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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SOC--PARIS DERBY

DESCRIPTION: It’s taken quite some time, but the first capital city derby in French men’s league soccer since 1990 takes place on Sunday when Paris Saint-Germain hosts Paris FC. A very local derby, too, with PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium literally across the street from PFC’s new home ground — 44 meters apart according to the Paris City Hall website. By Jerome Pugmire. 750 words.

UPCOMING: By 01/01/2026 3:00 a.m. EST, Text

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SOC--AFCON-NICKNAMES

DESCRIPTION: Indomitable Lions, Bafana Bafana, and Super Eagles have all been competing at the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. Cameroon, South Africa and Nigeria are just three of the 24 teams taking part in the four-week tournament in Morocco. Here’s a look at all the teams’ nicknames and how they fared in the group stage.

UPCOMING: By 01/01/2026 5:00 a.m. EST, Photo, Text

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FBN--BILLS-STADIUM FAREWELL

DESCRIPTION: The Buffalo Bills host the New York Jets on Sunday in what will be their final regular-season game at what’s affectionately been called “The Ralph,” the stadium they’ve called home since 1973. It’s a building in which the Bills enjoyed numerous playoff highs, hosted the NHL’s first Winter Classic and the Rolling Stones. The Bills are moving across the street next season into their new $2.1 billion stadium being built across the street. By John Wawrow. 900 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/01/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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FBC--CFP SEMIFINALS

DESCRIPTION: College football’s final four teams will be set after a slate of games Thursday, with Indiana trying to keep its undefeated season going and Mississippi and Georgia squaring off for another spot in the semifinals. By Eddie Pells. Eds: Developing from final three CFP quarterfinals. 650 words, AP photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/01/2026 3:30 p.m. EST, DigitalPlans, Photo, Text

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FBC--CFP-ORANGE BOWL

DESCRIPTION: Oregon plays Texas Tech in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Orange Bowl. 650 words. AP photos staffing, sidebars on merit.

UPCOMING: By 01/01/2026 3:40 p.m. EST, DigitalPlans, Photo, Text

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FBC--CFP-ROSE BOWL

DESCRIPTION: Alabama plays Indiana at the Rose Bowl in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal. 650 words. AP photos staffing, sidebars on merit.

UPCOMING: By 01/01/2026 7:40 p.m. EST, DigitalPlans, Photo, Text

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FBC--CFP-SUGAR BOWL

DESCRIPTION: Ole Miss plays Georgia in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl. 650 words. AP photos staffing, sidebars on merit.

UPCOMING: By 01/01/2026 11:40 p.m. EST, DigitalPlans, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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TEN--AUSTRALIAN OPEN-WARMING UP

Set to go: Two weeks of tennis mania Down Under ahead of the Australian Open

WORDS: 782 - MOVED: 01/01/2026 1:24 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cabdad597c537870f9f5e16d30f6f7e2&mediaType=text

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FBC--CFP-COTTON BOWL-BUSTED BUCKEYES

Another bye bites the dust as defending champ Ohio State falls to Miami in CFP quarterfinals

SUMMARY: These Ohio State Buckeyes won’t win the first back-to-back national championships in school history and the College Football Playoff still doesn’t have a winner from teams with the first-round byes. No. 10 Miami held on for a 24-14 victory in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal. The No. 3 Buckeyes were bounced a year after they won four CFP games on the way to the title. Ohio State trailed 14-0 at halftime, but was within three at 17-14 on Jeremiah Smith’s 14-yard touchdown catch on fourth-and-2 early in the fourth quarter. He finished with 157 yards on seven catches, but a shiny second half wasn’t enough.

WORDS: 709 - MOVED: 01/01/2026 12:50 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:88e59c36228cc07ac662e69e3c874664&mediaType=text

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FBC--CFP-COTTON BOWL

Miami beats defending national champ Ohio State 24-14 in the CFP quarterfinal at Cotton Bowl

SUMMARY: Keionte Scott returned an interception 72 yards for a touchdown and No. 10 Miami shocked defending champion Ohio State 24-14 in the first College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl. The 12-2 Hurricanes never trailed after going into Wednesday night as 9 1/2-point underdogs. They have won two playoff games to get into football’s final four after needing an at-large berth to make the 12-team field. One more win and they will get to play for a national championship in their home stadium. Next up is a CFP semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 8. Third-ranked Ohio State finished 12-2, with losses in the Big Ten title game and the Cotton Bowl after an undefeated regular season.

WORDS: 1035 - MOVED: 01/01/2026 12:48 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c34e19efd652cd8b5c900693388f748b&mediaType=text

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HKO--WORLD JUNIOR

Sweden beats US 6-3 in world junior hockey group finale. Canada tops Finland 7-4

SUMMARY: Lucas Pettersson and Eddie Genborg each scored twice and Sweden beat the United States 6-3 on Wednesday night in the world junior hockey championship to complete group play unbeaten. Casper Juustovaara opened the scoring in the first period on a deflection, and the Swedes led 5-1 in the second period in the Group A finale. Ivar Stenberg scored in the third, and Love Harenstam made 28 saves. In the quarterfinals Friday, Sweden will face Latvia, and the second-place Americans will play Finland, a 7-4 loser to Canada later Wednesday night in the Group B finale in Minneapolis. Canada will play Slovakia, and Czechia will meet Switzerland. Chase Reid, Will Zellers and Teddy Stiga scored for the United States.

WORDS: 393 - MOVED: 01/01/2026 12:38 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:575639923b97f8327ed74ae14c39c07c&mediaType=text

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BKN--SPURS-WEMBANYAMA HURT

Spurs’ Wembanyama doesn’t expect to miss time after hyperextending knee in win over Knicks

SUMMARY: San Antonio center Victor Wembanyama left Wednesday night’s rematch with the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter after suffering an apparent left leg injury, but returned to the bench in time to see the Spurs win 134-132. Wembanyama took to the court after the game to gleefully lead the newest Spurs tradition that he created — having the crowd clap their hands after each bang of the drum by the 7-foot-4 center, who finished with 31 points and 13 rebounds in 24 minutes. Wembanyama went to the locker room with just under 11 minutes remaining, but returned to the Spurs bench with 1:22 left in the game. He was alone and walking without a limp when he returned. It was a welcome sight for the Spurs after some tense minutes.

WORDS: 458 - MOVED: 01/01/2026 12:06 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8ca68b611d5f2e7ef82c036894fe766b&mediaType=text

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HKN--WINTER CLASSIC-PREVIEW

Outdoor hockey. In Miami. It’s finally going to happen on Friday, when Panthers play Rangers

SUMMARY: The NHL is hosting its first outdoor game in Florida on Friday. The Florida Panthers will face the New York Rangers at loanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins. The retractable roof will be opened just before the game. This marks a significant event for the Sunshine State, which has seen its teams reach the Stanley Cup Final multiple times in recent years. The NHL has worked hard to create suitable ice conditions, using custom refrigeration units and a thicker ice sheet. Panthers players and fans are excited for this unique experience, highlighting hockey’s growth in Florida.

WORDS: 1020 - MOVED: 12/31/2025 11:48 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:59689dda080c92cfcf1be265704bd2a5&mediaType=text

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FBC--CITRUS BOWL

Manning uses arm and legs to lead No. 14 Texas to a 41-27 Citrus Bowl win over No. 18 Michigan

SUMMARY: Arch Manning was just as potent with his legs as with his arms. That combination carried 14th-ranked Texas to a 41-27 victory over No. 18 Michigan in the Citrus Bowl. The game was tight until Manning broke it open with a 60-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter. He finished with 221 yards passing and two scores, and 155 yards rushing and two TDs on the ground. Michigan capped off a month the Wolverines would rather forget. Coach Sherrone Moore was fired for an extramarital affair with a staffer. New coach Kyle Whittingham watched from a coaching box.

WORDS: 915 - MOVED: 12/31/2025 8:44 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:23d646b1e96dbaa3bdce246b09e1341e&mediaType=text

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OLY--HKO-CANADA-OLYMPIC ROSTER

Celebrini joins McDavid, MacKinnon, Crosby on Team Canada’s Olympic hockey roster

SUMMARY: Macklin Celebrini, the 19-year-old star for the San Jose Sharks, is heading to the Winter Olympics. Celebrini is among 19 players named to Canada’s 25-player men’s hockey roster for the NHL’s return to the Olympics in Milan, Italy, in February. Celebrini entered Wednesday’s action ranked third in league scoring behind Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. Other new forwards include Nick Suzuki, Bo Horvat, and Tom Wilson. Canada plays its first game on February 12 against Czechia. The NHL is returning to the Olympics for the first time since 2014, with Sidney Crosby and Drew Doughty as the only players with past Olympic experience.

WORDS: 651 - MOVED: 12/31/2025 7:58 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3bfee519e2003eb338a8aad95da06f83&mediaType=text

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BOX--ANTHONY-JOSHUA-CAR-CRASH

Nigerian authorities say British boxer Anthony Joshua released from hospital after road crash

SUMMARY: Nigerian authorities say British boxer Anthony Joshua has been released from hospital. The two-time former heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist was involved in a fatal accident near Lagos on Monday which killed two of his close associates and team members. Joshua had been under “observation” while recovering from minor injuries, his promoter said Monday. The Lagos state commissioner for information, Gbenga Omotoso, said in a statement on X that Joshua was discharged late Wednesday afternoon after being deemed clinically fit to recuperate from “home.”

WORDS: 410 - MOVED: 12/31/2025 7:42 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6df5a51dbdee72ef6788c053bf64cad6&mediaType=text

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BKN--TIMBERWOLVES-EDWARDS LEAVES

‘Ant-Man’ Edwards leaves bench late in loss for 2nd early exit from a Timberwolves game in 1 week

SUMMARY: For the second time in one week, Anthony Edwards didn’t stick around for the end of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ game. This time, the exit was his decision. Edwards left the Minnesota bench and the court during a timeout late in the Timberwolves’ 126-102 loss at the Atlanta Hawks. Edwards apparently disagreed with coach Chris Finch pulling his starters with the Hawks leading 109-80. Edwards tossed his towel and left the bench. Edwards did not speak with reporters after the game. Finch says “Ant-Man” should have remained on the bench to support his teammates.

WORDS: 244 - MOVED: 12/31/2025 6:55 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:74c632122a400704cf72cf057ce834d4&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA-CHRISTMAS RATINGS

NBA Christmas viewership hits 15-year high with 47M viewers. And social media numbers set records

SUMMARY: The NBA announces its best Christmas Day viewership numbers in 15 years. More than 47 million people in the U.S. watched at least part of the five-game slate, marking a 45% increase over last year. The league revealed this on Wednesday. The Cleveland-New York game became the most-watched Christmas game ever starting at noon Eastern, with an average of 6.4 million viewers. The San Antonio-Oklahoma City game was the most-watched in the 2:30 p.m. slot since 2017. Additionally, the NBA was the “most-viewed brand across social media” on Christmas, with content generating 1.6 billion views.

WORDS: 183 - MOVED: 12/31/2025 6:03 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:92a957462f06d4eca3a8d16d8aac7b26&mediaType=text

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FBN--STEELERS-RODGERS FUTURE

Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers believes he’ll have options if he chooses to play again in 2026

SUMMARY: Aaron Rodgers isn’t talking like someone ready to retire. The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, who recently turned 42, hasn’t ruled out returning in 2026. Rodgers says he believes he’ll have options if he wants to play a 22nd season. The four-time MVP has thrown for more than 3,000 yards with 23 touchdowns for Pittsburgh, which hosts Baltimore in the regular-season finale with the AFC North title on the line. Rodgers has been largely healthy this season, save for a broken left wrist that forced him to miss a game. Rodgers says he thinks his decision will be based entirely on his desire to play and not his ability to play.

WORDS: 984 - MOVED: 12/31/2025 6:00 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b431223041c28287736c8124cf49f159&mediaType=text

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US--PATRIOTS-BARMORE-ASSAULT CHARGE

Patriots defensive lineman Christian Barmore accused of throwing girlfriend to the ground

SUMMARY: New England Patriots defensive lineman Christian J. Barmore is accused of assaulting his girlfriend in August. A criminal complaint claims Barmore took the woman’s phone, threw her to the ground and grabbed her by the shirt at his home in Mansfield, Massachusetts. Police say the woman provided a photo showing bruises from the incident. Barmore’s lawyer says he’s confident no criminal conduct occurred. The Patriots say they’re aware of the matter and are cooperating with the league.

WORDS: 539 - MOVED: 12/31/2025 5:17 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fc1472695f7495d82772e01b4ea0946c&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL-CHRISTMAS-RATINGS

Lions-Vikings Christmas game on Netflix sets NFL streaming record, averaging 27.5M viewers

SUMMARY: Two of the NFL’s three Christmas Day games set viewership records. The Detroit Lions-Minnesota Vikings game on Netflix became the most-streamed NFL game in U.S. history. The Denver Broncos-Kansas City Chiefs game set a record for Amazon Prime Video. Nielsen reports the Vikings’ 23-10 victory over the Lions averaged 27.5 million U.S. viewers. The Broncos’ 20-13 win over the Chiefs had a 21.06 million average on Prime Video. The Cowboys-Commanders game averaged 19.9 million. Netflix’s “NFL Christmas Gameday” drew over 632 million social impressions globally, with Snoop Dogg’s halftime show being a major highlight.

WORDS: 340 - MOVED: 12/31/2025 5:15 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:86bf4b41ce919fa2139eb05091d5992c&mediaType=text

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FBN--PRO PICKS-WEEK 18

Pro Picks: Panthers, Ravens will win their divisions; 49ers will edge Seahawks for NFC’s No. 1 seed

SUMMARY: The NFL’s final weekend of the regular season features a winner-take-all game between the Ravens-Steelers and a battle for the NFC’s No. 1 seed between the Seahawks-49ers. There’s also the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup that will decide the NFC South, though it could take another 21 hours to determine the division champion. Twelve of the 14 playoff spots have been secured and four teams are battling for the final two. Four division champions have been settled and only the Packers have locked up a seed so they have little to play for in their final game.

WORDS: 1262 - MOVED: 12/31/2025 5:03 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b75224c49beb4beafc54d0ca589727f4&mediaType=text

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FBN--PATRIOTS-DIGGS-STRANGULATION-CHARGE

Patriots say criminal cases facing Diggs, Barmore won’t distract them ahead of regular-season finale

SUMMARY: New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said he’s confident criminal cases against receiver Stefon Diggs and defensive lineman Christian Barmore won’t be a distraction for his team as it chases the AFC’s top seed in the playoffs. Diggs is facing strangulation and other criminal charges in connection with a dispute with his former private chef. Barmore is facing a domestic assault and battery charge after his girlfriend told police he threw her to the ground in August. The NFL is reviewing the cases, but both are eligible to play this week. Diggs didn’t speak with reporters Wednesday as he has typically done throughout the season. Barmore is dealing with an illness and was not with the team Wednesday.

WORDS: 721 - MOVED: 12/31/2025 4:33 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1d5746c5f7d9deeb2af65d20dfbe2187&mediaType=text

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FBC--CFP-CODY CAMPBELL-THE DISRUPTOR

Texas Tech’s biggest and richest fan explains how he’d fix college sports

SUMMARY: Cody Campbell is a billionaire supporter of Texas Tech, his alma mater. He also has a distinct vision of where college sports needs to go if it is going to survive. In an interview with The Associated Press in advance of Tech’s College Football Playoff game against Oregon, he argued that Congress needs to create a new entity that can oversee all of college sports. He says college sports has professionalized the cost side of its business but is still generating revenue like amateurs.

WORDS: 1265 - MOVED: 12/31/2025 3:20 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:178724b861e83c66dd627746ef8723cd&mediaType=text

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FBC--CFP-ORANGE BOWL

As CFP plods along, transfers and coaching moves don’t wait. Oregon’s Dan Lanning wants change

SUMMARY: College football is in chaos with coaches and players on the move during the most crucial time of the year. Oregon coach Dan Lanning suggests changes to streamline this period. On Wednesday, he proposed playing playoff games every weekend until the season ends. This would allow coaches and players to transition smoothly. Oregon is losing both coordinators, and other teams face similar challenges. The college football bowl schedule has always been this way, but Lanning believes it’s time for change. Many agree that the current system isn’t working, and adjustments are needed.

WORDS: 974 - MOVED: 12/31/2025 2:01 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f0f435d8ff41c23ec7fc9ad884cb8897&mediaType=text

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BKW--WOMEN’S POLL AT 50-TOP PLAYER

Poll era G-O-A-T? Current USA Basketball players say it’s Breanna Stewart, others might disagree

SUMMARY: No one will ever top what Breanna Stewart did in college at UConn, winning four national championships and the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament each time. Her success sets her apart as the Greatest Of All Time, at least in the eyes of nearly a dozen players and coaches at a USA Basketball camp this month. When asked who they believe tops their list of college players during the last 50 years of the women’s poll era, Stewart was their choice. As part of its season-long coverage of the 50-year anniversary of the poll, a panel composed of former players, coaches and AP journalists voted on the greatest college players during the poll era. Stewart, Cheryl Miller and Diana Taurasi headlined the list along with Caitlin Clark.

WORDS: 729 - MOVED: 12/31/2025 1:51 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7be07bdcd4e9ad275fd20e38b05437ac&mediaType=text

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FBC--RELIAQUEST BOWL-QUIRKY TD

Vanderbilt punter’s illegal kick sets up Iowa for an easy touchdown in ReliaQuest Bowl

SUMMARY: Iowa scored late in first half of the ReliaQuest Bowl as the result of a quirky play involving an illegal kick by the Vanderbilt punter. On fourth down at the Vandy 15, punter Nick Haberer took the snap and began moving toward the line of scrimmage. He stepped over the 15 before sending a punt 53 yards out of bounds at the Iowa 32. Haberer was flagged for an illegal kick, and the 5-yard penalty from the spot of the foul gave the Hawkeyes possession at the Vandy 10. Reece Vander Zee caught a touchdown pass from Mark Gronowski on the next play.

WORDS: 165 - MOVED: 12/31/2025 1:49 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:927b6ad248d90dab1bd49de28c369cf1&mediaType=text