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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FBC--BIG TEN MEDIA DAYS
DESCRIPTION: Coverage of Big Ten football media days, stories on merit. By Steve Megargee. Text, file photos.
UPCOMING: By 07/30/2026 11:00 a.m. EDT, Text
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FBN--GIANTS-DART
DESCRIPTION: Jaxson Dart has a chip on his shoulder that he says is the result of the New York Giants going 4-13 during his rookie year and is trying to prevent a repeat of another rough season, starting in training camp. By Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.
UPCOMING: By 07/30/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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GLF--ROCKET CLASSIC
DESCRIPTION: DETROIT — The eighth and final Rocket Classic is underway with a field that includes U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark. By Larry Lage. 550 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 07/30/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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FBN--RAIDERS-OFFENSIVE LINE
DESCRIPTION: The Las Vegas Raiders have a number big-name offensive skill players. There is a big focus on whether an offensive line that struggled badly last season will improve enough for those players to thrive.
UPCOMING: By 07/30/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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FBN--DEFENSIVE TITANS
DESCRIPTION: All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons has his contract extension and a new tackle to play beside him in John Franklin-Myers. The duo anchor a defensive front that new coach Robert Saleh hopes to use to lead the Tennessee Titans to winning ways. By Pro Football Writer Teresa M. Walker.
UPCOMING: By 07/30/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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SOC--INTER-MIAMI-CASEMIRO
DESCRIPTION: Inter Miami was set to introduce Brazilian midfielder Casemiro in a press conference at Nu Stadium. Casemiro officially signed with Lionel Messi’s squad last week. By Alanis Thames.
UPCOMING: By 07/30/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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FBN--OBIT-CHARGERS-SMITH
Former Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith Jr. dies at 64, family announces
SUMMARY: Former San Diego Chargers linebacker and college football hall of famer Billy Ray Smith Jr. has died. He was 64. Smith’s family said in a statement Smith died following a bout with CTE-caused dementia. Smith played 10 seasons with the Chargers after being drafted with the No. 5 overall pick of the 1983 NFL draft out of Arkansas. He was named to the Chargers’ 50th anniversary team after racking up 15 career interceptions, 14 fumble recoveries and 13 forced fumbles. Smith was a two-time All-American at Arkansas and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
WORDS: 253 - MOVED: 07/30/2026 12:55 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6a23ce5afcc7a02c5c21f25e2f84cb2c&mediaType=text
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SOC--MLS ALL-STAR GAME
Son Heung-min scores 2 as MLS All-Stars post 4-3 win over LIGA MX All-Stars
SUMMARY: Son Heung-min scored two goals in a three-minute span in the first half off assists from Carles Gil to propel the MLS All-Stars past the LIGA MX All-Stars 4-3 in the Major League Soccer All-Star Game. The Los Angeles Football Club forward celebrated both goals with his signature “camera” celebration — mimicking holding an old-fashioned camera, framing the shot with his fingers and then pretending to snap a picture. Chicago Fire’s Philip Zinckernagel and FC Cincinnati’s Evander da Silva Ferreira also scored for the MLS All-Stars in front of 35,197 at Bank of America Stadium.
WORDS: 565 - MOVED: 07/29/2026 11:19 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cbfea5c2c16217ad76edd674e7b8f6f8&mediaType=text
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BBO--DODGERS-OHTANI
Shohei Ohtani expected to pitch again this season, but Dodgers in no rush
SUMMARY: The Los Angeles Dodgers expect Shohei Ohtani to pitch again this season, but they’re not rushing him back. Concerns about his left knee healing are the priority. Andrew Friedman, the team’s president of baseball operations, is downplaying Ohtani’s right biceps soreness. He says Ohtani is keeping his arm active with plyometric throws. The team wants the two-way superstar’s knee to heal before he starts a throwing program. Ohtani continues as the designated hitter, as his knee doesn’t bother him while hitting. Friedman says there’s no acute need to add pitching before next week’s trade deadline, despite Ohtani’s current unavailability on the mound.
WORDS: 512 - MOVED: 07/29/2026 9:58 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:59b39df786b6997e683f612334dd7b96&mediaType=text
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US--MERGER-US SKI-BIATHLON
US Biathlon pushes back decision to join US Ski & Snowboard in merger of Olympic sport organizations
SUMMARY: The U.S. Biathlon board of directors voted Wednesday to push back a planned merger with U.S. Ski & Snowboard in order to review the details after facing opposition from its community. As part of the motion, the board said it supports the principles of a rare consolidation between two Olympic sport organizations. But the board also wanted a “definitive agreement that more specifically defines them and ensures governance autonomy for U.S. biathlon.” A working group is being set up and will present a draft by late August. The integration became necessary, officials said, to boost biathlon’s revenues and performance. It also drew concern among athletes who felt it might hurt the sport.
WORDS: 1083 - MOVED: 07/29/2026 8:41 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9547131fb738591a869b9d5f32e001eb&mediaType=text
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FBN--RAMS-PUKA’S NEW LEAF
WR Puka Nacua never considered a contract holdout while he rebuilds his reputation with the Rams
SUMMARY: Puka Nacua says he never considered holding out of training camp as he enters the final year of his rookie contract with the Los Angeles Rams. The All-Pro receiver loves and needs the day-to-day grind of football too much to step away from it, even for financial purposes. Nacua also realizes his standing with the Rams isn’t quite as rock-solid as it was a year ago, and the best way to repair it after a winter of missteps is with a good summer. Nacua’s public mistakes occurred at an inopportune time for somebody in line to become one of the NFL’s highest-paid position players after three prolific seasons.
WORDS: 710 - MOVED: 07/29/2026 8:15 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:afcc2c188a1f532b52f966a1a0148f47&mediaType=text
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SOC--VOZINHA-CHILE
World Cup star Vozinha dons Spider-Man jersey. The nickname on his shirt for Chile club up for vote
SUMMARY: Vozinha is cashing in on his newfound fame by promoting the new Spider-Man film. The 40-year-old World Cup star’s arrival to his new club in Chile, however, is caught up in old-fashioned paperwork. The Cape Verde goalkeeper was scheduled to be with Colo Colo by Wednesday, but Chile’s biggest and most successful club says Vozinha’s trip has been delayed because of paperwork. They’re now hopeful of a Thursday arrival. Colo Colo is also racing to resolve some issues. League rules require players to use their surname on their jersey. This means that Vozinha would not be allowed to use the nickname that made him famous around the world.
WORDS: 543 - MOVED: 07/29/2026 7:02 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:432bacbad3977807538bf1c12c0a9595&mediaType=text
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US--COLLEGE SPORTS-CONGRESS
Senators still working with SEC, Big Ten on thorny issues involved in college sports bill
SUMMARY: Senate negotiators are working to resolve thorny differences with leaders of the Southeastern and Big Ten Conferences over revisions to a bill designed to regulate college sports that sponsors want a vote on before the chamber goes on summer break next week. Bill sponsor Ted Cruz of Texas says the conversations are ongoing. Cruz and co-sponsor Maria Cantwell of Washington are pushing to bring the Protect College Sports Act to a vote before Aug. 7, the last day the Senate meets before going on break. Senators return for the second half of September, before breaking for all of October -- leaving little time remaining before the November midterms.
WORDS: 413 - MOVED: 07/29/2026 6:35 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:918bfa7f4fd8a83e83c8b71fe82cb4a3&mediaType=text
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HKN--SHARKS-CELEBRINI EXTENSION
Macklin Celebrini gets 5-year, $94M extension from the Sharks in the NHL’s richest deal ever
SUMMARY: San Jose Sharks superstar Macklin Celebrini signed a five-year, $94 million extension that will make him the highest-paid player in the NHL. Celebrini had one year remaining on his three-year, $2.925 million entry-level contract before signing the new deal that keeps him locked up with the Sharks through the 2031-32 season. The $18.8 million average annual value of the deal that Celebrini reached is the richest in NHL history, topping the $18 million a year Leo Carlsson got when Anaheim matched a five-year offer sheet from Philadelphia.
WORDS: 789 - MOVED: 07/29/2026 6:28 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6d7baefb64f974e4b847df24afb65a75&mediaType=text
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BKL--STORM-APOLOGY
Seattle Storm apologize for an exchange between a co-owner and 2 fans
SUMMARY: The Seattle Storm apologized Wednesday for an exchange that took place between one of its co-owners and two fans during the team’s 105-95 loss to the Indiana Fever. The Storm didn’t elaborate on the nature of the incident and didn’t say which Storm co-owner was involved. The incident occurred Tuesday night during an evening that began with a demonstration outside Climate Pledge Arena. The team didn’t say if the exchange was related to the protest.
WORDS: 464 - MOVED: 07/29/2026 6:07 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:944eb972f7913df014e5ac02cfc79ebb&mediaType=text
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BBO--TIGERS-SKUBAL
Tarik Skubal gets standing ovations in possible Tigers farewell, then team blows 7-0 lead
SUMMARY: Trade deadline target Tarik Skubal and Detroit fans gave each other a warm farewell Wednesday, just in case this was the two-time Cy Young Award winner’s final appearance in a Tigers jersey. Skubal was cheered at every opportunity by a crowd of 34,406 while taking a shutout into the seventh inning against Baltimore. His first standing ovation came when he struck out leadoff hitter Taylor Ward on a 3-2 changeup to record his 1,000th career strikeout. He reached the mark in 857 innings, breaking Max Scherzer’s franchise-best mark of 944 2/3 innings.
WORDS: 616 - MOVED: 07/29/2026 5:24 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:82dc82b0e3fbed5abd9d94af4d8bf4c7&mediaType=text
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FBN--FALCONS-TAGOVAILOA
With Tua Tagovailoa sidelined with a minor injury, Falcons add Cooper Rush for training camp reps
SUMMARY: Atlanta Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski says quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has a minor injury and should return soon. The Falcons then added Cooper Rush to training camp with Michael Penix Jr. still recovering from an ACL tear and veteran Trevor Siemian released. Jack Strand is Atlanta’s only other healthy signal-caller. Stefanski described Tagovailoa’s injury as a “flare-up” and doesn’t expect a long absence. Tagovailoa will attend practice but won’t participate in 11-on-11 drills. Stefanski emphasized that Tagovailoa will be ready as camp continues.
WORDS: 447 - MOVED: 07/29/2026 4:25 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ec0e8f4a8b3428f1077c53d7940a0ccd&mediaType=text
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FBN--BRONCOS-COOPER RETURNS
Broncos open summer workouts with Jonathon Cooper and Michael Wilhoite back after legal issues
SUMMARY: The Denver Broncos have welcomed back linebacker Jonathon Cooper and assistant coach Michael Wilhoite, both of whom have had legal issues. Cooper faces domestic violence charges after two arrests last month. He returned to the field Wednesday as the Broncos began their acclimation period ahead of training camp. Coach Sean Payton said the team is following league and club protocols and is supportive of Cooper. The NFL is investigating, and Cooper could face suspension. Wilhoite was rehired as a defensive assistant. He was previously fired after an airport arrest but was cleared after being accepted into a diversion program.
WORDS: 763 - MOVED: 07/29/2026 4:24 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:57b57b3e708068c71a5ce0566c54a339&mediaType=text
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SOC--WCUP-FIFA-INVESTORS
FIFA’s Infantino sets deadline for $20M offer to members in World Cup investor plan
SUMMARY: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has set a Sept. 19 deadline for the 211 member federations to accept a $20 million offer to each in his controversial plan to sell stakes in a subsidiary running the World Cup. Infantino says it’s underwritten by the investment firm of Jared Kushner’s brother. Infantino details the “singular and unique funding opportunity” in a letter to members about creating a $20 billion FIFA subsidiary running its competitions and commercial rights. It would be 20% owned by private investors. The project has met opposition from European soccer body UEFA and Britain’s Prime Minister.
WORDS: 1285 - MOVED: 07/29/2026 3:26 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e66dc5d5f9907f9ea5323716b7e49ca2&mediaType=text
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FBN--CHIEFS-BIENIEMY
Chiefs assistant Eric Bieniemy remains with family after wife’s shooting as full team begins camp
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs have started their full-squad training camp without offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. He remained away from the team Wednesday after his wife, Mia Bieniemy, was shot at their Virginia home. Chiefs coach Andy Reid says Mia Bieniemy has been released from intensive care and was improving. The couples’ son, Elijah Zion Bieniemy, was arrested for the shooting and faces multiple charges. The Chiefs are uniquely positioned to deal with Eric Bieniemy’s absence thanks to continuity on the staff and some veteran leadership on offense. Pass game coordinator Joe Bleymaier and offensive line coach Andy Heck are handling most duties.
WORDS: 776 - MOVED: 07/29/2026 2:24 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e1b36bf7d770fcbcbbe0df794d0499a9&mediaType=text
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FBN--EAGLES-LEBRON JAMES
Welcome to Philadelphia, LeBron: Eagles’ Hurts and Barkley believe James is great for city sports
SUMMARY: The Philadelphia Eagles have opened their sixth training camp under coach Nick Sirianni, but the spotlight is on LeBron James. The NBA star has signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, overshadowing the Eagles’ offseason moves. Eagles players including Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley are excited about James joining Philly’s sports scene. Barkley even pitched Philadelphia to James as a great place to end his career. Meanwhile, the Eagles placed linebacker Jonathan Greenard on the Physically Unable to Perform list with a pectoral strain. The team expects him ready for the September 13 opener.
WORDS: 794 - MOVED: 07/29/2026 2:21 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0a1a43b8709814842752108052ee1208&mediaType=text
