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--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: The Champions League, the most important trophy in European club soccer, is the prize at stake in the final Budapest. For Paris Saint-Germain and Luis Enrique, it doesn’t end there. On the line against Arsenal for the defending champion and its serial-winning Spanish coach is the chance to stake its claim to be considered the greatest team of the modern era. Victory at the Puskas Arena would see PSG become only the second team to retain the trophy since the old European Cup was rebranded the Champions League in 1992.

UPCOMING: By 05/28/2026 2:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BBO--METS-BENGE

DESCRIPTION: Carson Benge figured maybe that scraggly mustache was holding him back, so the rookie outfielder made a big league decision. “I haven’t really been getting a ton of hits, so I just shaved it off and it worked,” Benge said Wednesday night after coming through with a couple of clutch singles for the New York Mets in their 4-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Facial hair or not, the 23-year-old Benge is quickly becoming one of the few bright spots for the last-place Mets this season. By Baseball Writer Mike Fitzpatrick.

UPCOMING: By 05/28/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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BKN-NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE

FORMATS: Text, Photo

WITH: BKN-NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE

DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the NBA playoffs

UPCOMING: By 05/28/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

WITH: BKN--KNICKS-FINAL CHAPTER

DESCRIPTION: GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- The New York Knicks are on an all-time great run, but they need one more series win to go down as a great team. Fall flat in the NBA Finals and they risk being remembered as a club that feasted on a weak East and compiled their dominant stats against tired teams.

UPCOMING: By 05/28/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

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SOC--WCUP-MEXICO

DESCRIPTION: Coach Javier Aguirre aims to revive Mexico’s 1986 World Cup magic. By Carlos Rodriguez. 800 words. With photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/28/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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PREDICTION-MARKETS-YOUNG USERS

FORMATS: Text, Photo

1. WITH: PREDICTION-MARKETS-YOUNG USERS

2. DESCRIPTION: Some sports wagering platforms, as well as popular prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket, are touting their availability to users starting at 18 despite most U.S. states restricting gambling to 21 and older. The companies often use memes to advertise their platforms, then keep users hooked with what they market as low-stakes, casual opportunities to make an easy buck. That creates an environment that some say feels more like a game and less like a risky financial transaction. Young adulthood is a crucial period for companies to cultivate long-term users, but experts note that it’s also a critical moment for cognitive development. Kalshi says memes are “just a part of corporate branding nowadays” and their usage isn’t necessarily related to age.

3. UPCOMING: By 05/28/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

4. WITH: PREDICTION-MARKETS-YOUNG USERS-ABRIDGED

5. DESCRIPTION: An abridged version will also be available.

6. UPCOMING: By 05/28/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

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CYC--GIRO D’ITALIA

DESCRIPTION: The 18th stage of the Giro d’Italia is an undulating 171-kilometer (106-mile) route from Fai della Paganella to Pieve di Soligo, with two lower-category climbs. UPCOMING: 300 words by 1700 GMT, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/28/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BBO--LABOR

DESCRIPTION: Major League Baseball owners are expected to make a salary cap proposal to the players’ association, which vows never to accept it, leaving the sides on course for a confrontation as their labor contract expires Dec. 2. By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum. 800 words, photos, 4 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 05/28/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKO--WORLDS

DESCRIPTION: The quarterfinals at the hockey world championship in Switzerland.

UPCOMING: By 05/28/2026 5:15 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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GLF--COLONIAL

DESCRIPTION: FORT WORTH, Texas — Ben Griffin opens defense of his title at the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial with Dallas-Fort Worth favorites Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth both missing the event for the first time since becoming household names. By Schuyler Dixon.

UPCOMING: By 05/28/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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HKN--CANADIENS-HURRICANES PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: The Carolina Hurricanes regrouped from a horrid first period in the Eastern Conference Final to steadily strengthen its grip defensively. It has them on the verge of closing out the Montreal Canadiens and reach the Stanley Cup Final. By Aaron Beard. 700 words, photos by 4 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 05/28/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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SOF--NCAA-WCWS

DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the Women’s College World Series games in Oklahoma City. 200-300 words per game. (times ET): Texas Tech vs. Mississippi State, noon. Texas vs. Tennessee, 2:30 p.m. Alabama vs. UCLA, 7 p.m. Arkansas vs. Nebraska, 9:30 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 05/28/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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HKN--HURRICANES-CANADIENS

Hurricanes beat the Canadiens 4-0 to move within a victory of the Stanley Cup Final

SUMMARY: Sebastian Aho, Jordan Staal and Logan Stankoven scored in a 2:47 span late in the first period and the Carolina Hurricanes moved within a victory of the Stanley Cup Final, beating the Montreal Canadiens 4-0 on Wednesday night. Frederik Andersen made 18 saves for his third shutout in 12 postseason games this year to help the Hurricanes take a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference Final. Game 5 is Friday night in North Carolina, with the series winner facing the Vegas Golden Knights. Aho scored on a one-timer on a power play with 5:02 left in the first. Staal followed with 3:53 to go, and Stankoven capped the spree with 2:14 remaining in the period.

WORDS: 348 - MOVED: 05/28/2026 1:01 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9b0b8cf42631efba3d4c820c38ec3299&mediaType=text

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BBO--YANKEES-COLE

Gerrit Cole dazzles again in his second start back, sending the Yankees past the Royals 7-0

SUMMARY: Gerrit Cole shined in his second start since returning from Tommy John surgery on Wednesday night, leading the Yankees to a 7-0 win over Kansas City. The former Cy Young winner allowed just four hits and struck out 10 without a walk. Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Cole’s performance, calling it “surgical.” Cole needed only 79 pitches to get through 6 2/3 innings. The Yankees’ offense provided support with key hits from Paul Goldschmidt and Ben Rice. But despite the excellent outing, Cole emphasized the need to keep improving, especially as the Yankees get deeper into the season.

WORDS: 642 - MOVED: 05/27/2026 11:04 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0fbd135760ae6801fce4e2dbc35966e8&mediaType=text

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BBO--PHILLIES-SANCHEZ

Sánchez sets Phillies franchise record by extending scoreless streak to 44 2/3 innings

SUMMARY: Philadelphia left-hander Cristopher Sánchez extended his scoreless innings streak to 44 2/3 innings to set the Phillies franchise record by passing Hall of Famer Grover Cleveland Alexander. Sánchez reached the milestone by getting through the four full innings he needed to pass Alexander, who had a 41-inning scoreless streak in 1911. There was a heart-stopping moment, though, as Manny Machado lifted a fly ball to left that Edmundo Sosa caught just in front of the wall leading off the fourth. Sánchez struck out Xander Bogaerts, Ramon Laureano doubled to left and then the lefty got Jackson Merrill to ground out to second base.

WORDS: 675 - MOVED: 05/27/2026 8:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:80b19887aad7a3f9d72ffbf7a335cddb&mediaType=text

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US--COLLEGE SPORTS-CONGRESS

Key Sens. Cruz, Cantwell look to break college sports logjam in Congress with a bipartisan bill

SUMMARY: The senators trying to fix college sports will introduce a bipartisan bill designed to break a congressional logjam that would regulate payments to players, limit them to one “free” transfer over their careers and create a “Lane Kiffin Rule” to restrict coach movement during the season. Senators Ted Cruz, a Republican, and Maria Cantwell, a Democrat, briefed The Associated Press on details of the bill they crafted in hopes it could get the 60 votes needed to clear the Senate. They are trying to overcome more than a year of inaction in Congress, which is seeking to enshrine rules created by a lawsuit settlement that allowed players to be paid.

WORDS: 1130 - MOVED: 05/27/2026 6:55 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b715ea4cb6ffbc302bfc3fd41b00e157&mediaType=text

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BBO--LABOR

Baseball players ask for expanded free agency, salary arbitration rights, almost doubling minimum

SUMMARY: Baseball players seek expanded free agency and salary arbitration rights. They also want to nearly double the major league minimum salary and increase revenue sharing among teams. The union presented these proposals Wednesday, a day before Major League Baseball is expected to suggest a salary cap. The current labor contract expires Dec. 1, and a lockout is anticipated. MLB opposes the union’s proposals, arguing they worsen competitive balance issues. Players propose increased revenue sharing to guarantee small-market clubs a minimum of $240 million annually.

WORDS: 961 - MOVED: 05/27/2026 6:52 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f2892f59d219d68249c2133afb86291e&mediaType=text

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HKN--MIDSEASON COACH CHANGES

Late-season hire John Tortorella has Vegas in the Stanley Cup Final, poised to join an elite group

SUMMARY: The Vegas Golden Knights have reached the Stanley Cup Final after firing coach Bruce Cassidy and hiring John Tortorella. Tortorella took over in March after the team lost six of seven games. Vegas finished the season 7-0-1 and has gone 12-4 in the playoffs, including a sweep of Presidents’ Trophy-winning Colorado. Tortorella could become the eighth coach to win the Cup after taking over mid-season. This achievement has happened five times since 2000. If Tortorella makes it six, that would match the combined total in the NFL, NBA, and MLB over their long histories.

WORDS: 1019 - MOVED: 05/27/2026 6:50 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:527ac920ddf6588b651e980b4be51ade&mediaType=text

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BBO--YANKEES-STANTON

Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton takes a key recovery step, running outside as club awaits his return

SUMMARY: Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton has started running outside after imaging on his right calf left the team feeling optimistic about his recovery. Manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday it’s still unclear when Stanton will return to the lineup. Stanton has been out since April 24 after experiencing stiffness while running bases against Houston. Boone hopes Stanton’s running aligns with his recovery progress. Stanton was off to a good start this season, hitting .256 with three homers and 14 RBIs in the first 24 games. Meanwhile, Jasson Dominguez, plans to ramp up baseball activities this week as he tries to come back from a shoulder injury.

WORDS: 347 - MOVED: 05/27/2026 6:31 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:19d14ecc617635a0e49ce7c6338ce628&mediaType=text

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SOC--CONFERENCE LEAGUE FINAL

Crystal Palace beats Rayo Vallecano 1-0 for Conference League title, club’s 1st European trophy

SUMMARY: Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the only goal as Crystal Palace won its first-ever European trophy by beating Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the final of the Conference League on Wednesday to give outgoing coach Oliver Glasner the perfect send-off. Mateta scored on the rebound in the 51st minute after Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla parried Adam Wharton’s long-range shot. Palace’s win keeps English teams on track for a sweep of the three main European men’s club competitions. Aston Villa won the Europa League last week and Arsenal is due to play Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday.

WORDS: 692 - MOVED: 05/27/2026 5:45 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a1a0da4db7eb8f137907a8dc7807be5b&mediaType=text

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US-SOC-WCUP-NYC-TICKETS-SUBPOENA

New York and New Jersey are investigating FIFA’s ticket practices as World Cup prices soar

SUMMARY: FIFA is under fresh scrutiny for sky-high World Cup ticket prices and sales tactics that fans say left them with worse deals than they wanted. The attorneys general in New York and New Jersey, which is hosting eight World Cup matches including the final, announced Tuesday that they are investigating whether FIFA’s ticketing practices violated consumer protection laws. They have sent subpoenas to soccer’s global governing body demanding information on a range of ticketing issues, including FIFA’s use of “variable pricing” models that sent ticket prices soaring for most matches, and redrawn stadium maps that fans say relocated their seats far from the pitch. FIFA declined to comment.

WORDS: 385 - MOVED: 05/27/2026 5:31 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fd0b5d3d62edac57f253d65245c1aaab&mediaType=text

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BKN--THUNDER-SPURS-PREVIEW

Spurs, Wembanyama will be facing elimination in Game 6 of West finals vs. defending champion Thunder

SUMMARY: Victor Wembanyama was quiet on the floor in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals, and silent afterward. The San Antonio Spurs surely are hoping to see a different version of him on Thursday. Game 6 of the West title series awaits, with the Spurs — facing elimination for the first time in these playoffs — set to play host to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Oklahoma City leads the series 3-2 and would have home-court advantage if a Game 7 is necessary on Saturday.

WORDS: 529 - MOVED: 05/27/2026 5:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:67b430abe6edfeb72b276438a82b3f5b&mediaType=text

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FBN--PACKERS-JACOBS ARREST

Packers’ Jacobs released from jail as prosecutors weigh filing charges

SUMMARY: Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was released from a Wisconsin jail while authorities further investigate allegations of domestic abuse. The Brown County prosecutor gave an update Wednesday. District Attorney David Lasee said it’s too soon to make a formal charging decision. Jacobs was arrested Tuesday in Brown County on allegations of strangulation and other offenses over the weekend. Jacobs’ lawyers said they’re pleased that he’s out of jail.

WORDS: 643 - MOVED: 05/27/2026 4:53 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:29bb5bed683e516e630f05caf5d68afe&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA FINALS-TRUMP

Trump says he has been invited to watch the Knicks play in the NBA Finals

SUMMARY: President Donald Trump says he plans to take in an NBA Finals game in New York when the series comes to Madison Square Garden next month. Trump says New York Knicks owner James Dolan asked Trump to join him when the Knicks play either the San Antonio Spurs or the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Knicks reached the finals for the first time since 1999 after sweeping Cleveland in the Eastern Conference finals. Trump, a New York native, praised the Knicks’ performance and called their return to the championship round after decades of futility “great to see.”

WORDS: 265 - MOVED: 05/27/2026 4:53 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:959d26cf5bea1f6086fd6dd7e796949d&mediaType=text

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TEN--FRENCH OPEN

Djokovic pushed in 4-set win amid heat wave at French Open. Rybakina beaten in big day for Ukraine

SUMMARY: Novak Djokovic was pushed by 74th-ranked Valentin Royer for more than 3½ hours before he reached the third round of the French Open with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (7), 6-3 victory. For the fourth straight day of this year’s tournament the temperature rose beyond 32 degrees Celsius (90 Fahrenheit). This year’s Australian Open winner Elena Rybakina was beaten by Ukrainian opponent Yuliia Starodubtseva 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (4). Also advancing were Ukrainians Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk who are coming off trophies at the Madrid Open and Italian Open. Four-time champion Iga Swiatek improved her career record at Roland Garros to 42-3 by eliminating 35th-ranked Sara Bejlek 6-2, 6-3.

WORDS: 851 - MOVED: 05/27/2026 4:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:39b3fee3867f63cba93832ac4fa6887c&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-HAITI-VISA ISSUE

Sole player who lives in Haiti awaits US visa as his squad prepares for the World Cup in Florida

SUMMARY: The only member of Haiti’s national soccer team who is based in the troubled Caribbean country is awaiting a U.S. visa to join the squad in Florida just weeks before the start of the World Cup. Woodensky Pierre is a defensive midfielder who plays for Violette AC in Haiti’s capital. An estimated 70% of Port-au-Prince is under siege by violent gangs. The other 25 players on the World Cup squad play outside the country, coming from leagues in places like England, France, Portugal, Canada and the United States. This year’s World Cup will be only the second for Haiti in its history.

WORDS: 589 - MOVED: 05/27/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:29410017451c0525b0c43122b6494271&mediaType=text

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SOC--SOCCER INVESTIGATION

Federal judge drops charges against ex-Fox executive in soccer corruption case

SUMMARY: A federal judge in Brooklyn has agreed to dismiss charges against a convicted former Fox executive and South American sports media company in a corruption case related to TV rights for international soccer tournaments. Judge Pamela K. Chen on Wednesday accepted U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr.’s reasons for wanting to end the prosecution of Hernan Lopez. A smiling Lopez, the former CEO of Fox International Channels, said outside federal court that he was relieved that “a case that never should have started is finally over.” Lopez and Full Play Group SA were convicted in 2023 of paying tens of millions of dollars in bribes to nab broadcasting rights to the World Cup and other top matches.

WORDS: 506 - MOVED: 05/27/2026 3:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e5ec2eef8a97b676dd4ee667977f78f0&mediaType=text

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SOC--US WOMEN-BRAZIL

Mallory Swanson returns to the USWNT first the first time since the 2024 Paris Olympics

SUMMARY: Triple Espresso is back. The trio of Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Wilson, nicknamed Triple Espresso at the 2024 Olympics, have been named to the U.S. training camp roster for a pair of June matches against the Brazilian national team in Brazil. The three have not played together since the gold medal match at the Paris Games. Swanson recently returned to her club team, the Chicago Stars, after taking time off for the birth of her daughter. She has not played for the United States since October 2024.

WORDS: 530 - MOVED: 05/27/2026 2:07 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:234fbd880869ca6f71a4f8f87ef32b4c&mediaType=text

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