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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BBO--POSTSEASON
FORMATS: Text
1. WITH: BBO--NLDS-CUBS-BREWERS PREVIEW
2. DESCRIPTION: MILWAUKEE - The Chicago Cubs have the momentum. The Milwaukee Brewers have the home field. The two NL Central rivals face off one more time Saturday with an NL Championship Series appearance at stake. By Steve Megargee. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos, expected by 8 p.m.
3. UPCOMING: By 10/10/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT
4. WITH: BBO--ALDS-TIGERS-MARINERS
5. DESCRIPTION: SEATTLE— The Seattle Mariners are hoping home field is an advantage against Detroit in Game 5 of their AL Division Series after splitting two games on the road. By Luke Olson. UPCOMING: 650 words, photos. Game starts at 8:08 EDT.
6. UPCOMING: By 10/10/2025 11:00 p.m. EDT
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FBN--BRONCOS-LONDON
DESCRIPTION: The Denver Broncos hold practice and speak to the press on Friday ahead of their game in London against the new York Jets.
UPCOMING: By 10/10/2025 2:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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BBO--RANGERS-SCHUMAKER
DESCRIPTION: ARLINGTON, Texas — Skip Schumaker is formally introduced by the Texas Rangers, a week after the former NL Manager of the Year for Miami was named as Bruce Bochy’s replacement. By Baseball Writer Stephen Hawkins. 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/10/2025 6:11 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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BKN--BUCKS-TURNER
DESCRIPTION: MILWAUKEE - Like everyone else in the NBA, Myles Turner says he wants to win it all. But he left Indiana via free agency to sign a four-year, $108.9 million contract with Milwaukee even though the Pacers have eliminated the Bucks in the first round of the playoffs each of the last two seasons. Turner feels he can be the difference-maker and the Bucks made a big bet on him as they attempted to get younger and more athletic. By Steve Megargee. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos
UPCOMING: By 10/10/2025 6:15 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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SOC--NWSL ROUNDUP
DESCRIPTION: Bay FC visits the Seattle Reign, the Portland Thorns are at the Orlando Pride and Racing Louisville hosts the Chicago Stars on Friday night in the National Women’s Soccer League. By Theo LLoyd-Hughes.
UPCOMING: By 10/10/2025 10:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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SOC--ECUADOR-US
DESCRIPTION: AUSTIN, Texas — The United States plays Ecuador in the first of six friendlies remaining before coach Mauricio Pochettino calls in players for his pre-World Cup training camp. 300 words, photos, starts 8:30 p.m. EDT.
UPCOMING: By 10/10/2025 10:30 p.m. EDT, Text
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BKL--WNBA FINALS
DESCRIPTION: PHOENIX — The Las Vegas Aces can earn their third championship in four seasons by beating the Phoenix Mercury in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals on Friday night. The Aces took a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series on Wednesday thanks to four-time MVP A’ja Wilson’s last-second jumper. By David Brandt. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 8 p.m. EDT.
UPCOMING: By 10/10/2025 10:30 p.m. EDT, Text
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FBC--SOUTH FLORIDA-NORTH TEXAS
DESCRIPTION: DENTON, Texas — North Texas, off to its first 5-0 start since 1959, hosts 24th-ranked South Florida in a matchup of Group of Five teams who could potentially be in the College Football Playoff mix. By Stephen Hawkins. 500 words, photos. Game starts 6:30 p.m. CDT.
UPCOMING: By 10/10/2025 11:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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FBN--BROWNS-SANDERS BACKUP
Shedeur Sanders promoted to Browns backup QB, will be behind rookie Dillon Gabriel against Steelers
SUMMARY: Shedeur Sanders will back up Dillon Gabriel on Sunday in Pittsburgh, meaning the Browns will face the rival Steelers with two rookie quarterbacks. Sanders has been inactive for Cleveland’s first five games as the Browns develop him. But they think he’s ready to be their No. 2 despite not appearing in a regular-season game. Sanders’ promotion came in the aftermath of the Browns trading Joe Flacco this week. Coach Kevin Stefanski announced his decision following Friday’s practice, adding that he has confidence Sanders is ready for the promotion.
WORDS: 229 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 1:33 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b81526c568ab4f3810f1b1d8a254e107&mediaType=text
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FBN--EAGLES ANALYSIS
Lane Johnson and Saquon Barkley wonder what’s wrong with the Eagles’ offense after latest loss
SUMMARY: The Eagles suffered a tough loss to the New York Giants, 34-17 on Thursday night. It marked their second consecutive defeat. Just a week ago, they were undefeated and had won 20 of their last 21 games. Concerns about the offense, led by first-year coordinator Kevin Patullo, have proven valid. Jalen Hurts overthrew DeVonta Smith on a potential touchdown and the team struggled on third downs. Saquon Barkley and other stars are on pace for career-worst seasons. The Eagles need to regroup before their next game against Minnesota. The loss coincided with defeats for the Phillies and Flyers, echoing a similar night in 1983.
WORDS: 1011 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 1:08 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:33253abab0f2aa9c4aa4e037a86469c2&mediaType=text
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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-PARITY OR POOR
Parity or poor football? NFL is providing plenty of close games with exciting finishes
SUMMARY: Some call it parity. Others consider it bad football. No matter how it’s viewed, the NFL is providing plenty of close games, thrilling comebacks, big upsets and late-minute heroics. It keeps viewers entertained, or at least tuned in until the end. Five weeks in, 24 games have featured a winning score in the final two minutes of regulation or in overtime. That’s the most through Week 5 in league history. Seven teams did it last week, including Tampa Bay for the fourth time already this season. Six teams overcame double-digit deficits last week. Four of those teams trailed by 14 points or more.
WORDS: 726 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 1:06 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:68c288bc9f532a527a608c127be0d5e2&mediaType=text
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GYM--WORLDS-INDONESIA-ISRAEL
Gymnastics governing body reacts to Indonesia’s block on Israeli team at worlds in Jakarta
SUMMARY: Gymnastics’ governing body has given a muted reaction to Indonesia’s announcement that it would block Israeli athletes from competing at the upcoming world championships in Jakarta. FIG says it “takes note of the Indonesian government’s decision not to issue visas to the Israeli delegation” for the event, which starts October 19. Indonesia’s decision to deny visas to the Israeli athletes came after their planned participation had sparked intense opposition in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, which has long been a staunch supporter of Palestinians.
WORDS: 493 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 12:59 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1e8a751b1ed2e8e35378b6654f21ce6c&mediaType=text
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FBN--GIANTS-DART-CONCUSSION PROTOCOL
NFL is reviewing how concussion protocol was followed for Giants rookie QB Jaxson Dart
SUMMARY: The NFL has initiated a review of the concussion protocol used for New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart on Thursday night in the team’s game against Philadelphia. Cameras caught coach Brian Daboll looking into the injury tent while Dart was being evaluated. Daboll admitted he was impatient and apologized to the Giants’ head physician for being in the wrong. The league’s chief medical officer said in a preseason media tour of medical facilities that only specific personnel are allowed in the tent during evaluations.
WORDS: 571 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 12:46 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:22185291857fe0a6a82ead38e53707e2&mediaType=text
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HKN--ISLANDERS-BEARDS ARE BACK
Beards are back for the New York Islanders after old-school executive Lou Lamoriello’s departure
SUMMARY: Facial hair is making a comeback for the New York Islanders after Lou Lamoriello’s departure. The former executive had a strict clean-shaven policy, similar to late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. With Lamoriello’s contract not renewed last spring, players like Ilya Sorokin and Kyle Palmieri are now sporting beards. New GM Mathieu Darche has brought in fresh faces, including top draft pick Matthew Schaefer, who made history as the youngest player to score in his debut. Players are quick to praise Lamoriello for how he treated them while also enjoying the freedom to ditch the razors.
WORDS: 614 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 10:44 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f99e287e9cc8bd22abc62f623299a811&mediaType=text
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HKN--JETS-TOEWS RETURN
Jonathan Toews returns to NHL with hometown Jets after being out 2 seasons with long COVID
SUMMARY: The spotlight was on Jonathan Toews when the Winnipeg Jets skated onto the ice for their opener against Dallas. The Winnipeg-born Toews received a loud, long cheer from the sold-out crowd when he was introduced before the Jets’ 5-4 loss on Thursday night. The 37-year-old was playing his first NHL game since April 13, 2023, with the Chicago Blackhawks. He logged 18:19 of ice time in his 1,068th career regular-season game and had one shot on goal. The three-time Stanley Cup champion and former Chicago captain missed the past two seasons for health reasons related to Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and long COVID-19.
WORDS: 536 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 9:41 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d3f1745f7ac6ed36e6fef74aeb5d997d&mediaType=text
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TEN--WUHAN OPEN
Swiatek stunned by Paolini at Wuhan Open. Sabalenka, Gauff advance to semifinals
SUMMARY: Iga Swiatek has been knocked out of the Wuhan Open after losing in straight sets to Jasmine Paolini. On Friday, Paolini defeated the second-ranked Swiatek 6-1, 6-2 in just 65 minutes. This marks Paolini’s first victory over Swiatek in their seven encounters, securing her a semifinal spot against Coco Gauff. Paolini has beaten Gauff in their last three meetings. Gauff reached the semifinals with a 6-3, 6-0 win over Laura Siegemund. Aryna Sabalenka will face Jessica Pegula in the other semifinal. Sabalenka extended her Wuhan winning streak to 20 matches with a victory over Elena Rybakina.
WORDS: 327 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 9:28 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:349c39c5ac2433dcab03855abb5dbf7e&mediaType=text
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US--PAUL PIERCE ARREST
Ex-Celtics star Paul Pierce found asleep in car, arrested on suspicion of DUI
SUMMARY: Former NBA player Paul Pierce has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence on a Los Angeles highway after he was found asleep behind the wheel. California state police arrested Pierce on Tuesday night after responding to an unrelated car crash on U.S. Highway 101. They saw a Range Rover SUV stopped in the road south of the crash and found Pierce asleep at the wheel. Officers conducted a DUI investigation and arrested him on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. Pierce did not immediately respond to an Instagram message for comment.
WORDS: 244 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 9:27 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5ffeb761f0e8c8fc1f26e6e5c016bd48&mediaType=text
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FBC--TRADITION GLIMPSE-HOWARD’S ROCK
Clemson’s Howard’s Rock, ‘Play Like a Champion Today’ signs among beloved totems in college football
SUMMARY: NFL Pro Bowl player Hunter Renfrow says few experiences compare to Clemson’s tradition of touching Howard’s Rock. Before each home game, players touch the rock and run down a hill into Memorial Stadium with 80,000 fans cheering them on. The tradition began in 1966. Renfrow says the ritual embodies sacrifice and team spirit. The rock is a literal totem, one of the most well-known across college football along with the likes of the “Play Like a Champion Today” signs at Oklahoma and Notre Dame and the M Club banner at Michigan.
WORDS: 881 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 9:10 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8f9a470d6dedea4cd209d95dd10a2f8d&mediaType=text
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FBN--STEELERS-TJ’S PROTEGE
Steelers LB Nick Herbig is morphing from TJ Watt’s protégé into a star in his own right
SUMMARY: Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig is stepping out of the considerable shadow cast by mentor T.J. Watt. Herbig has 2 1/2 sacks and an interception over Pittsburgh’s last three games while filling in for the injured Alex Highsmith. While Highsmith is expected to return for a Week 6 matchup with Cleveland, Herbig has been so productive he will continue to be a regular in the lineup. At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Herbig is undersized for an edge rusher by today’s NFL standards. The third-year pro says he’s used to defying expectations, saying he learned the hard way while growing up the youngest of three brothers.
WORDS: 988 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 8:38 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c83484d0ec20b894aa1bbfa14482feb0&mediaType=text
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SOC--IBRAHIMOVIC’S LESSONS
Zlatan Ibrahimovic explains how Fabio Capello taught him to demand respect and become a superstar
SUMMARY: When Zlatan Ibrahimovic walked into a Serie A locker room for the first time at age 22 and saw the likes of Alessandro Del Piero, David Trezeguet and Gianluigi Buffon staring at him he acknowledges that it felt like a “fantasy world.” The retired Sweden superstar credits the Italian league with shaping him into one of the world’s top strikers during an entertaining on-stage discussion at the European Football Clubs assembly. He says coach Fabio Capello taught him to demand respect and that if he started his career all over again today he would be a billionaire instead of a millionaire.
WORDS: 879 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 8:25 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d9a1b64aa9bae520c5a9a2327be7ab1c&mediaType=text
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BKC--OBIT-SISTER JEAN
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, Loyola Chicago’s beloved chaplain, dies at 106
SUMMARY: Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the beloved chaplain for Loyola Chicago’s men’s basketball team, has died at 106. The university announced her death on Thursday night. She became an international celebrity during the team’s 2018 Final Four run and there was even a bobblehead of her likeness. Health issues led her to step down in August, but she remained an adviser. Loyola President Mark C. Reed praised her as a source of wisdom and grace for over 60 years. Sister Jean published a memoir in 2023 sharing life lessons.
WORDS: 1182 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 7:15 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c62b012d44463744202ddc20fcdd2bf6&mediaType=text
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BBO--DODGERS ADVANCE
Dodgers rolling in defense of World Series title after closing out Phillies to reach NLCS
SUMMARY: The Los Angeles Dodgers are on track to become the first repeat World Series champions in 25 years. Their success comes from superb starting pitching, a strong bullpen and solid defense. On Thursday night, they celebrated a wild 2-1, 11-inning victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, winning the NL Division Series 3-1. They’ll face either the Milwaukee Brewers or the Chicago Cubs in the NL Championship Series starting Monday. The Dodgers have won five of their first six postseason games. However, Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman need to improve their hitting as they advance to the next round.
WORDS: 516 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a79f493961b09104e789584200a3558c&mediaType=text
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BBO--NLDS-CUBS-HAPP
Ian Happ’s homer sets the tone for the Cubs in a playoff victory against the Brewers
SUMMARY: With one big swing, Ian Happ sent a charge through an electric crowd of 41,770 at Wrigley Field. After a rough start to the playoffs, it was a pretty sweet moment for the longest-tenured player with the Chicago Cubs. Happ connected for a three-run homer in the first inning, sending Chicago to a 6-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers that pushed their NL Division Series to a decisive Game 5. Nico Hoerner singled and Kyle Tucker walked ahead of Happ’s two-out drive to right on a 1-1 fastball from Freddy Peralta. Chicago became the first team in major league history with a first-inning homer in four straight games during one postseason.
WORDS: 490 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 2:34 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c8998ee7268dc10c9bb20029b3036b26&mediaType=text
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BBO--NLDS-PHILLIES-KERKERING
Orion Kerkering’s wild throw ends Phillies’ season in their latest playoff disappointment
SUMMARY: Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Orion Kerkering received support from his teammates after a costly error led to their elimination from the NL Division Series. Kerkering made a wild throw past home plate, allowing the Los Angeles Dodgers to secure a 2-1 victory in 11 innings and win the best-of-five series 3-1. Phillies players reassured Kerkering, emphasizing the loss wasn’t solely his responsibility. Philadelphia, with 96 wins this season, could lose Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto and Ranger Suárez as free agents this offseason.
WORDS: 881 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 2:01 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1e7766b764eaa185c30409dc35088583&mediaType=text
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MOVING TOMORROW
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—NLDS-Cubs-Brewers
—Israel-Norway World Cup qualifier
—SOC--WCup-Asian Qualifying
—College football
