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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FBN--VIKINGS-LIONS PREVIEW
DESCRIPTION: DETROIT — The Detroit Lions are rested, coming off a bye week, and their short-handed defense may have some help on the way before the Minnesota Vikings visit Ford Ford on Sunday. By Larry Lage. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/30/2025 2:18 p.m. EDT, Text
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BKW--T25-VANDERBILT-BLAKES
DESCRIPTION: NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Mikayla Blakes knows she won’t slip quietly into her second season at No. 19 Vanderbilt after her amazing collegiate debut. Blakes says she’s going to help her teammates get open shots. The guard set the NCAA Division I single-game scoring record for a freshman with 55 points 17 days after scoring 53 in another. She became the second Division I player to score 53 or more points in multiple games in a season and first since 1988-89. Vanderbilt’s hopes for a deep NCAA Tournament run start with the scorer who also was the MVP when the U.S. won gold at the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup this summer. By Teresa M. Walker. SENT: 640 words, photos.
SENT: By 10/30/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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FBN--CHIEFS-BILLS PREVIEW
DESCRIPTION: ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs (5-3) have won three straight, while Josh Allen and the Bills (5-2) are searching to find their passing identity. The two prepare to meet in what’s become an annual showdown at Buffalo on Sunday, in a rematch of last year’s AFC championship game won by Kansas City. By John Wawrow. UPCOMING: 800 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/30/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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FBN--PANTHERS-PACKERS PREVIEW
DESCRIPTION: GREEN BAY, Wis. - Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers face a potential trap game as they host the Carolina Panthers a week after beating Aaron Rodgers’ Pittsburgh Steelers and a week before a rematch of their playoff loss to the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. The Packers insist they will remain focused on the here and the now. They believe they learned their lesson when they lost at Cleveland a week before Micah Parsons’ return to Dallas. By Steve Megargee. UPCOMING: 725 words, with photos, expected by 5 p.m.
UPCOMING: By 10/30/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-WITH ROB MAADDI-WEEK 9
DESCRIPTION: Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud discusses the offense’s recent success, his willingness to run more this season and other topics.
UPCOMING: By 10/30/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Audio, Text
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CAR--NASCAR-PHOENIX-HAMLIN
DESCRIPTION: AVONDALE, Ariz. -- Denny Hamlin is considered the greatest NASCAR driver to never win the championship, a moniker he learned to ignore after five or so title heartbreaks over 20 seasons. He’s back in the championship race Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, where for the first time since 2021 he has a shot at finally winning the championship. By AP Auto Racing Writer Jenna Fryer.
UPCOMING: By 10/30/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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HKN--MAMMOTH-FAST START
DESCRIPTION: The Utah Mammoth have been waiting for their rebuilding project to turn the corner. By matching the best start in franchise history, the Mammoth may finally be there. By John Marshall. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/30/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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FBN--SEAHAWKS-COMMANDERS PREVIEW
DESCRIPTION: Banged up in the middle of a brutal stretch in the schedule, the Washington Commanders need something big to happen. It won’t be easy this weekend when they host Seattle. By Noah Trister. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/30/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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TEN--PARIS MASTERS
DESCRIPTION: PARIS — Defending champion Alexander Zverev and second-seeded Jannik Sinner are in third-round action at the Paris Masters. Sinner can reclaim the No. 1 ranking if he wins the tournament. By Jerome Pugmire. UPCOMING.
SENT: UPDATES UPCOMING: By 10/30/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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BKN--WARRIORS-BUCKS
DESCRIPTION: The Golden State Warriors visit the Milwaukee Bucks. 150 words, more on merit.
UPCOMING: By 10/30/2025 10:45 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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FBN--RAVENS-DOLPHINS
DESCRIPTION: MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - Lamar Jackson is expected to return after a hamstring injury sidelined him the past three games when the Baltimore Ravens travel to face the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. By Alanis Thames. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/30/2025 11:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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HKN--AVALANCHE-NECAS
Colorado Avalanche sign Martin Necas to 8-year, $92M contract extension, AP source says
SUMMARY: The Colorado Avalanche have signed Martin Necas to an eight-year contract extension through 2034. A person familiar with the situation tells The Associated Press it is worth $92 million. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Thursday because terms were not disclosed. That means Necas will count $11.5 million against the salary cap annually for the length of the deal starting when it kicks in for the 2026-27 NHL season. That is $500,000 a year less than what Mikko Rantanen signed for with rival Dallas. Colorado traded Rantanen to Carolina, who then sent him to the Stars in separate moves last winter.
WORDS: 301 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 1:43 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b4be7fa7aec651fccb1a258c1e34c5aa&mediaType=text
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BKN--LAKERS SALE
Mark Walter finalizes his purchase of a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers
SUMMARY: Mark Walter is the majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers after the NBA Board of Governors approved his purchase of a controlling stake from the Buss family. The Lakers and the league confirmed the next step Thursday in a transaction that is expected to close shortly. The sale of the NBA’s most valuable franchise was initially announced in June. Jeanie Buss will remain the Lakers’ governor under the deal for at least the next five years, and she will oversee day-to-day operations “for the foreseeable future,” the team said.
WORDS: 371 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 1:02 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e20fa3696abf1cc56b74babb02d621e4&mediaType=text
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FBC--T25-TEXAS-MANNING
Arch Manning is ‘making good progress’ but uncertain to play for No. 20 Texas vs. No. 9 Vanderbilt
SUMMARY: Texas quarterback Arch Manning is making good progress in practice, coach Steve Sarkisian says. However, his status to return from a concussion in time to play against No. 9 Vanderbilt remains uncertain. Manning has been in concussion protocol since being injured in No. 20 Texas’ win over Mississippi State last week. He returned to practice Wednesday but was listed as questionable. If Manning can’t play, backup Matthew Caldwell will start. Manning has passed for 1,795 yards and 15 touchdowns this season.
WORDS: 286 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 12:48 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d877f57355d66485fc919adef47f802c&mediaType=text
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BKL--WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME
Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Cheryl Reeve headline 2026 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame class
SUMMARY: Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne and Cheryl Reeve headline the 2026 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame class that was announced Thursday. Other players getting inducted next spring include international players Isabelle Fijalkowski and Amaya Valdemoro, Kirkwood Community College coach Kim Muhl and Barbara Kennedy-Dixon will also be inducted as well as ESPN announcer Doris Burke.
WORDS: 406 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 12:12 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2a7723b3ac0e5d431126927be04d252b&mediaType=text
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BKC--LAST DANCE OF THE OLD GUARD
As college basketball continues to change, how long will the game’s old guard of coaches press on?
SUMMARY: The landscape of college basketball is changing rapidly with name, image and likeness deals and the transfer portal reshaping teams yearly. Despite this, a group of veteran coaches like Rick Pitino, Rick Barnes and Tom Izzo continue to provide stability. These coaches have been pillars of the game for decades, but their tenure may be nearing its end. Many are in their seventies and facing the pressures of modern college basketball. Some, like Jay Wright and Tony Bennett, have already retired. Yet, the old guard remains influential, with teams like Houston and Tennessee ranked highly in preseason polls.
WORDS: 1074 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 12:01 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c1d9b1045e15e434b75102586d17df6a&mediaType=text
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BBO--TWINS-SHELTON
Twins hire former coach and ex-Pirates skipper Derek Shelton as manager
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Twins have picked former bench coach Derek Shelton as their new manager. Shelton managed the Pittsburgh Pirates for five-plus years. The Twins made a formal announcement on Thursday and scheduled an introductory news conference for Shelton on Tuesday. Shelton had an overall record of 306-440 with the Pirates before he was fired just 40 games into this season. The 55-year-old was the bench coach for the Twins in 2018 and 2019 under two different managers, Paul Molitor and Rocco Baldelli. Shelton never finished higher than fourth place in the NL Central or better than 76-86 with the Pirates.
WORDS: 702 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 11:57 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:805e2032802906b5130b40ae7b7866bb&mediaType=text
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BKW--T25-UCONN’S BID
Depth could be UConn’s calling card as the top-ranked Huskies eye 13th national championship
SUMMARY: UConn’s women’s basketball team is adapting to life without star player Paige Bueckers, who has moved to the pros. Coach Geno Auriemma acknowledges the challenge of filling her void, comparing it to past transitions with players like Breanna Stewart and Diana Taurasi. Despite this, UConn remains strong, returning seven starters and adding top transfers and freshmen. The team is ranked first in The Associated Press Top 25 poll. Auriemma sees potential for new playing styles and depth. Players like Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd are stepping up, bringing excitement and intensity to the team.
WORDS: 693 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 11:24 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1b0a4a3121c09f6cc70656f5ed280b96&mediaType=text
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BBO--WORLD SERIES-OHTANI-JAPAN
From parrots to chemists, the world is captivated by baseball superstar Ohtani
SUMMARY: A lot of Japanese have been glued to their computers or TV sets recently, cheering for Shohei Ohtani in the World Series. Hideyuki Kamimura, who heads a dental clinic in a town north of Tokyo, one of the fans, hasn’t given up. For fans, Ohtani has been just about perfect — delivering home run after home run, pitching great, even stealing, and handsome, as well as having a great personality, like humbly picking up garbage at the games. No wonder Ohtani is popping up in endorsements, seemingly everywhere one turns in Tokyo, from Seiko watches and bottled water to cosmetics.
WORDS: 437 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 9:57 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:587f85eca335380c58eaeb778d8f0879&mediaType=text
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OLY--SAUDI ARABIA-ESPORTS-OLYMPICS
IOC and Saudi Arabia cancel their 12-year deal to host video gaming Esports Olympics in Riyadh
SUMMARY: The IOC and Saudi Arabia have canceled their 12-year deal to host video gaming Esports Olympics in Riyadh. The International Olympic Committee says they “mutually agreed that they will end their cooperation on the Olympic Esports Games.” It is a rare failure for a Saudi-backed sports project that is a key part of the Vision 2030 program driven by crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi Arabia already hosts the Esports World Cup which has shooter games like Call of Duty and Street Fighter that always shaped to be an issue for the IOC to endorse.
WORDS: 493 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 7:02 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dd15c7f78f0442db30fbfd514c271df2&mediaType=text
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BKN--SPURS-UNBEATEN START
Led by Wembanyama, youthful Spurs on verge of setting best start in franchise history
SUMMARY: The San Antonio Spurs can open the season 5-0 for the first time in franchise history. That this storied franchise has never won its first five games is only slightly more surprising than the youthful roster that now has a chance to do so. San Antonio hosts Miami on Thursday after winning its first four games by an average of 16.5 points. Their best start to a season is 4-0, though, which happened four times.
WORDS: 586 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f812bbb12eea5b4425df3a5560f7c6ea&mediaType=text
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FBC--MICHAEL VICK’S LEGACY
Michael Vick sparked protests when he joined the Eagles in ’09. Some fans can’t forgive his cruelty
SUMMARY: Michael Vick’s signing with the Eagles in 2009 sparked outrage among fans due to his dogfighting conviction. Some fans refused to support the team, while others protested outside the stadium. Vick served 18 months in prison and later worked to rehabilitate his image, partnering with animal welfare organizations. He played five seasons with the Eagles and is now head coach at Norfolk State. Some fans have moved on, but others remain upset about his return to Philadelphia for a game against Delaware State. Vick’s story continues to evoke mixed emotions.
WORDS: 1061 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 5:10 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0a2432ba4fa8e927c6e670a593dd0f3a&mediaType=text
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MOVING TOMORROW
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BBO--WORLD SERIES
Coverage of Major League Baseball’s World Series.
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BKC--MINNESOTA-MEDVED’S ROOTS
MINNEAPOLIS — Most college basketball coaches start at the bottom levels of programs and staffs and work their way up, but new Minnesota coach Niko Medved not only coached at three mid-major schools before landing in the Big Ten, but he was actually a student manager for the Gophers 30 years ago during their last heyday — a nostalgic era for Minnesota sports fans that he’s seeking to restore. By Dave Campbell.
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