monken intends to play his starter for the first half against the Bears. The second QB will play the third quarter. The roles will be flipped against Buffalo on Aug. 22.
WORDS: 799 - MOVED: 08/12/2026 6:11 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b1e2d54422b61e2b141d1d829f127471&mediaType=text
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SOC--SUPER CUP
Paris Saint-Germain retains UEFA Super Cup as Doué goal seals 2-1 win over Aston Villa
SUMMARY: Paris Saint-Germain has won the UEFA Super Cup for a second straight year by beating Aston Villa 2-1 thanks to Désiré Doué’s second-half goal in the annual curtain-raiser to the European soccer season. Doué’s 61st-minute strike was initially ruled out for offside but the goal was awarded after a video review. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s powerfully struck opener in the 20th was canceled out by a volley from Brian Madjo, a 17-year-old striker making his competitive debut for Villa. PSG is the first team to win back-to-back Super Cup titles since Real Madrid (2016 and ’17) and has claimed the first of a possible six trophies this season.
WORDS: 686 - MOVED: 08/12/2026 5:33 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8ef39b99225c051d676bff95bcb81f19&mediaType=text
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BKN--NBA SCHEDULE
The Knicks will also open their NBA Cup title defense against LeBron James and the 76ers
SUMMARY: The New York Knicks are going to open both of their title defenses against LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers. The league announced Wednesday that the Knicks will travel to Philadelphia to face the 76ers on Oct. 30 on the opening night of NBA Cup games. The teams are already scheduled to meet in the Oct. 20 season opener at Madison Square Garden, when James plays his first game since signing with the 76ers last month. The Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs in the title game last year, then became the first NBA Cup champions to refuse to hang a banner to acknowledge the achievement.
WORDS: 446 - MOVED: 08/12/2026 4:20 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ead1eb2182b9c3d24d0ed98cc2d13356&mediaType=text
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GLF--ST JUDE CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW
Scheffler begins chase for a FedEx Cup title as postseason starts in sweltering Memphis
SUMMARY: The PGA Tour postseason kicks off with the $20 million FedEx St. Jude Championship. Scottie Scheffler enters as the No. 1 seed, aiming for a second FedEx Cup win. He’s excited for the three-tournament stretch. Players outside the top 50, like Jordan Spieth and Jackson Koivun, face pressure to advance. Rory McIlroy, already set for the Tour Championship, returns to TPC Southwind after skipping it last year. The competition is tight, with no standout player this season. The top 50 after this week secure spots in next season’s signature events, keeping hopes alive for the Tour Championship.
WORDS: 732 - MOVED: 08/12/2026 3:42 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9871b86e0090703ddca34594d719f5ec&mediaType=text
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FBN--MELBOURNE-JONAS BROTHERS
Jonas Brothers to headline halftime show for NFL season opener in Australia
SUMMARY: The Jonas Brothers will perform at halftime of the NFL’s season opener between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The NFL announced the headliners for the halftime show Wednesday. The game will air on Netflix in the U.S. on the night of Sept. 10. The Jonas Brothers will be part of the entertainment lineup for the league’s international schedule this season involving seven countries and four contents. The Jonas Brothers said in a statement they couldn’t be more excited to perform at halftime during the NFL’s first-ever regular season game in Australia.
WORDS: 235 - MOVED: 08/12/2026 3:05 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f204756d6cef3dbc839d20528b55bb2d&mediaType=text
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FBN--PACKERS-STEELERS-RODGERS
Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers wishes Thursday’s preseason game with Packers could take place in Green Bay
SUMMARY: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has one regret about starting his final NFL season with an exhibition game against the team that drafted him. He would have preferred Thursday’s matchup with the Packers take place in Green Bay rather than Pittsburgh. Rodgers wanted to have one final moment in the place where he spent his first 18 seasons and won four MVP awards and a Super Bowl. Rodgers has announced that he will retire after this season. There’s no indication whether Rodgers will play Thursday.
WORDS: 643 - MOVED: 08/12/2026 2:35 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c4686d3c75de0702dd753cf9fc892465&mediaType=text
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FBN--FALCONS-QUARTERBACKS
Tagovailoa to play at least first series with starters in Falcons’ preseason opener against Broncos
SUMMARY: Atlanta Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski says starters, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, will play at least the first series in Friday night’s preseason opener against the Denver Broncos. With Michael Penix Jr. still not cleared for team drills as he continues his recovery from surgery on his left knee, the Falcons’ expected quarterback competition has been put on hold. Cooper Rush, who was signed at the start of training camp to give the team another veteran at quarterback, will play behind Tagovailoa. Undrafted rookie Jack Strand will complete the game.
WORDS: 607 - MOVED: 08/12/2026 2:24 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1241ba583bb51843c2049d8ee4c32411&mediaType=text
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BBO--MLB-GIVEAWAYS
Pope hats, bloody shirts and so many bobbleheads: The creative ways MLB teams lure fans to the park
SUMMARY: An array of creative promotions has played at least a small role in an MLB-wide average attendance of 29,618 through Tuesday’s games, the highest such number for a full season since 2017. Notable giveaways include the New York Mets handing out fake glasses and mustaches for a Bobby Valentine Disguise Night, the Texas Rangers giving away a Nolan Ryan bloody lip jersey and the Chicago White Sox dolling out pope hats in honor of famous fan Pope Leo XIV. The pitch clock and other innovative rules introduced by MLB in 2023 are often credited for spurring fan interest. But it’s clear from the long lines — and occasionally astronomical resale prices on eBay — what a clever giveaway can do for ticket sales, too.
WORDS: 1030 - MOVED: 08/12/2026 1:58 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d0c306dda5ecd7cb504ef1916ecc8e29&mediaType=text
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