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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RAC--KENTUCKY DERBY

FORMATS: Text

1. WITH: RAC--KENTUCKY DERBY-FATHERS AND SONS

2. DESCRIPTION: Three years since winning the Kentucky Derby with Mage, the father-son training duo of Gustavo Delgado Sr. and Jr. are back with another legitimate shot with The Puma. After working for his father, BiIl, son Riley Mott is at his first Derby since starting his own stable and has two horses in the field. While the Delgados plan to work together, Riley going out on his own and having such immediate success is yet another sign of how the sport gets passed down from one generation to the next. By Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

3. UPCOMING: By 04/30/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: RAC--KENTUCKY DERBY-JAPANESE RACING

5. DESCRIPTION: While horse racing in the U.S. grapples with closing tracks and waning national popularity outside the Triple Crown, Japan is investing significant money in the sport. Breeding, training and racing there is enjoying a renaissance, and it’s not hard to imagine the country producing a Kentucky Derby winner sooner than later. Japan has two chances this year with Danon Bourbon and homebred Wonder Dean. By Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

6. UPCOMING: By 04/30/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT

7. WITH: RAC--KENTUCKY DERBY-FULLEFFORT OUT

8. DESCRIPTION: Fulleffort was scratched from Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, the latest departure from the field of 20 horses roughly 24 hours after Silent Tactic was ruled out. Ocelli draws in off the also-entered list. By Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

9. SENT: By 04/30/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT

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SOC--ENGLISH PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: For Wrexham’s growing global fanbase, it’s set to be another heart-stopping end to the season and this time a place in the Premier League is at stake. By Steve Douglas. 600 word, photos.

SENT: By 04/30/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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GLF--SAUDI SPORTS INVESTMENTS

DESCRIPTION: As the billionaires in Saudi Arabia prepare to pull the plug on LIV Golf, it won’t be the first mega sports project they’ve given up on recently.

UPCOMING: By 04/30/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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SOC--FIFA-ELECTION

FORMATS: Text

10. WITH: SOC--FIFA-ELECTION

11. DESCRIPTION: VANCOUVER, British Columbia - FIFA is announcing the venue for its presidential vote next year that is expected to re-elect Gianni Infantino for a final four-year term. Morocco is favored to host. By Anne M. Peterson and Graham Dunbar UPCOMING: 500 words, photos EXPECTED: 2000gmt

12. UPCOMING: By 04/30/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

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CAR--F1-MIAMI GRAND PRIX

DESCRIPTION: MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Formula 1 returns to competition after a five-week break due to the war in Iran and the governing body used the time off to make tweaks to the cars the drivers have publicly criticized this season. By AP Auto Racing Writer Jenna Fryer.

UPCOMING: By 04/30/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--EUROPEAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Nottingham Forest hosts Aston Villa in the first leg of their all-English Europa League semifinal while Braga meets Freiburg.

UPCOMING: By 04/30/2026 5:15 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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GLF--CADILLAC CHAMPIONSHIP

DESCRIPTION: With 10 of the world’s top 15 players in the field, the PGA Tour returns to Doral for the first time in a decade for Round 1 of the Cadillac Championship on Thursday. By Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/30/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BKN--NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE

FORMATS: Text, Photo

13. WITH: BKN--CELTICS-76ERS

14. DESCRIPTION: PHILADELPHIA -- The Celtics and 76ers play Game 6. By Dan Gelston. Game starts at 8 p.m. AP Photos

15. UPCOMING: By 04/30/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

16. WITH: BKN--NUGGETS-TIMBERWOLVES

17. DESCRIPTION: The Minnesota Timberwolves take a 3-2 lead on the Denver Nuggets into Game 6 to try to close out the series on their home court. By Dave Campbell. 400 words, photos. Game starts at 9:30 p.m. EDT.

18. UPCOMING: By 04/30/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

19. WITH: BKN--NBA-POSTSEASON GUIDE

20. DESCRIPTION: The daily look at the NBA playoffs, with stats, notes and more. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.

21. UPCOMING: By 04/30/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

22. WITH: BKN--TIPOFF

23. DESCRIPTION: HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets have won two straight after dropping the first three games of the series to force a Game 6 at home Friday night against the Lakers despite missing Kevin Durant. The matchup is one of three Game 6 contests on Friday with Orlando looking to close out Detroit at home and Cleveland hoping to finish off the Raptors in Toronto. By Kristie Rieken. UPCOMING: 700 words. Photos.

24. UPCOMING: By 04/30/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

25. WITH: BKN--KNICKS-HAWKS

26. DESCRIPTION: The New York Knicks will try to wrap up their Eastern Conference playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks as they take a 3-2 series lead into Thursday night’s game in Atlanta. By Maura Carey. 400 words, photos. Game starts at 7 p.m.

27. UPCOMING: By 04/30/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

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FBN-BROWNS-STADIUM GROUNDBREAKING

DESCRIPTION: BROOK PARK, Ohio - NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and other local, state and national dignitaries will be in attendance as the Cleveland Browns break ground on their new domed stadium, which is expected to open in time for the 2029 season. By Joe Reedy. 650 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/30/2026 6:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKL--FEVER-CLARK’S HOMECOMING

DESCRIPTION: Indiana Fever fans welcomed two-time All-Star Caitlin Clark back to her home court with a resounding reception Thursday. Sure, it was just a WNBA preseason game that featured the league’s last two Rookie of the Year Award winners, Clark and Paige Bueckers. And, yes, Clark’s minutes were limited. But it marked the first time since mid-July they got to see Clark in uniform. By Michael Marot. 500 words. Game time is 7 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 04/30/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--FIFA CONGRESS

DESCRIPTION: VANCOUVER, British Columbia — With tensions already high over Iran’s travel into Canada, Gianni Infantino addresses the 76th FIFA Congress ahead of this summer’s World Cup. As the the game’s leaders from around the globe met inside, a rally was scheduled outside to protest the Vancouver Whitecaps’ possbile relocation. By Anne M. Peterson. Upcoming: 600 words and photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/30/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BOX--BENAVIDEZ-RAMIREZ PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: Undefeated two-division champion David Benavidez moves up to face WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez.

UPCOMING: By 04/30/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--LPGA TOUR

DESCRIPTION: PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico -- Nelly Korda, fresh off the third major of her career and a return to No. 1, leads the field in the Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba in Mexico. Text planned.

UPCOMING: By 04/30/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--NHL PLAYOFFS COVERAGE

FORMATS: Text, Photo

28. WITH: HKN--FACEOFF

29. DESCRIPTION: A preview of the upcoming games in the Stanley Cup playoffs. By Greg Beacham. 500 words, photos.

30. UPCOMING: By 04/30/2026 9:00 p.m. EDT

31. WITH: HKN--HURRICANES-STANKOVEN

32. DESCRIPTION: The Carolina Hurricanes bet that Logan Stankoven could thrive as a second-line center, enough so that they didn’t make a major move at the trade deadline. Stankoven has thrived down the stretch and into the playoffs for the Eastern Conference’s top seed. By Aaron Beard. 800 words, photos by 4 p.m.

33. UPCOMING: By 04/30/2026 9:00 p.m. EDT

34. WITH: HKN--OILERS-DUCKS

35. DESCRIPTION: ANAHEIM, Calif. — Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers attempt to avoid elimination again when they visit the Anaheim Ducks for Game 6 of their first-round series. By Greg Beacham. 400 words,photos.

36. UPCOMING: By 04/30/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

37. WITH: HKN--STARS-WILD

38. DESCRIPTION: The Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild play Game 6 of their first-round series. By Mike Cook. Text, photos. Game starts at 7:30 p.m. EDT.

39. UPCOMING: By 04/30/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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RAC--KENTUCKY DERBY-JAPANESE RACING

Horse racing in Japan is on the rise. A Kentucky Derby winner could be next

SUMMARY: While horse racing grapples with an uncertain future in many parts of the U.S., the sport is thriving in Japan with millions of dollars being poured into everything from breeding to training. The sport began gaining popularity there in the 1980s after the founding of the Japan Cup, with a focus on turf racing. Interest in dirt racing has come along over the past decade or so and put Japan closer and closer to winning the Kentucky Derby. There are two more opportunities this year with Danon Bourbon and homebred Wonder Dean set to run.

WORDS: 705 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 1:33 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4e889f06d4ff15a29fda50bf7f7ce9ac&mediaType=text

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CAR--F1-BOTTAS-MENTAL HEALTH

Valtteri Bottas says stronger mental health support in F1 helped him open up about his battles

SUMMARY: Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas believes support in motorsports for mental health struggles has greatly improved during his career and gave him the courage to reveal his own personal battles. Bottas spoke about struggles he’s fought through during his career a day after his personal essay in “The Players’ Tribune” revealed the extent of his battles with depression. Bottas says he agreed to open up to the publication in an effort to show the intense personal battles drivers work through in the ultra-competitive racing world.

WORDS: 951 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 12:47 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7bfba99f16384a7252ae7fdd2b39e779&mediaType=text

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RAC--KENTUCKY DERBY-FULLEFFORT OUT

Fulleffort scratched from the Kentucky Derby, putting Ocelli into the race

SUMMARY: Fulleffort has been scratched from the Kentucky Derby. His exit puts Ocelli into the field in the far outside No. 20 post. Fulleffort is the second horse to be ruled out of the race in as many days after Silent Tactic scratched because of a foot injury. Trainer Brad Cox went into the Derby with three horses and is now down to two: Commandment and Further Ado. Ocelli trainer Whit Beckman says he has been training the colt all along figuring there was a chance he’d get in off the also-entered list.

WORDS: 462 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 11:14 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:59d660dc2d5ba218d6d3f1f344f6ad69&mediaType=text

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BKC--UC IRVINE-RIOUX

World’s tallest basketball player, 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux, signs with UC Irvine

SUMMARY: The world’s tallest college basketball player is moving to California. Former Florida walk-on Olivier Rioux, a 7-foot-9 center from Canada and one of the most recognizable student-athletes in North America, has signed with UC Irvine. Coach Russell Turner says Rioux “embodies the values that have defined our success.” Rioux played sparingly in two years with the Gators, redshirting as a true freshman during the team’s national championship season and then getting on the court in mop-up duty this past season. He set a Guinness World Record as the world’s tallest teen before he stepped foot on campus. Now 20, he’s looking for a chance to play more.

WORDS: 537 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 10:45 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:20eb3a55b3d2fa0f3378d817c5904667&mediaType=text

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SKI--LINDSEY VONN

Lindsey Vonn tells the AP she is not yet in position emotionally to decide if she will race again

SUMMARY: Lindsey Vonn is still recovering physically and emotionally from her frightening crash at the Winter Olympics. She has undergone eight surgeries after suffering a complex left leg fracture — one that nearly led to amputation — in the women’s downhill skiing race on Feb. 8. And there is at least one more ahead to repair a torn ACL in that same knee. The 41-year-old Vonn tells The Associated Press that if she races again — and she’s not ready to make that decision — she thinks a return is at least a year and a half away. Vonn says she doesn’t want to rush into any decisions.

WORDS: 956 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 10:35 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e598843f7a2313b687187a032d168a86&mediaType=text

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GLF--LIV GOLF

LIV Golf has a new chairman and seeks new funding without Saudi backing

SUMMARY: LIV Golf has a new chairman and a new strategy to move forward after Saudi Arabian funding ends after this year. That Saudi funding is what allowed the rival league to launch four years ago by offering nine-figure contracts to top stars and $30 million prize funds. Yasir Al-Rumayyan is no longer chairman of LIV Golf. He’s the Public Investment Fund governor who was behind the creation of LIV Golf. The league is turning to Gene Davis and Jon Zinman to lead the new direction. The development comes during a week when LIV Golf postponed next month’s even in New Orleans.

WORDS: 855 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 9:22 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cdb6b9be657cab711fa0b42fe1d8dc89&mediaType=text

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SOC--CANADA-IRAN-FIFA

Canadian official backs up report that Iranian soccer chief was denied entry for FIFA event

SUMMARY: Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says it is her “understanding” that Iranian soccer officials were denied entry into her country ahead of the FIFA Congress meeting in Vancouver just weeks before the start of the World Cup. Anand appeared to confirm a report from Tasnim, an Iranian news agency associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. But she says the denial was “unintentional.” Tasnim reported that Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj and two other Iranian officials were denied entry due to “inappropriate behavior of immigration officials” at Toronto’s Pearson Airport. The FIFA Congress is set to start Thursday.

WORDS: 306 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 8:01 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c110e73dadfdfe9aae55e2e64bde98ac&mediaType=text

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US--PREDICTION MARKETS-SPORTS GAMBLING

Prediction markets say they’re different from sportsbooks. Gambling addicts say it’s all the same

SUMMARY: Clinicians who treat gambling disorders are concerned about their patients turning to prediction markets. Two gambling addicts who spoke to The Associated Press say they had relapses on prediction markets after they took legal action to protect themselves from the allure of sports betting. Their stories reflect what experts say they see with some of their clients. The rapid growth of prediction markets has sparked a high-stakes debate that is playing out in courts and legislatures all over the country. For clinicians and addicts, when it comes to sports betting and prediction markets, the end result is virtually the same.

WORDS: 1657 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 7:30 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:45ffa90f68402461fcad768ce54caf6d&mediaType=text

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HKN--FLYERS-ADVANCE

Cam do! Flyers are sky high after York scores OT winner, launches stick into stands and beat Pens

SUMMARY: Cam York’s wrist shot in overtime gives the Flyers a thrilling playoff series win over the Penguins. York’s excitement led him to toss his stick into the stands, adding to the celebration. The Flyers’ 1-0 victory on Wednesday marks their first playoff series win in a full NHL season since 2012. Goalie Dan Vladar’s 42 saves were crucial, helping the Flyers overcome a 3-0 series deficit. The win validates general manager Danny Briere’s rebuild strategy. The Flyers now face the top-seeded Carolina Hurricanes in the second round, hoping for more playoff success.

WORDS: 841 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7e4132de392b7782c471414e3e33fcf3&mediaType=text

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HKN--MAMMOTH-GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Howden’s short-handed goal gives Golden Knights 5-4 double-OT win over Mammoth and 3-2 series lead

SUMMARY: Brett Howden scored a short-handed goal at 5:28 of the second overtime to give Vegas a 5-4 victory over the Utah Mammoth and put the Golden Knights one victory from winning the first-round series. The Golden Knights take a 3-2 series lead. Vegas’ Pavel Dorofeyev’s 6-on-5 goal with 52.7 seconds left in regulation forced overtime and gave him the sixth playoff hat trick in franchise history. Also for the Golden Knights, Shea Theodore has a goal and assist. Carter Hart stopped 34 shots. John Marino, Lawson Crouse and Guenther scored for the Mammoth. Karel Vejmelka made 31 saves.

WORDS: 643 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 3:24 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c83536c64c3a8a251fe416fceba018ea&mediaType=text

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BKN--ROCKETS-LAKERS

Rockets beat Lakers 99-93 in Game 5, avoiding playoff elimination for the 2nd straight game

SUMMARY: Jabari Smith Jr. scored 22 points, Tari Eason added 18 and the Houston Rockets avoided playoff elimination for the second straight game with a 99-93 victory over the Lakers in Game 5. Los Angeles’ lead in the first-round series is down to 3-2. Alperen Sengun had 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists for the fifth-seeded Rockets, who sent the series back to Houston for Game 6 on Friday night with a gritty performance to overcome Austin Reaves’ 22-point return to the Lakers. LeBron James scored 17 of his 25 points in the second half and added seven assists, but missed two 3-point attempts in the final minute.

WORDS: 651 - MOVED: 04/30/2026 2:01 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:da45b9ff7137576e9c9721bf39dbb8c7&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

—NBA playoffs

—NHL playoffs

—SOC--FIFA Congress

—BBO--MLB Offense

—SOC--WCup Mexico-Born-In-The-USA