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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GLF--LPGA MALAYSIA

DESCRIPTION: Third round of the Maybank Championship, the third tournament in four weeks on the LPGA’s late-season Asian swing.

UPCOMING: By 10/31/2026 5:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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EU-REL—VATICAN US UNIVERSITIES

DESCRIPTION: Pope Leo XIV holds a private audience with basketball teams from his alma mater Villanova and fellow Catholic university Notre Dame, plus thousands of traveling American fans, ahead of the college hoops opener in Rome. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV holds a private audience with basketball teams from his alma mater Villanova and fellow Catholic university Notre Dame, plus thousands of traveling American fans, ahead of the college hoops opener in Rome.

UPCOMING: By 10/31/2026 8:00 a.m. EDT, Text, DigitalPlans, Photo, Video

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SKI WORLD CUP

DESCRIPTION: Ongoing coverage of the Alpine skiing World Cup circuit.

UPCOMING: By 10/31/2026 8:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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SOC EUROPEAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Big rivalries headline the soccer action in Europe as Bayern Munich hosts Borussia Dortmund in the German “Klassiker” and AC Milan takes on Inter Milan. In England, Chelsea plays struggling Manchester United. With regular updates from the five main European men’s soccer leagues.

UPCOMING: By 10/31/2026 10:30 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BOX--ALVAREZ-MBILLI

DESCRIPTION: Canelo Alvarez returns to the ring to take on WBC super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. UPCOMING: 300 words.

UPCOMING: By 10/31/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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CAR--NASCAR-MARTINSVILLE

DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the NASCAR Cup Series race in Virginia

FORMATS: Text, FilePhoto

WITH: CAR--NASCAR-MARTINSVILLE PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: At a track with special meaning for his team, Kyle Larson can become the first driver in 23 years to clinch the Cup Series championship before the season finale. The Hendrick Motorsports star opened a 73-point lead with his first victory at Talladega Superspeedway, his third win through eight races of 10 races in the Chase. If Larson can leave Martinsville Speedway with a 77-point lead Sunday, he will be assured of his second consecutive title and third overall. By Nate Ryan. 500 words, file photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/31/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

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WITH: CAR--NASCAR-MARTINSVILLE-KESELOWSKI

DESCRIPTION: With his status for the 2027 season still unannounced, Brad Keselowski will address questions about his racing future. The 2012 NASCAR champion will speak at 11 a.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/31/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

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WITH: CAR--NASCAR-MARTINSVILLE-QUALIFYING

DESCRIPTION: NASCAR Cup Series qualifying at Martinsville Speedway will begin at 2:05 p.m. Eastern. Two-time Martinsville winner Ryan Blaney will be trying to become the first driver to win the pole position for four consecutive NASCAR short-track races since Geoff Bodine in 1985-86.

UPCOMING: By 10/31/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

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RAC--BREEDERS CUP

DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the Breeders Cup. at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentuckey

UPCOMING: By 10/31/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBC--COLLEGE FOOTBALL TODAY

DESCRIPTION: A roundup up the day’s collge football games. A chaotic college football season rounds toward the final month of the regular season with some key games, including No. 3 Georgia against No. 17 Florida in Atlanta.

UPCOMING: By 10/31/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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CAR F1 MEXICAN GP

DESCRIPTION: Qualifying for the Mexico City Grand Prix, the 19th round of the 2026 season. Includes third practice and other stories on merits. Qualifying for the Mexican Grand Prix, the 19th round of the 2026 season. Includes third practice and other stories on merits.

UPCOMING: By 10/31/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBC--T25-FLORIDA-GEORGIA

DESCRIPTION: Florida plays Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. No. 3 Georgia will play No. 17 Florida in a key Southeastern Conference game on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. By Charles Odum. 500 words, photos. Game scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EDT start.

UPCOMING: By 10/31/2026 7:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--MEXICO OPEN

DESCRIPTION: Andrew Novak leads by three going into the third round of the Mexico Open. Upcoming; 500 words.

UPCOMING: By 10/31/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-MISSISSIPPI STATE-TEXAS

DESCRIPTION: AUSTIN, Texas — Arch Manning and No. 11 Texas host Mississippi State. The Bulldogs will be without star quarterback Kamario Taylor, who has been ruled out of the rest of the season with a toe injury. By Jim Vertuno. AP photos

UPCOMING: By 10/31/2026 10:45 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKL--WNBA FINALS

DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the WNBA Finals. Gabby Williams and Valkyries return to Golden State to host the Atlanta Dream in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals. Game starts at 8 p.m. EDT. By Janie McCauley. — With: Separates on merit

UPCOMING: By 10/31/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBC--OHIO STATE-USC

DESCRIPTION: Ohio State plays USC at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. By Greg Beacham. 150 words, more on merit.

UPCOMING: By 10/31/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKN--SUNS-BROOKS-EJECTED

Suns’ Dillon Brooks ejected from game for kicking Nuggets’ Jamal Murray in the groin

SUMMARY: Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks was ejected Friday night in a 127-120 loss to the Denver Nuggets for kicking Jamal Murray in the groin. Brooks attempted a turnaround jumper in the third quarter with Murray guarding, and when Brooks fell backward he kicked his right leg forward, making contact with Murray. Brooks was called for an offensive foul and Murray was writhing in pain on the court for a few moments before eventually getting up and staying in the game. The officials reviewed the play and upgraded the foul to a Flagrant 2, which is an automatic ejection. Denver won 127-120.

WORDS: 195 - MOVED: 10/31/2026 1:42 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d543eb60c5470a0ae4ed95651b9f633f&mediaType=text

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BKN--LAKERS-WARRIORS

Stephen Curry scores 31 points and outduels Luka Doncic as Warriors come back to beat Lakers 112-95

SUMMARY: Stephen Curry had 31 points, six assists and four rebounds, and the Golden State Warriors erased an early 25-point deficit then ran away from Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers for a 112-95 win in an NBA Cup game. Doncic had 37 points, seven rebounds and five assists, but the Lakers couldn’t make it back-to-back blowouts against Golden State after winning the teams’ season opener last week in LA. In the fourth quarter, Curry passed Dominique Wilkins (26,668) for 18th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

WORDS: 365 - MOVED: 10/31/2026 1:12 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c6260b2281a6abea3b942ed4efe5c5d3&mediaType=text

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BBO--FREE AGENTS

Marlins exercise Alcantara option, King leaves Padres and Bichette stays with Mets

SUMMARY: Sandy Alcantara was blocked from becoming a free agent by the Miami Marlins, while Michael King went on the market and Bo Bichette decided to keep his contract with the New York Mets. Starting pitchers Sonny Gray and Nick Martinez also will become free agents after their teams declined mutual options. Miami exercised its $21 million option on Alcantara rather than pay a $2 million buyout, a decision that guarantees the pitcher $75 million over six years as part of the deal he agreed to in November 2021.

WORDS: 1368 - MOVED: 10/31/2026 12:46 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c94a7f278a2807dae923208951ce04df&mediaType=text

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CAR--F1-MEXICO CITY GP PREVIEW

Ailing Kimi Antonelli nears F1 title in Mexico as he aims to become youngest champion

WORDS: 924 - MOVED: 10/30/2026 11:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:afbc2fc6580606c44bda6373b4957429&mediaType=text

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BKN--76ERS-LEBRON’S BEST

LeBron James is 41 and feeling young in Philly. He had his best game yet with the 76ers

SUMMARY: LeBron James has delivered a standout performance for the 76ers in his 24th NBA season. He played a crucial role in a 98-93 win over the Knicks, showcasing his enduring skills. James scored the go-ahead bucket and nearly achieved a triple-double. Coach Nick Nurse praised it as his best game of the season. James tied Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the fifth-oldest player to score 20 points in a game. The Sixers are off to a strong start, with James enjoying his time with the team. His leadership and experience are proving invaluable.

WORDS: 621 - MOVED: 10/30/2026 11:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3d8252c1c4d3bd5e4ebd676469c50eb7&mediaType=text

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BBO--ASTROS-GM

Astros hire Randy Flores as general manager. Former pitcher had been assistant GM with Cardinals

SUMMARY: The Houston Astros have hired St. Louis Cardinals executive Randy Flores as their general manager. Flores replaces Dana Brown, who was let go in August with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. The Astros also need to hire a manager this offseason — Joe Espada’s contract was not renewed after the AL West champions were swept by the Chicago White Sox in their Wild Card Series. The 51-year-old Flores becomes the 15th general manager in franchise history. He had been serving as St. Louis’ assistant general manager of amateur and pro acquisition. The former major league pitcher joined the Cardinals’ front office as director of scouting in 2015 and spent eight seasons as an assistant GM with the club.

WORDS: 392 - MOVED: 10/30/2026 9:45 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0c878dd58f4be05f35c5be022073ffe0&mediaType=text

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RAC--BREEDERS’ CUP-JUVENILE

Hughes wins Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, establishes himself as early Kentucky Derby favorite

SUMMARY: Unbeaten favorite Hughes established himself as an early Kentucky Derby favorite by taking control through the far turn and pulling away for a 2 1/4-length victory over American History in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland. Named for U.S. Olympic men’s hockey hero Jack Hughes, whose overtime goal clinched the gold medal in last winter’s Milan-Cortina Games, the bay colt trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert seized the moment on his biggest stage to date and didn’t look back. He covered 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.27 to improve to 5-0 with three wins by at least six lengths.

WORDS: 649 - MOVED: 10/30/2026 9:42 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ec63041622ff5e3ffa1e5e8ebc26307d&mediaType=text

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HKN--LIGHTNING-KUCHEROV

Nikita Kucherov tells Lightning he won’t re-sign and asks for a trade, AP source says

SUMMARY: Reigning NHL MVP Nikita Kucherov informed the Tampa Bay Lightning he is not re-signing with the team and has asked for a trade, a person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press. Kucherov is set to be an unrestricted free agent after this season, the last of an eight-year, $76 million contract signed in 2018 before he helped Tampa Bay win the Stanley Cup twice and led the NHL in scoring three times. General manager Julien BriseBois said the team has no intention of trading Kucherov.

WORDS: 527 - MOVED: 10/30/2026 9:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bee0eae71f28b2ba25488db2a010edd8&mediaType=text

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BKN--THUNDER-INJURIES

Chet Holmgren out at least 2 months with knee injury and Cason Wallace has shoulder surgery

SUMMARY: Chet Holmgren will miss about two months because of a right knee injury, continuing the Oklahoma City Thunder’s run of bad injury news early in the season. Already potentially without Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace for the rest of the regular season, the Thunder said Holmgren began experiencing discomfort in his knee last Sunday. The team said that after a series of consultations with specialists, Holmgren underwent a biological treatment Friday to address a small patellar tendon tear. The Thunder said Holmgren was expected to return in eight to 10 weeks. Wallace also had surgery Friday for a labral tear in his left shoulder.

WORDS: 186 - MOVED: 10/30/2026 9:13 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1d43eb5558d013a7062242ac01c0f467&mediaType=text

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BBO--BREWERS-PARADE

Brewers fans flood Milwaukee streets for a long-awaited World Series victory celebration

SUMMARY: Tens of thousands of exuberant Brewers fans flooded the streets, watched from parking garages and cheered from office building windows in downtown Milwaukee to celebrate the franchise’s first World Series title. The small-market Brewers gave their long-suffering fans the championship they had been waiting for with a 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, clinching the Series in five games. It was their first time playing in the Fall Classic in 44 years. Players on buses chugged cans of Miller Lite beer, walked the parade route high-fiving fans and hoisted the Commissioner’s Trophy as the cheers echoed through the streets.

WORDS: 1046 - MOVED: 10/30/2026 6:39 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5e52aaf8a53c2a23ead8f0902c764f73&mediaType=text

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HKO--RUSSIA-IIHF

Russia is back in the ice hockey world championships after sports court ruling

SUMMARY: The Court of Arbitration for Sport has ruled that Russia teams must be allowed to play International Ice Hockey Federation events such as the world championships. CAS has overturned IIHF decisions which excluded Russia from events in the 2026-27 season including the men’s and women’s world championships. In a brief statement CAS cites a lack of sufficient evidence to support the IIHF’s security concerns. The IIHF has barred Russian teams from its world championships since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russia also missed the Olympic hockey tournaments this year.

WORDS: 1190 - MOVED: 10/30/2026 6:08 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:38f433379acdfc0172f778e6b85d76e4&mediaType=text

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FBN--BEARS-SIMMONS

Acquiring Jeffery Simmons like ‘Christmas morning’ for the Chicago Bears

SUMMARY: The trade that sent Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans to the Chicago Bears told the All-Pro defensive tackle everything he needed to know about his new home. Simmons says the Bears believe “in what they have here, and they want it right now.” The All-Pro defensive tackle is looking forward to helping the team win games. The Bears sent their first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, along with a fourth-rounder in next year’s draft, to the Titans on Thursday for Simmons and a fifth-round selection in 2028. Simmons is expected to make his Bears debut Monday night at Seattle.

WORDS: 814 - MOVED: 10/30/2026 5:48 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:50a7f8526496fa7a47930b73ff5ef7af&mediaType=text

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FBN--PANTHERS-EVERO

Panthers fire defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero following 27-19 loss to the Packers

SUMMARY: The Carolina Panthers fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley on Friday following the team’s 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Evero is the first NFL coordinator fired this season. Carolina entered the week ranked 22nd in overall defense and last in the league against the run. Defensive line coach Todd Wash has been named interim defensive coordinator and will call the defensive plays, according to the Panthers.

WORDS: 728 - MOVED: 10/30/2026 3:57 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:910010438f9575aa32fe6b59dde1e916&mediaType=text

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BKC--NCAA ELIGIBILITY

Kentucky appeals judge denies NCAA bid to block 30 athletes from playing as hoops season draws near

SUMMARY: A Kentucky Court of Appeals judge has denied the NCAA’s request for emergency relief, allowing 30 college athletes to remain eligible as the basketball season is about to begin. The athletes, including Missouri’s Mark Mitchell and LSU’s Skyy Clark, received a temporary injunction on October 16. This allows them to compete while the NCAA appeals a ruling related to the new five-for-five eligibility model. Kentucky judge Sara Walter Combs said in her ruling that the NCAA failed to prove imminent harm from the injunction. The ruling also affects football players who will continue to compete for their teams.

WORDS: 438 - MOVED: 10/30/2026 1:46 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:11b74cd8e5b5c63c3a0d1325d7189501&mediaType=text