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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BKO--RAFTERY IN ROME

DESCRIPTION: Bill Raftery is considering dialing back some of his famous catchphrases for his first broadcasting assignment of the college basketball season. That’s because Pope Leo XIV could be listening. By Andrew Dampf.

UPCOMING: By 10/29/2026 4:00 a.m. EDT, FilePhoto, Text

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GLF--LPGA MALAYSIA

DESCRIPTION: First round of the Maybank Championship, the third tournament in four weeks on the LPGA’s late-season Asian swing.

UPCOMING: By 10/29/2026 5:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--BIG 12 THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: The Big 12 has another Top 25 matchup with No. 22 Arizona at No. 13 Texas Tech, and Cincinnati goes for another top-10 upset. By Stephen Hawkins. 570 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/29/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text, FilePhoto

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SOC--ENGLISH PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: With recent big wins over AC Milan and Manchester United, these are pinch-me times for Bournemouth, an unheralded club playing at the highest level in its history. By Steve Douglas. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/29/2026 7:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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ITALY US COLLEGE BASKETBALL

DESCRIPTION: The Villanova and Notre Dame men’s and women’s college teams will meet in a doubleheader in Rome on Nov. 1 that will mark the start of the college basketball season. The Catholic universities are promoting the games as a celebration of their shared mission and heritage. The event has been dubbed the Eternal City Tip-Off and Villanova alumnus Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to hold a private audience Oct. 31 with all four teams and their traveling fans.

UPCOMING: By 10/29/2026 7:30 a.m. EDT, Photo, Video, Text

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FBC--BIG TEN THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: No. 2 Ohio State has an uncertain quarterback situation without the injured Julian Sayin as the Buckeyes prepare to visit Southern California in the Big Ten’s biggest game of the week. By Steve Megargee. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/29/2026 12:30 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKC--TIPOFF-BIGGER TOURNAMENTS

DESCRIPTION: The NCAA Tournament men’s and women’s draws are growing to 76 teams this season, up from 68. Here’s a breakdown of the new men’s and women’s tournament formats with important dates and locations. By Steve Megargee. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/29/2026 12:40 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBC--T25-MISSISSIPPI STATE-TEXAS PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: AUSTIN, Texas —— Texas quarterback Arch Manning rediscovered his edge and the smiles have returned for the Longhorns as the season passes the midway point and churns toward the College Football Playoff. The same cannot be said for the Mississippi State ahead of Saturday nights Longhorns-Bulldogs matchup. Mississippi State quarterback has been ruled out of the season with a toe injury. By Jim Vertuno. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/29/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKL--WNBA FINALS

DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the WNBA Finals. The Golden State Valkyries will try to clinch their first WNBA title when they play the Atlanta Dream in Game 6 on Thursday. The Dream have lost two straight and need a win to force a Game 7. By Charles Odum. Game starts 12:30 pm. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/29/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBC--T25-MIAMI-NORTH CAROLINA PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: A preview of the No. 1 Miami-UNC football game. Top-ranked Miami keeps rolling with its high-scoring offense. The Hurricanes head to North Carolina on Saturday as one of three unbeatens left nationally and with relatively few on-field challenges along the way. By Aaron Beard. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/29/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKO--ELIGIBILITY CRISIS

DESCRIPTION: A look at the eligiblity uncertainty and related lawsuits entering the college basketball season. The LSU vs. SEC September showdown wasn’t all about football. Most of the more than two dozen lawsuits challenging NCAA eligibility rules include basketball players and it’s ladled even more stress on top of coaches who already scramble to fill their rosters every season in the transfer portal era. By Aaron Beard, 1,000 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/29/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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ITALY SOC MILAN NEW STADIUM

DESCRIPTION: Serie A soccer teams Inter Milan and AC Milan present plans for their new stadium to replace the iconic San Siro. Traditional text story, approximately 500 words.

UPCOMING: By 10/29/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-FLORIDA-GEORGIA PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: The annual Florida-Georgia game traditionally played in Jacksonville is being moved to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta while Jacksonville’s EverBank Stadium undergoes an extensive renovation. Even through the game will be played only about an hour from the Georgia campus, there will be the same 50-50 ticket distribution so No. 3 Georgia may not have much of a home-crowd advantage against No. 17 Florida on Saturday. By Charles Odum. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/29/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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RAC--BREEDERS CUP

DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the Breeders Cup. at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky

UPCOMING: By 10/29/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKC--BIG EAST PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: Preview of the upcoming season in Big East men’s college basketball. By Dan Gelston. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/29/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

WITH: BKC--BIG EAST PREVIEW CAPSULES

DESCRIPTION: Each Big East men’s college basketball team will get a preview capsule of approximately 400 words, with photos: Butler, Creighton, DePaul, Georgetown, Marquette, Providence, Seton Hall, St. John’s, UConn, Villanova, Xavier.UPCOMING: By 10/29/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

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CAR F1 MEXICAN GP

DESCRIPTION: Formula 1 drivers speak with the media ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, the 19th round of the 2026 season. Stories on merits.

UPCOMING: By 10/29/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

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BKC--ARIZONA ST-BENNETT’S RETURN

DESCRIPTION: Feature on Arizona State coach Randy Bennett. For years, Randy Bennett spurred offers to leave Saint Mary’s for larger schools. When the Arizona State job opened in his hometown, the longtime coach jumped at the chance.

UPCOMING: By 10/29/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Everton vs. Newcastle in the last 16 of the English League Cup. 100 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/29/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN--PANTHERS-PACKERS

DESCRIPTION: Carolina Panthers plays Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. By Steve Megargee. 700 words, with photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/29/2026 11:40 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBO--WORLD SERIES-MVP

Milwaukee’s William Contreras wins World Series MVP with .381 average, 10 ABS overturns

SUMMARY: William Contreras became the eighth catcher voted the World Series MVP after lifting the Milwaukee Brewers to their first World Series championship. Contreras batted .381 while guiding Milwaukee’s pitching staff and capitalizing on the first Series with the Automated Ball-Strike challenge system by winning 10 of 13 appeals. He’s the first catcher to win since Salvador Perez in 2015. At 28 a three-time All-Star, Contreras batted .270 with 18 homers and a career-best 94 RBIs as the Brewers won their fourth straight NL Central title.

WORDS: 694 - MOVED: 10/29/2026 1:32 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:59b3754cae2a7f11f3ce477412fb78a6&mediaType=text

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BBO--WORLD SERIES

Brewers beat the Rays 4-1 in Game 5 to win the first World Series title in franchise history

SUMMARY: The small-ball Milwaukee Brewers playing in the smallest market in the majors are World Series champions for the first time. Hey, Milwaukee: grab a brat, raise a beer and prepare for that parade. Young ace Jacob Misiorowski threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings of two-hit ball, rookie Cooper Pratt got two more hits and two RBIs, and Milwaukee beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in Game 5 to set off a long-awaited celebration among thousands of Brewers fans in attendance at Tropicana Field. Misiorowski left the game because of a right calf cramp, but a stellar Milwaukee bullpen had little trouble closing it out.

WORDS: 1205 - MOVED: 10/29/2026 1:08 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:971f9fb8cad75042fc7f9919dd91c159&mediaType=text

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BBO--WORLD-SERIES-BREWERS-MISIOROWSKI

The Miz caps a likely Cy Young season with poise in Brewers’ World Series clincher

SUMMARY: Jacob Misiorowski pitched with poise when he couldn’t overwhelm with punishing heat, overcoming Tampa Bay batters and the Tropicana Field mound to lead the Milwaukee Brewers to their first World Series title. On a night when he tied his career low with only two strikeouts, baseball’s hardest-throwing starting pitcher threw two-hit ball over 5 2/3 scoreless innings before leaving because of a leg cramp with a four-run lead. The Brewers went on to a 4-1 victory in Game 5.

WORDS: 465 - MOVED: 10/29/2026 12:50 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b59ba8401b74bb6e723653cc0c32cca7&mediaType=text

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BBO--WORLD SERIES-BREWERS-BY THE NUMBERS

The Milwaukee Brewers are World Series champs. A look at their title, by the numbers

SUMMARY: The Milwaukee Brewers are World Series champions for the first time. The Brewers beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in Game 5, capturing the title and wrapping up one of the most dominant postseasons in recent memory. After leading the majors with 103 wins during the regular season, Milwaukee went 11-2 in the postseason — including seven comeback wins. The latter mark was one shy of the record shared by the 1997 Florida Marlins, 2002 Anaheim Angels and 2015 Kansas City Royals, according to MLB’s Sarah Langs.

WORDS: 523 - MOVED: 10/29/2026 12:23 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c9385d554c2d3818e29df8a14329576e&mediaType=text

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BKN--WIZARDS-DYBANTSA’S DEBUT

No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa scores 19 in NBA debut as Wizards fall to Cavaliers 121-111

SUMMARY: AJ Dybantsa made a strong debut for the Washington Wizards. On Wednesday night, No. 1 pick scored 19 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This is the most points by a Wizards rookie in their debut since 1992. Dybantsa, who was sidelined for four games due to an ankle injury, played 27 minutes. Coach Brian Keefe praised his ability to get to the basket and his defensive activity. Dybantsa started at shooting guard and scored nine points in the first quarter. The Wizards lost 121-111 but showed promise with their new lineup.

WORDS: 646 - MOVED: 10/28/2026 11:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:574e911a7ec8899cbafd9ae82816da42&mediaType=text

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BBO--WORLD SERIES-RASMUSSEN

Rays ace Drew Rasmussen starts World Series Game 5 on short rest, allows 1 run over 4 innings

SUMMARY: Drew Rasmussen started for Tampa Bay on three days’ rest in Game 5 of the World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, leaving with a 1-0 deficit after pitching four innings. A 31-year-old right-hander, Rasmussen retired his first four batters before Brice Turang doubled to left-center on a flat cutter. Sal Frelick was hit by a pitch and rookie Cooper Pratt drove a low cutter over leaping second baseman Ben Williamson and into center field for an RBI single. Those were the only hits allowed by Rasmussen, who struck out four and walked none in a 48-pitch outing. Kevin Kelly relieved to start the fifth and allowed another run, leaving the Rays down 2-0.

WORDS: 482 - MOVED: 10/28/2026 9:37 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b84629bbfafe90d56898ab4aa7047eae&mediaType=text

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BKN--JOHNSON-INSIDE THE NBA

Ernie Johnson to retire from ‘Inside the NBA’ in June after a 37-year run as host

SUMMARY: Ernie Johnson is retiring as host of “Inside the NBA” in June, ending a 37-year run with the show. Johnson announced his decision Wednesday, saying, “It’s just time.” He began hosting in 1990, and the program has won 21 Sports Emmy Awards. Johnson said he has been dealing with heart issues and wants to enjoy more time with family. Although the show has moved to ESPN, it remains produced by TNT. Johnson will continue hosting NCAA Tournament coverage and has started a new production company. His final appearance will be during the NBA Finals.

WORDS: 775 - MOVED: 10/28/2026 9:02 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9c7f17a032ff9972ccee4551c72019f9&mediaType=text

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BKN--TIMBERWOLVES-EDWARDS OUT

Timberwolves say Anthony Edwards will be ‘good as new’ with no long-term concern after knee surgery

SUMMARY: The Minnesota Timberwolves believe Anthony Edwards will be “good as new” following arthroscopic surgery for a lingering injury to his right knee. President of basketball operations Tim Connelly said a clearer timetable for his return will come after the cleanup procedure. An MRI exam after Edwards scored 47 points in a loss at Cleveland revealed new damage unseen on previous scans before training camp and during the playoffs. Edwards had right knee pain last season that limited him to a career-low 61 games. He then suffered a hyperextension of his left knee with a bone bruise in a playoff game.

WORDS: 736 - MOVED: 10/28/2026 8:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ec0aaf771ba5358e1c0587bfc393534b&mediaType=text

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BKN--ON BASKETBALL-INJURIES

The NBA season just started, and injuries already are a big story across the league

WORDS: 933 - MOVED: 10/28/2026 7:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0d8fb7cd6d19024618e5bbfca60ee350&mediaType=text

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SOC--FLEETWOOD-THE UNDERDOG

Meet the underdog soccer team from a seaside town in England that just pulled off an epic upset

SUMMARY: Fleetwood Town and its fans woke up Wednesday still pinching themselves following one of the biggest upsets in English League Cup history. The fourth-tier team knocked Premier League champion Arsenal out of the competition in a penalty shootout. More than 80 places separate the two teams in the English soccer pyramid. Arsenal’s stellar squad is worth an approximate $1.6 billion, while Fleetwood’s is valued at a relatively paltry $3 million. Mikel Arteta has steered Arsenal to five trophies, including last season’s Premier League title. Fleetwood boss Matt Lawlor is less than a year into his first senior managerial position.

WORDS: 900 - MOVED: 10/28/2026 6:59 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:adc948a26af0b1e9c5428cb8e0200806&mediaType=text

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

Man City, Liverpool win shootouts in English League Cup as Fleetwood discovers next opponent

SUMMARY: Manchester City and Liverpool have avoided the fate that befell Arsenal by winning penalty shootouts to advance to the quarterfinals of the English League Cup. City stayed on course to retain the title by twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Brighton at home, then triumph 4-3 in the shootout. Backup goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli saved Brighton’s last two spot kicks to rescue City, which had fallen behind in the shootout when Mateo Kovacic had the team’s fourth penalty saved. In a match that finished a half-hour later, Liverpool beat Chelsea 6-5 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw that saw both goals also come from the penalty spot.

WORDS: 518 - MOVED: 10/28/2026 6:57 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6ecd0a0ca47a42dcd5ddc16b3f6c0650&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAVENS-JACKSON’S INJURY DRAMA

Nothing kills the vibe in Baltimore quite like an injury to Lamar Jackson. This year is no different

SUMMARY: Lamar Jackson was a full participant in practice for the Baltimore Ravens, which suggests his latest injury saga could be over sooner rather than later. Maybe. Jackson’s absences are often angst-inducing and opaque. A combination of factors are at play — the league’s culture of secrecy when it comes to injuries, a player whose mindset is hard to read, and a team that comes into every season with high expectations, but has yet to reach a Super Bowl with Jackson.

WORDS: 995 - MOVED: 10/28/2026 6:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:caccf916df4b1caa19e48244be3cc92a&mediaType=text

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FBN--CHIEFS-TUCKER

Justin Tucker joins Chiefs’ practice squad after 10-game suspension for violating NFL conduct policy

SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs have signed kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad, giving the five-time All-Pro a second chance in the NFL after a 10-game suspension last year for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Harrison Butker has struggled the last two seasons for Kansas City, missing two kicks in Sunday’s loss in Seattle. Tucker spent 13 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens before he was released in May. He was accused of sexual misconduct by 16 massage therapists, which he denied. Tucker never was criminally charged and there were no civil cases against him. Coach Andy Reid says Tucker “took care of that business” by serving his suspension.

WORDS: 889 - MOVED: 10/28/2026 5:25 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b544bde6ddc4e14e9ca69ddc4bf5d00c&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA FINALS-SELLOUT

Despite much-criticized early tipoff, Dream say WNBA Finals Game 6 against Valkyries is a sellout

SUMMARY: The Atlanta Dream say Thursday’s WNBA Finals Game 6 against the Golden State Valkyries is a sellout despite its much-criticized 12:30 p.m. Eastern tipoff. The Valkyries lead the series 3-2 and can clinch their first WNBA title with a win in the matinee at State Farm Arena. The Dream need a win to force a Game 7 on Saturday night in California. There were concerns the early tipoff would have the teams playing the potentially decisive Finals game in a half-empty arena because of fans having work and school obligations. Instead, another sellout of approximately 17,000 is expected.

WORDS: 822 - MOVED: 10/28/2026 3:50 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a5b843b2c76456046d25588b55c49d29&mediaType=text