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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BKN-NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE
FORMATS: Photo, Text
WITH: BKN-THUNDER-LAKERS
DESCRIPTION: LOS ANGELES — LeBron James and the Lakers host Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder. By Greg Beacham. 400 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 05/09/2026 8:30 p.m. EDT
WITH: BKN-NBA TIPOFF
DESCRIPTION: The top-seeded Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder try to build 3-0 leads in their respective second-round playoff series on Friday.
UPCOMING: By 05/09/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT
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HKN--NHL PLAYOFFS COVERAGE
FORMATS: Photo, Text
WITH: HKN--HURRICANES-FLYERS
DESCRIPTION: PHILADELPHIA -- The Hurricanes play the Flyers in Game 4, looking for a sweep and a rare 8-0 start to the NHL playoffs. By Aaron Bracy. Game starts at 6 p.m.
UPCOMING: By 05/09/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT
WITH: HKN--AVALANCHE-WILD
DESCRIPTION: The Colorado Avalanche take a 2-0 lead on the Minnesota Wild in their second-round series into Game 3. By Dave Campbell. 500 words, photos. Game starts at 9 p.m. EDT.
UPCOMING: By 05/09/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT
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MMA--UFC-MILLER-CANCER FIGHT
DESCRIPTION: MORRISTOWN, N.J. -- Jim Miller, a UFC veteran known for his durability, returns to the cage after a personal battle. His teenage son, Wyatt, was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer last year. By Dan Gelston. UPCOMING. 800 words. By 6 a.m. AP Photos
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MEXICO-PRE-HISPANIC BALLGAME
DESCRIPTION: As Mexico prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the nation is looking back 3,400 years to one of the world’s oldest team sports: the ancient ballgame known as ulama, a ritual practice nearly erased during the Spanish conquest that survived only in the remote pockets of northwestern Mexico. Today, both the government and private corporations are leveraging the momentum of international soccer to honor the game’s Indigenous roots and to remind the world that some of humanity’s oldest balls rolled on these lands.
UPCOMING: By 05/09/2026 11:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text, Video
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BKL--SPECTACULAR START
DESCRIPTION: The WNBA schedule makers sure know how to start the season with a bang. Two of the league’s biggest draws and the league’s last two Rookies of the Year, Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, square off Saturday when the Indiana Fever and Dallas Wings meet in a nationally televised matinee. And the No. 1 overall draft pick, Azzi Fudd, will take center stage, too. By Michael Marot. 650 words, with photos. Tip off is 1 p.m. ET.
UPCOMING: By 05/09/2026 3:30 p.m. EDT, Text
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CAR--NASCAR-WATKINS GLEN PREVIEW
DESCRIPTION: It’s been a miserable year for Trackhouse Racing, which has only four top 10 finishes between three drivers who are ranked below the cutline to qualify for the Chase and race for the championship. The team has circled Sunday’s race at Watkins Glen International as a prime spot for a turnaround. By Nate Ryan. Text, photos. With separate story on qualifying.
UPCOMING: By 05/09/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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GLF--LPGA TOUR
DESCRIPTION: WEST CALDWELL, N.J. -- Jeeno Thitikul has a three-shot lead over Jennifer Kupcho in the Mizuho Americas Open. Upcoming: 600 words.
UPCOMING: By 05/09/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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GLF--MYRTLE BEACH
DESCRIPTION: MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- Aaron Rai has a one-shot lead over Brandt Snedeker and Mark Hubbard in the Myrtle Beach Classic. Upcoming: 500 words.
UPCOMING: By 05/09/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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HKN--GOLDEN KNIGHTS-DUCKS
Marner’s first playoff hat trick propels Golden Knights to 6-2 rout of Ducks and 2-1 series lead
SUMMARY: Mitch Marner had three goals and an assist in his first career playoff hat trick, and the Vegas Golden Knights routed the Anaheim Ducks 6-2 in Game 3. Vegas has a 2-1 lead in the second-round series. Shea Theodore had a goal and an assist, and Brayden McNabb scored a short-handed goal as the Golden Knights stormed to a 5-0 lead after two periods. Rookie forward Beckett Sennecke scored in the third period for the Ducks, who got embarrassed in their worst loss this spring. Marner got his natural hat trick in the first two periods, giving him six goals in the past four games of his first playoff run with his new team.
WORDS: 702 - MOVED: 05/09/2026 1:34 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6add10307c580260c8556b3351d17a78&mediaType=text
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BKN--SPURS-TIMBERWOLVES
Wembanyama gives the Spurs another gem in a 115-108 win over the T-wolves to take a 2-1 series lead
SUMMARY: Victor Wembanyama delivered another masterpiece with 39 points, 15 rebounds and more game-wrecking defense as the San Antonio Spurs took a 2-1 lead in the second-round NBA playoff series with a 115-108 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Wembanyama went 13 for 18 from the floor and 10 for 12 from the line, adding five blocks and a full night of paint deterrence as the Spurs won their second straight game after dropping the opener at home. Anthony Edwards had 32 points and 14 rebounds for the Wolves. Minnesota will host Game 4 on Sunday night.
WORDS: 601 - MOVED: 05/09/2026 1:31 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:358144e98beb3d15adbf8e6424945bba&mediaType=text
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BKL--TEMPO-FIRST GAME
Toronto’s first WNBA game is no thing of beauty, but sellout crowd finds plenty to cheer
SUMMARY: The Toronto Tempo didn’t treat fans to beautiful basketball in their inaugural game, but they managed to keep it close all the way to the final buzzer. Shakira Austin made four free throws down the stretch and the Washington Mystics held on to beat the Tempo 68-65 on Friday night, disappointing a sellout crowd of 8,210 at Coca-Cola Coliseum. Coach Sandy Brondello says the fans were “fantastic.” Brittney Sykes scored the first points in Tempo history on a pull-up jumper in the first quarter. The Tempo get another chance at their first win when they host Seattle on Wednesday.
WORDS: 322 - MOVED: 05/09/2026 1:16 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5a2e51bb2703ba73594eb2d117805b82&mediaType=text
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BBO--CUBS-10 IN A ROW AGAIN
10 times 2: Chicago Cubs have twice won 10 games in a row in same season for first time since 1935
SUMMARY: Make it 10 wins in a row for the Chicago Cubs again. Ian Happ extended his on-base streak to 29 games, Michael Busch hit a three-run double and the Cubs clinched their second 10-game winning streak this season with a 7-1 victory over the Texas Rangers. This is the first time since 1935 that Chicago has had two 10-game winning streaks in a season. These Cubs are 27-12. The 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers were the previous major league team with two 10-game winning streaks within the first 39 games of a season, according to Sportradar. They did it in their first 24 games.
WORDS: 481 - MOVED: 05/09/2026 12:50 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0f225c99d397a43c13a0bc065113d34d&mediaType=text
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BKN--KNICKS-76ERS
Jalen Brunson scores 33 points and helps Knicks take 3-0 lead over 76ers with 108-94 Game 3 win
SUMMARY: Jalen Brunson scored 33 points and sealed the game with big buckets late to the delight of roaring Knicks fans, leading New York to a 108-94 win over the Philadelphia 76ers for a 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Game 4 is Sunday in Philadelphia. Josh Hart had 12 points and 11 rebounds and Mikal Bridges added 23 points, pushing the Knicks and first-year coach Mike Brown within one victory of their second straight conference finals appearance. Joel Embiid scored 18 points for the Sixers in his return after he missed Game 2 with injuries.
WORDS: 643 - MOVED: 05/08/2026 11:50 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:274927e5fc421241511b5a4669b1e5dc&mediaType=text
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BBO--MARLINS-SNELLING’S DEBUT
Robby Snelling makes his MLB debut for the Marlins in a 3-2 loss to the Nationals
SUMMARY: Robby Snelling was already receiving autograph requests from young Marlins fans 24 hours before his first Major League Baseball start. The Marlins sure hope that will become a new norm for their No. 2 pitching prospect, who made his MLB debut Friday against the Washington Nationals after being called up this week from Triple-A Jacksonville. The left-handed Snelling, selected 39th by San Diego in the 2022 amateur draft, was dealt to Miami in a 2024 package that sent Tanner Scott and Bryan Hoeing to the Padres.
WORDS: 807 - MOVED: 05/08/2026 11:32 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:38946dc4179ff191fa645798a8744b4e&mediaType=text
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BBO--ORIOLES-TUPAC NIGHT
Orioles hold Tupac Skakur bobblehead promotion, and his sister throws out the ceremonial first pitch
SUMMARY: Fans lined up well before the gates opened at Camden Yards in anticipation of a Tupac Shakur bobblehead giveaway at the ballpark. Shakur was raised in New York and Baltimore before moving to the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1980s. He lived in Oakland, California, in the early 1990s. That made Friday’s matchup between the Orioles and Athletics an appropriate time to honor the rap icon, who was killed in 1996. The familiar riff from “California Love” was played while the starting lineup for the A’s — who left Oakland before last season — was being announced. The Athletics beat Baltimore 4-3 on Friday night.
WORDS: 237 - MOVED: 05/08/2026 11:01 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a4dcaf3fabfad81c8e80c439da2d4086&mediaType=text
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BKN--76ERS-KNICKS-FANS-TICKETS
Spike Lee, Timothée Chalamet and non-famous Knicks fans enjoy a Game 3 win in Philly
SUMMARY: Spike Lee and Timothée Chalamet joined Knicks fans for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the 76ers. The game took place Friday night, and despite efforts to keep Knicks fans out, many made it to Philadelphia. The 76ers had tried to restrict ticket sales to local fans, but some, like Lenny Rakhmanov from Brooklyn, found ways around it. The 76ers also donated tickets to community groups to maintain a home crowd presence. The Knicks won 108-94 to take a 3-0 lead in the series.
WORDS: 791 - MOVED: 05/08/2026 10:59 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:da931b3d76c486774be8bd2537a37b7b&mediaType=text
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HKN--FACEOFF
Carolina and Colorado have yet to lose in these NHL playoffs, making history with their hot starts
SUMMARY: Carolina and Colorado have put on a clinic for how to start the playoffs. The top two teams in the NHL during the regular season are seemingly on a collision course to meet in the Stanley Cup Final. They have yet to lose in the playoffs. The Hurricanes became the 13th team in league history to start a postseason with seven straight wins. They lead the Flyers 3-0 in their Eastern Conference semifinal series and play Game 4 in Philadelphia. The Avalanche would become the 14th team to do it if they win Game 3 at Minnesota. They lead the Wild 2-0 in their best-of-seven series.
WORDS: 804 - MOVED: 05/08/2026 8:52 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9a1e6a503cbfb428ad617ddd2432a863&mediaType=text
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GLF--MCILROY-LIV GOLF
Rory McIlroy says LIV players should be able to return to PGA Tour, but he’s not sure they want to
SUMMARY: Rory McIlroy is no longer opposed to LIV Golf players returning to the PGA Tour. But he says the question is whether players want to come back. McIlroy says the answer will likely depend on what happens with LIV’s financial situation in the coming months. Last month, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund pulled the plug on future funding for LIV. The breakaway tour lured away stars including Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau with lucrative, guaranteed contracts, but now it’s not clear how long they will stay. McIlroy says it’s “good business practice” for the PGA Tour to welcome back players who will make the tour stronger.
WORDS: 599 - MOVED: 05/08/2026 8:39 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:92036a25942a8a9f1c409ec1e9f80125&mediaType=text
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BBO--DODGERS-SNELL
Snell to make season debut for Dodgers on Saturday. Glasnow placed on injured list
SUMMARY: Blake Snell will make his season debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday against the Atlanta Braves. The two-time Cy Young Award winner is set to rejoin the rotation sooner than anticipated after teammate Tyler Glasnow left a start early this week because of back trouble. Glasnow was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday with low back spasms, and Los Angeles recalled right-hander Paul Gervase from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Snell has been on the IL since late March with left shoulder fatigue. He had been scheduled to make one more minor league rehabilitation start for Class A Ontario on Saturday, but instead will face the Braves at Dodger Stadium.
WORDS: 289 - MOVED: 05/08/2026 8:39 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:19ec8955d702381dd583fb8eb7c8afc4&mediaType=text
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GLF--TRUIST CHAMPIONSHIP
Rory McIlroy shoots 67 to move into contention at Truist Championship, 4 shots back of Sungjae Im
SUMMARY: Rory McIlroy has returned to his Masters form. The No. 2 player in the world heated up on the back nine Friday at Quail Hollow and finished with a 4-under 67 to climb into contention at the Truist Championship, four shots behind 36-hole leader Sungjae Im. Playing his first tournament since winning the green jacket for a second time on April 12 at Augusta National, McIlroy was 1 under and buried on the leaderboard eight shots back when he made the turn. But he shot 32 on the back nine to give himself a chance to win at Quail Hollow for a fifth time.
WORDS: 678 - MOVED: 05/08/2026 7:02 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0b65df6a54b3f68d8a9895a9f8559a5d&mediaType=text
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BKN--KNICKS-ANUNOBY OUT
Knicks’ OG Anunoby is out for Game 3 against 76ers with a hamstring strain, is listed as day to day
SUMMARY: New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby has been ruled out for Game 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers because of a strained right hamstring. But he appears to have avoided a serious injury and is listed as day to day in the second-round series. Anunoby was injured late in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the 76ers. The Knicks hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Anunoby scored 24 points in Game 2 and is averaging 21.4 per game in the postseason. He is considered the Knicks’ top defender.
WORDS: 210 - MOVED: 05/08/2026 6:04 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4c266f91df8081bce012e1a9da8eda82&mediaType=text
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BKO--NCAA EXPANSION-THE OTHER SPORTS
Basketball gets more beer money, while tennis and other small college sports worry over their future
SUMMARY: The expansion of March Madness and the $300 million in extra revenue that comes with it through opening sponsorships to beer, wine and liquor companies offered a brief reprieve from the steady drip of headlines this spring that underscore the problems confronting college sports. Among them are the disbanding of tennis teams at Arkansas, new efforts to generate revenue in the Big 12 and at Duke and the ongoing issues surrounding the industry’s new regulator, the College Sports Commission. Odds are those issues won’t be close to sorted out once the buzz over the new 76-team hoops brackets, which debut next year, subsides.
WORDS: 1074 - MOVED: 05/08/2026 5:26 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:94b81196e39659635c6bda05ab3b629c&mediaType=text
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BKN--MAVERICKS-GM
Mavericks hire Mike Schmitz away from Trail Blazers as GM days after naming Masai Ujiri president
SUMMARY: The Dallas Mavericks have hired Mike Schmitz as general manager, naming the Portland Trail Blazers’ assistant GM to his new role three days after introducing Masai Ujiri as team president and alternate governor. The announcement that was made Friday gives Schmitz the title Nico Harrison held until he was fired in November. That was nine months after trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a move that backfired badly on the franchise. The Mavericks said Schmitz would oversee day-to-day management and strategic alignment in the club’s basketball operations department.
WORDS: 243 - MOVED: 05/08/2026 4:57 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9ef8d767e6042927f82eca70866e2505&mediaType=text
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FBN--NFL-OFFICIALS
NFL and referees agree on a 7-year collective bargaining agreement, avoiding potential work stoppage
SUMMARY: The NFL and the NFL Referees Association have agreed on a new seven-year collective bargaining agreement that avoids a potential work stoppage and use of replacement officials. The deal runs through the 2032 NFL season. The league began the onboarding process for replacement officials last month because negotiations weren’t progressing. But they won’t be necessary. A stalemate in 2012 resulted in a 110-day lockout and replacement referees were used.
WORDS: 450 - MOVED: 05/08/2026 4:24 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4114c54b7debc5c47f9601efd27873c3&mediaType=text
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FBN--JETS-HALL
Jets, running back Breece Hall agree to a 3-year, $45.75 million contract extension, AP source says
SUMMARY: A person familiar with the deal says the New York Jets and running back Breece Hall have agreed on a three-year contract extension worth $45.75 million. The deal Friday makes Hall the third-highest paid running back in the NFL. The Jets had used the franchise tag on Hall and the new contract pays him $15.25 million per year. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Jets didn’t announce the extension. Hall rushed for a career-high 1,065 yards last season, despite missing the final game because of a knee issue.
WORDS: 623 - MOVED: 05/08/2026 4:07 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0c8099624434c848da0f1857e23fa0da&mediaType=text
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TEN--ITALIAN OPEN-DJOKOVIC
Djokovic beaten by a Croatian qualifier 18 years younger than him at the Italian Open
SUMMARY: Novak Djokovic has been beaten by a Croatian qualifier 18 years younger than him at the Italian Open. It was Djokovic’s first match after two months out due to a right shoulder injury. The 20-year-old Dino Prizmic defeated the record 24-time Grand Slam champion 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 with an ace on his first match point. The 38-year-old Djokovic hadn’t played since losing to Jack Draper in the fourth round in Indian Wells, California, in March. Djokovic had taping on his right shoulder that was revealed when he changed shirts between sets.
WORDS: 379 - MOVED: 05/08/2026 3:20 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c283e86773b1c6d0d7c3c574736de624&mediaType=text
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BBO--MLB-TOP-ROOKIES
MLB’s rookie class is making an impressive impact in early season games
SUMMARY: Major League Baseball’s rookie class looks like it might be a special one. A group of talented young hitters led by Konnor Griffin, Kevin McGonigle and JJ Wetherholt have played well through the season’s first 1 1/2 months. Most of the top rookie performers have been at the plate but young pitchers like Nolan McLean and Parker Messick have also made a good impression. Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said young players are more prepared to handle the big leagues than ever before.
WORDS: 899 - MOVED: 05/08/2026 2:39 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6e5d69f415e8a39ff19b0f11c4e2339c&mediaType=text
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ML--MIDEAST-PALESTINIANS-MARATHON
Marathon marks a turning point for a Palestinian runner released from an Israeli prison
WORDS: 937 - MOVED: 05/08/2026 1:59 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:710510c7dc56b89d4a79c0432a0a89c2&mediaType=text
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