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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GLF--TRAVELERS CHAMPIONSHIP-PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: CROMWELL, Conn. — This is not the first time J.J. Spaun has arrived at the Travelers Championship later than usual and not fully prepared. Two years ago, his daughter was born Monday of the tournament. This year his head is spinning from winning the U.S. Open and all that comes with it. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/18/2025 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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SOC--CWC

FORMATS: Text

1. WITH: SOC--CWC-MAN CITY-WYDAD

2. DESCRIPTION: PHILADELPHIA -- Match started at noon. By Mario Rodriguez Canuto. With AP Photos.

3. UPCOMING: By 06/18/2025 2:30 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: SOC--CWC-REAL MADRID-AL HILAL

5. DESCRIPTION: MIAMI GARDENS, Florida -- Match starts at 3 p.m. By James Robson. With AP Photos.

6. UPCOMING: By 06/18/2025 5:30 p.m. EDT

7. WITH: SOC--CWC-PACHUCA-SALZBURG

8. DESCRIPTION: CINCINNATI -- Match starts at 6 p.m. By Peyton Ann Hodge. With AP Photos.

9. UPCOMING: By 06/18/2025 8:30 p.m. EDT

10. WITH: SOC--CWC-AL AIN-JUVENTUS

11. DESCRIPTION: WASHINGTON -- Match starts at 9 p.m. By Mariana Bermudez. With AP Photos.

12. UPCOMING: By 06/18/2025 11:50 p.m. EDT

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GLF--WOMEN’S PGA PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: FRISCO, Texas — Nelly Korda was still in contention and feeling the adrenaline rush of trying to win another major championship before she came up short less than a month ago. The world’s No. 1 player isn’t having wait to long before another chance. The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in North Texas comes three weeks after Korda finished second at the U.S. Women’s Open. By Stephen Hawkins. 700 words.

UPCOMING: By 06/18/2025 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--GIANTS-DART’S DEVELOPMENT

DESCRIPTION: EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Jaxson Dart is drawing rave reviews in his first few months with the New York Giants. Coach Brian Daboll said the first-round pick has fit right in with the rest of the quarterbacks, performing well while learning from veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. By Pro Football Writer Dennis Waszak Jr.

UPCOMING: By 06/18/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKN--NBA FINALS COVERAGE

FORMATS: Text, Photo

13. WITH: BKN--NBA FINALS COVERAGE

14. DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the NBA Finals

15. UPCOMING: By 06/18/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT

16. WITH: BKN--NBA FINALS-PREVIEW

17. DESCRIPTION: INDIANAPOLIS -- The Oklahoma City Thunder have 83 wins this season. The 84th is the only one that matters now. They’ll aim for it -- and the NBA title -- in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the ailing Indiana Pacers on Thursday night. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos by 3 p.m.

18. UPCOMING: By 06/18/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT

19. WITH: BKN--NBA FINALS-PACERS-HALIBURTON

20. DESCRIPTION: INDIANAPOLIS -- Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton will be a game-time decision for Game 6 of the NBA Finals because of a leg injury, which is awful news for an Indiana team facing elimination. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. SENT: 600 words, will be updated.

21. SENT: UPDATES UPCOMING: By 06/18/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT

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BBO--YANKEES-SCORELESS STREAK

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- The Yankees have been shut out in three straight games and haven’t scored a run in 29 innings. They could break the franchise mark of 37 consecutive scoreless innings set in 1908 on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Angels. By Larry Fleisher.

UPCOMING: By 06/18/2025 9:56 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BBO--PADRES-DODGERS

DESCRIPTION: LOS ANGELES — Stephen Kolek takes the mound for the San Diego Padres against Emmet Sheehan and the Los Angeles Dodgers. By Beth Harris. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos. Begins 10 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 06/18/2025 10:10 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBC--COLLEGE WORLD SERIES

FORMATS: Text

22. WITH: BBC--CWS-LOUISVILLE-COASTAL CAROLINA

23. DESCRIPTION: OMAHA, Neb. -- Coastal Carolina, coming off two days’ rest, can clinch a spot in the College World Series finals with a win over Louisville. The Cardinals would have to beat the Chanticleers twice in two days to advance. By Eric Olson. 600 words. Game starts 2:10 p.m.

24. UPCOMING: By 06/18/2025 11:30 p.m. EDT

25. WITH: BBC--CWS-ARKANSAS-LSU

26. DESCRIPTION: OMAHA, Neb. -- SEC rivals Arkansas and LSU will meet for the fifth time this season, and the stage has never been bigger. LSU goes to the College World Series final if it wins the bracket final. An Arkansas win forces a winner-take-all game Thursday. LSU won two of three in the regular season and beat the Razorbacks 4-1 in its CWS opener. By Eric Olson. 600 words. Game starts 7:10 p.m.

27. UPCOMING: By 06/18/2025 11:30 p.m. EDT

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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US--IMMIGRATION RAIDS-DODGERS-NEZZA

Nezza’s Spanish anthem at Dodger Stadium ignites debate over team’s immigrant support

SUMMARY: After Latin pop and R&B singer Nezza’s viral controversial performance at Dodger Stadium, Dodgers fans have grown frustrated over the team’s lack of vocal support for local immigrant communities impacted by the rise of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests and raids. The baseball team has a long history with immigrant communities in Los Angeles, boasting a huge Latino fan base and hosting multiple heritage nights honoring various communities. Some fans have since called for a boycott online. Some are pushing for a more permanent boycott, while others say they’d be willing to return if the team spoke out in support.

WORDS: 1151 - MOVED: 06/18/2025 1:42 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3abcadca76f996612aaefe2dc579afe2&mediaType=text

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BBO--RAYS-POTENTIAL SALE

Tampa Bay Rays say they are in talks for a potential sale amid stadium uncertainty

SUMMARY: The Tampa Bay Rays say they are in “exclusive discussions” with a Florida investment group for a potential sale of the team. The Rays are valued at $1.25 billion, according to Forbes magazine. Stuart Sternberg bought the Major League Baseball club for $200 million in 2004. The potential sale comes at a precarious time for the Rays and their home ballpark. They are playing this season at the spring training home of the New York Yankees in Tampa after the roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg was heavily damaged during Hurricane Milton last October.

WORDS: 315 - MOVED: 06/18/2025 1:37 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e413d35b68f3def6281e8f6ed8199653&mediaType=text

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US--NCAA-TRANSFER LOYALTY

Transfers are common across college sports. Athletes see irony in being criticized as disloyal

SUMMARY: College sports was once rooted in tradition, school pride and loyalty, but those expectations are changing in a landscape where athletes have won the ability to transfer season to season, year to year. Some are painted as disloyal or selfish. Athletes like Hailey Van Lith and Ray Davis don’t see it that way. Both played at three schools on their way to the pros, Van Lith in the WNBA and Davis in the NFL. They said decisions are not always about money and noted that coaches and other team staff can also leave for new opportunities.

WORDS: 1113 - MOVED: 06/18/2025 1:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:85c50a9c7bbaa6a59097551570bbef24&mediaType=text

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LUG--2026 OLYMPICS-RUSSIA

Russian athletes excluded from luge at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics

SUMMARY: Russian luge athletes have been excluded from competing at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics even as individuals with neutral status. The International Luge Federation has voted to uphold its ban on Russians from international events imposed since 2022 during that country’s invasion of Ukraine. Athletes cited concerns about “safety, Olympic quotas, anti-doping compliance, and fairness” when consulted by the governing body. The Milan-Cortina Olympics open on Feb. 6. The Russian team had 10 lugers compete at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and won one bronze medal.

WORDS: 559 - MOVED: 06/18/2025 11:52 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4d95b8d03c539e4e87f899b36c77cc65&mediaType=text

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BKL--VALKYRIES-VANLOO’S LANGUAGES

Valkyries guard Julie Vanloo is expansion team’s go-to interpreter for international players

SUMMARY: Julie Vanloo’s ability to communicate in four languages has been crucial as the expansion Golden State Valkyries develop chemistry and find ways to make sure everyone can understand a given play or defensive set. Her teammates are often in awe. Vanloo is from Belgium and speaks English, French, Italian and Flemish. Part of an international roster on the Valkyries, Vanloo’s language skills have helped everybody get comfortable while the team changes by the week. Vanloo, Temi Fágbénlé of Great Britain and Janelle Salaun of France are currently competing for their countries in the EuroBasket 2025 tournament.

WORDS: 852 - MOVED: 06/18/2025 11:50 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fa4cadf95e8ff6e95a9cc2d00760cc52&mediaType=text

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SOC--US WOMEN-ROSTER

USWNT’s latest roster features new players while Europe-based stars take a break

SUMMARY: With U.S. coach Emma Hayes giving many of her Europe-based players a break, there were several new faces on the national team for a trio of upcoming matches against Ireland and Canada. Lindsey Heaps, Catarina Macario and Emily Fox were among the players given time off after the European season. One exception was defender Naomi Girma, who is working her way back from a calf injury. The United States plays Ireland on June 26 in Commerce City, Colorado, and again on June 29 in Cincinnati. The team plays Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C.

WORDS: 480 - MOVED: 06/18/2025 11:42 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:08650e472d30b5c7cab22e653a3ef8d2&mediaType=text

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US--PRO CHEER LEAGUE

Cheerleaders can now go pro: Varsity Spirit’s new league offers pay

SUMMARY: Varsity Spirit is starting a professional cheerleading league promising to pay athletes. The Pro Cheer League joins a crowded niche sports market that already includes softball, volleyball, 3-x-3 basketball, lacrosse, indoor football and more clamoring for both fans’ attention and their dollars. This new league is billed as the first professional cheerleading league for athletes 18 and older to give cheerleaders the chance to keep competing after college. Bill Seely is the president of Varsity Spirit in Memphis, Tennessee. He sees plenty of opportunity for all these sports to succeed. This cheer league’s advantage comes from the sport’s growth since the 1970s.

WORDS: 454 - MOVED: 06/18/2025 11:14 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a76c292ae728a9845902a2b33e5731c5&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA FINALS-PACERS-HALIBURTON

Haliburton is likely going to be a game-time decision for Game 6, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle says

SUMMARY: The Indiana Pacers are preparing for the possibility of not having Tyrese Haliburton available to play in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, coach Rick Carlisle said in a radio interview. Haliburton has been dealing with a lower right leg injury throughout the series and it worsened during Monday’s Game 5 loss in Indianapolis. Haliburton played through it for most of his 34 minutes, but failed to make a field goal in the game and Indiana lost to Oklahoma City 120-109 — falling behind 3-2 in the title series. Carlisle says Haliburton “probably will be a game-time decision for Game 6.”

WORDS: 637 - MOVED: 06/18/2025 9:15 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7bba77b8b45df32c04ca5c28e2f1fa5f&mediaType=text

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SOC--PREMIER LEAGUE-SCHEDULE

Liverpool starts Premier League title defense against Bournemouth while Man U hosts Arsenal

SUMMARY: Liverpool will begin its latest Premier League title defense at home to Bournemouth on Aug. 15 while Manchester United will host Arsenal in the opening round of next season. The Premier League released its fixture schedule for the 2025-26 season on Wednesday to give teams and their fans a chance to start planning less than a month since the last campaign finished. Liverpool will be bidding for a third league championship in six years and will play the first match of the season in a Friday night start at Anfield. Liverpool faces a trip to Newcastle in the second round followed by a home match against Arsenal a week later.

WORDS: 562 - MOVED: 06/18/2025 6:19 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:12e8510a05a9c101d44310a70e1a3a5d&mediaType=text

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OLY--CONGRESS-DOPING

Had a belly full. Could Chinese swimmers have eaten 5 kilos of food en route to failed doping test?

SUMMARY: The head of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency told senators that Chinese swimmers would have had to ingest around 11 pounds, or five kilograms of food to test for the amounts of the performance enhancer that resulted in the much-debated positive drug tests from 2021 that were later disregarded. Travis Tygart made that claim in a Senate hearing focused on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s response to the doping case. A key part of that case was WADA’s acceptance of the explanation from Chinese authorities that the swimmers had been contaminated by traces of the drug Trimetazidine (TMZ) in a hotel kitchen.

WORDS: 702 - MOVED: 06/18/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:33e3440753c89664ac2af0e0d63ff5dd&mediaType=text

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HKN--STANLEY CUP ANALYSIS

‘A well-oiled machine’: How the Florida Panthers’ team-first mentality led to another Stanley Cup

SUMMARY: The Florida Panthers are again atop the NHL as Stanley Cup champions after showing in the final why hockey is the ultimate team sport. The Edmonton Oilers arguably had the two best players in the series in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. But the Panthers got contributions from all over their lineup and used their depth to go back to back. The celebration was even a nod to that with captain Aleksander Barkov handing the Stanley Cup to first-time winner Nate Schmidt. It was a sign of the culture that players rave about.

WORDS: 870 - MOVED: 06/18/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b8f15c311416b3d933dd947573026b43&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA MOCK DRAFT

NBA mock draft: Rutgers’ Ace Bailey may slip to late in NBA draft lottery after skipping workouts

SUMMARY: Ace Bailey has been pegged as a can’t-miss prospect, an athletic 6-foot-8 forward who can score like few players in this year’s NBA draft. His decisions leading up to the draft may send him slipping further down the lottery. Once projected as a top-three pick, Bailey could find himself waiting a bit longer than his Rutgers’ teammate Dylan Harper after opting to decline workouts with several teams within his projected draft range. Bailey might not see a freefall like Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the NFL draft, but his actions could be causing doubt among NBA executives heading into Wednesday’s draft.

WORDS: 2280 - MOVED: 06/18/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:169bbdf65ed1f0f8661eaf2817d1bd30&mediaType=text

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HKN--STANLEY CUP-PANTHERS-APPRECIATION

Appreciation: The Panthers set their own path to a 2nd consecutive Stanley Cup

SUMMARY: The best team in hockey, again, was a team that did things totally its own way. The Florida Panthers went to Finland early in the season and wore the robes they got as gifts from that trip to the next few games instead of suits and didn’t care how ridiculous that looked. They not only welcomed a one-time hated rival in Brad Marchand into the fold from Boston at the trade deadline, but they became Blizzard-eating buddies with him on off days during the playoffs. Call them whatever you want. But you have to call them back-to-back Stanley Cup champions.

WORDS: 974 - MOVED: 06/18/2025 5:59 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fb28165a7eb3b6547a8d542b6058c78b&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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BKN--NBA FINALS COVERAGE

Coverage of the NBA Finals.

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SOC--CWC-PSG-BOTAFOGO

PASADENA, Calif. — Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain returns after a 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid in its Club World Cup opener to face Brazilian club Botafogo. By Greg Beacham.

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