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.
For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, including agate, contact AP Customer Support at apcustomersupport@ap.org or 877-836-9477.
The New York sports desk can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1630. Sports photos, ext. 1918.
——————————
UPCOMING
——————————
GLF--ON THE FRINGE-CUPS
DESCRIPTION: Presidents Cup captain Brandt Snedeker said this U.S. team would be a problem in Ireland next year for the Ryder Cup. Part of the U.S. problem is thinking the two cups are similar. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. 800 words, photos. With Golf Notes and Golf Glance.
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
___
BKN--HEAT-THOMPSON
DESCRIPTION: Klay Thompson’s place in basketball history is secure. He’s a four-time champion, a future Hall of Famer, one of the best shooters ever to reach the NBA. And now that he’s with the Miami Heat, he wants more. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
___
HKN--UNSATISFIED SABRES
DESCRIPTION: A breakthrough season in which the Sabres won 50 games and their first Atlantic Division title and snapped a 14-year playoff drought isn’t enough to satisfy general manager Jarmo Kekalainen. “Pretty good,” Kekalainen said in sharing the message he provided to players in opening training camp. “Pretty good’s not good enough.” By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. 650 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text
___
BBO--MARLINS-ALCANTARA
DESCRIPTION: Sandy Alcantara began the Marlins season with his franchise-record sixth opening day start. He ended it with three saves, returning to form following 2024 Tommy John surgery. That should make the Marlins’ decision to pick up his $21 million club option an easy one, but it remains to be seen how president of baseball operations Peter Bendix handles the contract situation of the perennial clubhouse leader. By Alanis Thames. 600 words.
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text
___
HKN--PANTHERS-HURRICANES
DESCRIPTION: The Carolina Hurricanes raise a Stanley Cup championship banner before opening the season against the Florida Panthers, who won the Cup in 2024 and 2025. By Aaron Beard. 300 words, photos. Game starts at 5 p.m. EDT.
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
___
CAR--NASCAR-RESTORING ROOTS
DESCRIPTION: Hashing out on-track beef with a pit-road fracas. Off nights spent at the local dirt track. Cussing that, if not exactly condoned, is at least accepted. In many ways, NASCAR seems to be getting back to its “Boys, have at it” roots. By Dave Skretta. 800 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text
___
BKL--WNBA PLAYOFFS
FORMATS: Photo, Text
1. WITH: BKL--ACES-FEVER
2. DESCRIPTION: The Indiana Fever will try to stay alive in their best-of-three first-round playoff series when they host the defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday. Las Vegas won the first game Sunday at home. By Michael Marot. 300 words, more on merit, photos. Game starts at 6:30 p.m. EDT.
3. UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 8:30 p.m. EDT
4. WITH: BKL--LYNX-LIBERTY
5. DESCRIPTION: The eighth-seeded New York Liberty try and finish off the Minnesota Lynx when the best-of-three series continues. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg. Game starts at 8:30 p.m. EDT.
6. UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 10:30 p.m. EDT
___
US--COLLEGE SPORTS BILL-WHAT TO KNOW
DESCRIPTION: A recap of where things stand with the Protect College Sports Act, which has been approved by the Senate and now goes to the House. By Eddie Pells. Text, file photos.
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
___
SOC--EUROPEAN ROUNDUP
DESCRIPTION: MADRID -- Spain faces Croatia in the Nations League in its first home match since winning the World Cup.
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 5:30 p.m. EDT, Text
___
BBO--POSTSEASON
FORMATS: Text
7. WITH: BBO--PHILLIES-BRAVES
8. DESCRIPTION: After clinching the last NL wild-card spot on the final day of the regular season, the Philadelphia Phillies will open a best-of-three series at NL East champion Atlanta on Tuesday. By Charles Odum. 500 words, photos. Game scheduled for 2:15 p.m. start.
9. UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT
10. WITH: BBO--WHITE SOX-ASTROS
11. DESCRIPTION: The Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros play Game 1 of an AL Wild Card series. 600 words.
12. UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT
13. WITH: BBO--CUBS-PADRES
14. DESCRIPTION: The Cubs and Padres begin a three-time Wild Card Series in San Diego. By Greg Beacham.
15. UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT
16. WITH: BBO--RED SOX-YANKEES
17. DESCRIPTION: Cam Schlittler pitches for the New York Yankees against Payton Tolle and the rival Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of their AL Wild Card Series. By Baseball Writer Mike Fitzpatrick. 500 words, photos. Game starts at 8:15 p.m. EDT.
18. UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 11:15 p.m. EDT
——————————
NEW AND DEVELOPING
——————————
FBN--GIANTS-BECKHAM
Giants are releasing Odell Beckham Jr. after three games and zero catches, AP source says
SUMMARY: Odell Beckham Jr.’s return to the New York Giants lasted just three games with no catches. The Giants are releasing Beckham, a person with knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press. The 33-year-old was thrown at just once during his brief cameo back with the team that drafted him. It was not immediately clear how the team would use the roster spot. New York on Monday acquired quarterback J.J. McCarthy from Minnesota but also released Jake Haener with the intent of bringing him back on the practice squad.
WORDS: 274 - MOVED: 09/29/2026 1:38 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:127330ab7130cccba8ff469edf8417d9&mediaType=text
___
BBO--WILD CARD ROSTERS
Aaron Judge left off Yankees’ Wild Card Series roster vs. Red Sox with calf injury
SUMMARY: Injured Yankees captain Aaron Judge was left off New York’s roster for its AL Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox. Giancarlo Stanton, out since April 24 because of strained calf muscles in both legs, was included. So was center fielder Trent Grisham. Sidelined since Sept. 16 by a strained right calf, Judge took live batting practice on the field Monday, a day ahead of the series opener, in an effort to persuade manager Aaron Boone. He walked twice, hit a comebacker to the mound and took a called third strike against teammates Ryan Weathers and Elmer Rodríguez.
WORDS: 761 - MOVED: 09/29/2026 1:32 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e3b25154d3b84fffe27483d405f12453&mediaType=text
___
SOC--MAN CITY-CHARGES
Man City guilty of almost all the 115 financial charges, Premier League says in explosive verdict
SUMMARY: The Premier League says Manchester City has been found guilty of almost all of the 115 charges of financial wrongdoing in one of the biggest scandals in English soccer history. City now faces severe sanctions that could include a huge points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League. It is set to cause huge reputational damage to its Abu Dhabi ownership. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says the explosive verdict by an independent commission “details how the club systematically broke Premier League rules for nearly a decade.” The case that was initiated by the Premier League more than three years ago and first arose in 2018 from leaked club emails and documents.
WORDS: 742 - MOVED: 09/29/2026 12:54 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d2da2890d5a18b1cf234d39fb40c2a3d&mediaType=text
___
BBO--TIGERS-LAWSUIT
A’s outfielder Zack Gelof sues Tigers for damages after right knee slammed into Comerica Park fence
SUMMARY: Athletics outfielder Zack Gelof has filed a lawsuit against the Detroit Tigers, Ilitch Holdings and the Detroit-Wayne County Stadium Authority for damages after his right knee slammed into a Comerica Park fence during a game last summer. Gelof was hurt in Detroit on July 9 while making a sliding catch in foul territory and colliding with a metal fence. The 26-year-old infielder immediately grabbed his knee in obvious pain, a tear in his uniform pants showed where his leg made contact with the fence. The Tigers say they’re aware of the lawsuit and declined further comment.
WORDS: 284 - MOVED: 09/29/2026 12:45 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ae9281303ee0e11ed237ce36749f549a&mediaType=text
___
FBN--COWBOYS-COACHING MISCUES
Jerry Jones leaves little doubt that coaching errors cost his Cowboys a victory over the Ravens
SUMMARY: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is leaving little doubt that he believes errors in game management by his coaching staff in the final seconds of a 34-31 loss to Baltimore cost his team the victory. Jones said Tuesday on his radio show there is no explanation for leaving enough seconds on the clock after a tying field goal for a defensive breakdown to put the Ravens in position for the winning kick. Jones says there can only be an evaluation in an effort to avoid making the same mistakes again. Coach Brian Schottenheimer and first-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker will face scrutiny from fans and pundits going forward.
WORDS: 594 - MOVED: 09/29/2026 12:09 p.m. EDT. Will be updated.
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:06832984db38d6bc521628a35f6b4e6a&mediaType=text
___
BBO--TRENDS
The fast get faster: MLB pitchers again set fastball velocity record by averaging 94.8 mph
SUMMARY: Fastball velocity in Major League Baseball hit a record high for the sixth straight season and batting averages remained near all-time lows in this era of pitching dominance. Four-seam fastballs averaged 94.8 mph this year, according to MLB Statcast, up from 94.5 mph last season and 91.9 mph when tracking started in 2008. In a sign the upward trend is likely to continue, pitchers 25 or younger as of June 30 averaged 95.9 mph. Right-handers averaged 95.3 mph, lefties 93.5 mph and relievers 95 mph.
WORDS: 989 - MOVED: 09/29/2026 11:57 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:401dff214338a9ab6bf2c9d92e158953&mediaType=text
___
US--NATIONAL PARK-BASEBALL
MLB considers Grand Teton National Park for baseball game site, prompting concern
SUMMARY: Major League Baseball has been considering holding a game in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. An MLB official confirmed Monday that the idea was being discussed. It quickly faced opposition from environmental groups. MLB has hosted games in unique locations before, like the Iowa cornfields from “Field of Dreams.” A White House official said MLB asked the administration if hosting a game at a national park would be possible but emphasized it was not a presidential directive and was not driven by the administration. The MLB and White House officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak on the record.
WORDS: 470 - MOVED: 09/29/2026 11:15 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b408fe1bd4c20c77120b2d8301dad9c0&mediaType=text
___
FBC--SEC-BLEEDING TALENT
As top talent slowly leaks from SEC territory, the league looks to stop a three-year title slide
SUMMARY: The Big Ten Conference has gained bragging rights with three straight national titles while the Southeastern Conference struggles to land a team in the championship game. An Associated Press analysis reveals a shift in recruiting trends, with fewer top high school recruits from SEC states choosing to stay home. The percentage dropped from 72% in 2022 to a projected 53% for 2027. Big Ten and Atlantic Coast Conference schools are increasingly attracting these players, suggesting a slow drain of talent from the SEC. Coaches attribute this trend to factors like NIL payments and increased national exposure changing the recruiting landscape across college athletics.
WORDS: 1402 - MOVED: 09/29/2026 10:45 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7931e7c9d5b0527760c480eeb8a5dd7d&mediaType=text
___
AS--ASIAN GAMES-TENNIS-EALA
Alex Eala ‘didn’t take lightly’ decision to play Asian Games over China Open
SUMMARY: Alex Eala is prioritizing representing the Philippines at the Asian Games over the WTA Tour for the moment. Even if that means risking a fine from the women’s tour. Eala had to withdraw from the China Open in Beijing which is a mandatory WTA 1000 event to compete at the Asian Games. She could be fined $10,000. Eala tells SNTV “it was a decision I didn’t take lightly.” She adds “I’m really excited to be here, to represent my country and to compete.” The 18th-ranked Eala beat Patcharin Cheapchandej of Thailand 6-1, 6-0 on Monday. She next faces Joanna Garland of Taiwan in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
WORDS: 264 - MOVED: 09/29/2026 10:44 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:64f5c1c672fc8b4ef970c89417fc4b41&mediaType=text
___
OLY--LA28 TORCH RELAY
2028 Olympic torch relay to begin in Atlanta and travel through all 50 states before arriving in LA
SUMMARY: Organizers say the torch relay for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will begin in Atlanta, the site of the last U.S. Summer Games in 1996. The relay will travel through all 50 states. The Olympic flame will be lit in Olympia, Greece, before starting its U.S. journey in spring 2028. Organizers say the relay will be one of the largest in Olympic history, passing through iconic landmarks and hosting festival celebrations nationwide. The Paralympic torch relay will follow the Olympics in August 2028, starting in Stoke Mandeville, England, the birthplace of the Paralympic movement.
WORDS: 315 - MOVED: 09/29/2026 10:30 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6d22aed3893a0a47920b27600aa0265c&mediaType=text
___
OLY--GYM-BILES-FUTURE
Simone Biles remains undecided about the 2028 Olympics, but the lure of competing in LA is very real
SUMMARY: Simone Biles is contemplating another run at Olympic gold but she’s not sure yet. The 29-year-old gymnastics icon is considering the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Biles says the idea of competing at home is tempting, but she has to weigh the options and risks. She’ll be 31 by then and is thinking about starting a family with her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens. Biles has been taking a break since her historic performance in Paris. The nine-time Olympic medalist feels comfortable with her legacy if she never competes again, adding she needs to have a good reason to try for a fourth Olympics.
WORDS: 1044 - MOVED: 09/29/2026 9:18 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6cc67d454963d86a0d73d4bf0c890abc&mediaType=text
___
FBN--NFL-LONDON-TICKETS
NFL cuts London ticket prices for Colts-Commanders to fill venue. Move irks fans who paid full price
SUMMARY: The first of three NFL games in London this season is Sunday when the Indianapolis Colts face the Washington Commanders. London games usually sell out quickly, meaning if you were unable to buy tickets the day they went on sale you were out of luck. That wasn’t the case for the Colts-Commanders game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The league recently dropped nearly all the remaining tickets to the lowest price category of 79 pounds, including some originally priced at 235 pounds. Fans who paid full price say the NFL should have made it more affordable in the first place. The second London game is Jacksonville vs Philadelphia, and it sold out immediately, likely because of the Eagles’ popularity. Fans say gone are the days that they’ll snap up tickets to just any game.
WORDS: 794 - MOVED: 09/29/2026 8:37 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b4fdf19231401e762bc99670f03d69e2&mediaType=text
___
SOC--FIFA-INFANTINO-UEFA
FIFA claims harassment of Infantino by European soccer body UEFA in filing to Florida court
SUMMARY: FIFA lawyers have claimed in a Florida court filing European soccer body UEFA is harassing its president Gianni Infantino. FIFA urges the judge to deny UEFA’s request for evidence discovery about a World Cup private investor plan that rocked the sport. The 21-page filing to the Southern District of Florida court late Monday was seen by The Associated Press. It claims UEFA was wrong to suggest Infantino sought to profit personally from the project that provoked a furor in July and was dropped within days. UEFA asked three U.S. courts for evidence discovery for a possible criminal complaint against Infantino in Switzerland. In a separate development Monday, Infantino has written to the 211 member federations of FIFA accepting it could pay them more from cash reserves.
WORDS: 624 - MOVED: 09/29/2026 7:24 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:87c429a452be69d23bf66866a6f52e04&mediaType=text
___
BKN--LAKERS-BRONNY RETURNS
Bronny James unbothered by father LeBron’s departure, eager to be his own man with younger Lakers
SUMMARY: Bronny James seems to realize that the wildest part of LeBron James’ decision to change teams before his 24th NBA season is the fact he left behind his son to do it. Bronny is still with the Los Angeles Lakers after his 41-year-old father’s departure for the 76ers. He enters his third season still working to win a rotation role with the team that drafted him in 2024. In his first extensive public comments of the new season Monday, Bronny said he isn’t angry or disappointed by his dad’s decision. He knows when your father is LeBron James, many things are bigger than you.
WORDS: 903 - MOVED: 09/29/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8fb175adbc5d84f1bc36f6f41b2c8e25&mediaType=text
___
FBN--BEHIND THE CALL
A late flag, a wiped out interception and Pat Bryant’s blunt admission after Broncos-Rams thriller
SUMMARY: Pat Bryant’s acting skills have drawn comparisons to famous sports “floppers.” On Sunday night, Bryant sold a defensive pass interference call against Josh Wallace, negating an interception and setting up a Denver Broncos touchdown. The Broncos won 30-26 over the Los Angeles Rams. Broncos coach Sean Payton acknowledged the theatrics but said it wasn’t rehearsed. Replays showed some contact between Bryant and Wallace, but the call stood. Rams coach Sean McVay refused to blame the loss on the call. Analysts debated the decision, recalling a similar controversy involving McVay’s Rams in 2018.
WORDS: 835 - MOVED: 09/29/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ac392194168c9fc4ec53bfd53e33cd0f&mediaType=text
___
FBN--EAGLES-HURTS
Jalen Hurts wants the Eagles to learn from their mistakes in a loss to the Bears
SUMMARY: It was a rough game for Jalen Hurts, both on the field and in the blue injury tent on Philadelphia’s sideline. Hurts was sacked twice and threw an interception during a 27-7 loss to the Chicago Bears. The Eagles were limited to 62 yards of offense in the second half and 248 for the game. Hurts was 16 for 25 for 153 yards. He also had four carries for 25 yards and a touchdown. He was pulled off the field in the second quarter to get checked for a possible concussion, and Andy Dalton threw an interception in the end zone while he was out of the game.
WORDS: 587 - MOVED: 09/29/2026 2:02 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e0ebb06cd102dc750dcc4ed7e788c101&mediaType=text
___
——————————
MOVING TOMORROW
——————————
BBO--POSTSEASON
Coverage of Major League Baseball’s postseason.
___
BKL--WNBA PLAYOFFS
Coverage of the first round of the WNBA playoffs.
