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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BKC--MINNESOTA-MEDVED’S ROOTS
DESCRIPTION: 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. 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/31/2025 11:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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FBC--TRADITION GLIMPSE-VIRGINIA TECH-ENTER SANDMAN
DESCRIPTION: Virginia Tech has spent a quarter-century taking the field at Lane Stadium to Metallica song “Enter Sandman.” The tradition began for the 2000 season, coming as the school was looking for a pregame intro song as it added a new scoreboard. By Aaron Beard. Upcoming: 900 words and photos by 3 p.m.
UPCOMING: By 10/31/2025 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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CAR--NASCAR-PHOENIX PREVIEW
DESCRIPTION: AVONDALE, Ariz. -- A look at the four drivers headed into NASCAR’s championship finale, which pits Denny Hamlin against Chase Briscoe, William Byron and Kyle Larson. Hamlin and Briscoe drive for Joe Gibbs Racing, while Byron and Larson drive for Hendrick Motorsports. Larson is the only former champion in the group.
UPCOMING: By 10/31/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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FBN--DOLPHINS-ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTION: The 2025 season hasn’t quite gone the way the Miami Dolphins would have hoped. But they hope the lessons they’ve learned through the first half of the season will help jumpstart a run the rest of the way. By Alanis Thames. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos by 6 p.m.
UPCOMING: By 10/31/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-TRADE DEADLINE
DESCRIPTION: NFL teams looking to bolster their playoff hopes for a run at the Super Bowl have until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday to make a trade. Of course, it takes two to make a deal. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.
UPCOMING: By 10/31/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text
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RAC--BREEDERS’ CUP-JUVENILE
DESCRIPTION: DEL MAR, Calif. — Trainers Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher have won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile a combined nine times. They’ll saddle the top two wagering choices for the $2 million race at Del Mar. Pletcher has 4-5 favorite Ted Noffey, while Baffert sends out 5-2 second choice Brant. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos. Post time 7:45 p.m. ET.
UPCOMING: By 10/31/2025 7:45 p.m. EDT, Text
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GLF--LPGA MALAYSIA
DESCRIPTION: First-round play from the Maybank Championship, the fourth tournament in five weeks on the LPGA’s Asian swing.
UPCOMING: By 10/31/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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FBC--LSU-ATHLETIC DIRECTOR RESIGNS
LSU athletic director Scott Woodward ousted, 4 days after the firing of football coach Brian Kelly
SUMMARY: LSU athletic director Scott Woodward has resigned under pressure from the post he’s held for six years. His departure on Thursday night came four days after the firing of football coach Brian Kelly and a day after Republican Gov. Jeff Landry said Woodward would not hire Kelly’s replacement. Woodward is a Baton Rouge native and LSU graduate. He was hired as athletic director at his alma mater in April 2019. Since then, LSU has won two national championships in baseball and one each in football, women’s basketball and gymnastics.
WORDS: 819 - MOVED: 10/31/2025 12:42 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:081f93b17482cb1ee1d0fea93d88d251&mediaType=text
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FBN--RAVENS-DOLPHINS
Lamar Jackson torches Miami with 4 TD passes in return from injury and Ravens rout Dolphins 28-6
SUMMARY: Lamar Jackson threw for 204 yards and four touchdowns, showing little rust in his return from a right hamstring strain, and the Baltimore Ravens routed the Miami Dolphins 28-6. Jackson completed 18 of 23 passes in his first start since Week 4 against Kansas City, and the Ravens won their second straight as they hope to make a run in the wide-open AFC North. Tight end Mark Andrews made two touchdown catches. Jackson’s other TD passes went to tight end Charlie Kolar and receiver Rashod Bateman. Derrick Henry rushed 119 yards on 19 carries. The Dolphins were undone by a slew of mistakes in the first half.
WORDS: 843 - MOVED: 10/31/2025 12:37 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ed376362bb76af13c9b0d933d925de1d&mediaType=text
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BKN--HEAT-SPURS
Wembanyama leads Spurs to their first 5-0 start with 27 points and 18 rebounds in win over the Heat
SUMMARY: Victor Wembanyama had 27 points, 18 rebounds, six assists and five blocked shots, and the San Antonio Spurs improved to 5-0 for the first time in franchise history by beating the Miami Heat 107-101 on Thursday night. San Antonio won four straight to open a season on three previous occasions, most recently 2017. The Spurs, Heat and Sacramento Kings were the only franchises not to open a season 5-0. Miami was unable to prevent San Antonio from exiting that club despite a dogged effort. Bam Adebayo had 31 points, 10 rebounds and three assists for the Heat in a battle of All-Star centers.
WORDS: 320 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 11:36 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6b4e8c8d05d559fba92e2b5bd9ecbc10&mediaType=text
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BBO--WORLD SERIES-DODGERS-OHTANI
Shohei Ohtani could be used as an opener or even as an outfielder in Game 7
SUMMARY: Dodgers manager Dave Roberts will consider using Shohei Ohtani as an opener or outfielder in Game 7 if the World Series against Toronto goes the distance. Ohtani threw 93 pitches in Wednesday’s Game 4 loss and might be available as a reliever this weekend. If he enters as a reliever after starting as a designated hitter, the Dodgers would lose their DH, and he would have to play a position to stay in the game. Roberts plans to discuss options with Ohtani. Ohtani has never pitched in relief in Major League Baseball but did so in Japan.
WORDS: 419 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 10:17 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2b4e71d803d59b7c99b2aaf85d1d1e34&mediaType=text
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BKL--WNBA-CBA
WNBA and players union agree to 30-day extension for CBA negotiations, AP source says
SUMMARY: A person with knowledge of the decision says the WNBA and players union have agreed to a 30-day extension to continue negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. The league offered on Tuesday to push back the deadline and on Thursday the union accepted, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no official announcement has been made. The current CBA was set to expire on Friday and tensions have been rising in recent weeks as the sides try to work toward a new deal.
WORDS: 366 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 9:06 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2631570587fa865606bc4b0d9dd4cdf4&mediaType=text
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BBO--WORLD SERIES
Foot note in the outfield: Toronto’s Davis Schneider skips shoes a day before playing for title
SUMMARY: Toronto’s Davis Schneider has a unique ritual. On Thursday, he walked barefoot around Rogers Centre before the World Series resumed against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Blue Jays arrived early after a red-eye flight from Los Angeles, where they won 6-1 Wednesday to take a three games to two lead in matchup and move within one victory of their first time since 1993. Aiming for the first back-to-back titles since the 1998-2000 Yankees, the Dodgers will start Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is coming off the first World Series complete game in a decade. The Blue Jays will counter with Kevin Gausman.
WORDS: 876 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 8:14 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1dd45ad0a5b9ab30de37a9d189e28e44&mediaType=text
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CAR--NASCAR-PHOENIX-HAMLIN
Denny Hamlin races for his dying father’s last chance to see him win a NASCAR championship
SUMMARY: Denny Hamlin is chasing his first NASCAR championship at Phoenix Raceway. Despite 60 career wins and three Daytona 500 victories, he’s known as the greatest driver never to win the Cup. His father, Dennis, who sacrificed much to support his son’s career, is too ill to attend. Hamlin sees this as his last chance for his dad to witness a championship win. He’s racing against Chase Briscoe, Kyle Larson, and William Byron. Hamlin has faced setbacks in previous championship attempts but remains hopeful. If he wins, he plans to celebrate with his father, fulfilling a long-held dream.
WORDS: 1152 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 7:28 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:144c85d10eae9fd48c208bbc8759ef77&mediaType=text
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BKN--BUCKS-ANTETOKOUNMPO
Antetokounmpo ruled out for Bucks’ Thursday night game against Warriors
SUMMARY: Giannis Antetokounmpo is missing his first game of the season as the Milwaukee Bucks face the Golden State Warriors. The two-time MVP was listed as probable in the Bucks’ Thursday afternoon injury report because of left knee soreness. But the Bucks announced about an hour before the opening tip that he wouldn’t be available. Antetokounmpo has averaged 36.3 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists through the Bucks’ first four games of the season. He entered Thursday night’s action ranked second in the league in scoring and rebounding.
WORDS: 157 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 7:20 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:51c627ccccb31cd55cf2a71869eabf8a&mediaType=text
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BKN--THUNDER-TOPIC
Thunder guard Nikola Topic diagnosed with testicular cancer and undergoing chemotherapy
SUMMARY: Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic has been diagnosed with testicular cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. Sam Presti, the team’s general manager, announced this on Thursday. Topic, a first-round pick in 2024, had a testicular procedure earlier in the month and was expected to be out for at least four weeks. Presti said doctors are “extremely positive” about his long-term outlook. Topic has been working out throughout the process and didn’t want the diagnosis revealed until after he started treatment. He missed the entire 2024-2025 season due to a torn ACL but played in summer league this year.
WORDS: 303 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 7:14 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0326c0455cb2f3599cbf37b1880f3a1f&mediaType=text
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BBO--WORLD SERIES-SPRINGER
Injured George Springer on track to play in Game 6 for Blue Jays, manager says
SUMMARY: Blue Jays manager John Schneider says injured designated hitter George Springer is on track to play in Game 6 of the World Series. Schneider says Springer was actually close to playing in Game 5 on Wednesday night. Springer strained muscles on his right side while taking a swing in Game 3. The 36-year-old slugger immediately left the game after the swing. Schneider said Thursday that Springer had “kind of checked every box physically so far” and is in position to play in the potential clincher against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night.
WORDS: 433 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 6:37 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:59e7f6cf9ecde9e784d3565da6f14657&mediaType=text
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BBO--GIANTS-VITELLO
Tony Vitello takes daunting step from college ranks to MLB dugout as Giants manager
SUMMARY: New San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello seems unfazed by the pressure of his jump from the college ranks at Tennessee to the big leagues. Vitello was hired as the Giants’ manager with no professional playing or coaching experience, and the team introduced him on Thursday. He plans to get into spring training drills alongside his players, throwing batting practice or hitting fungoes in an effort to help improve some fundamentals. And he intends to lean on the veterans who have been doing it for decades.
WORDS: 896 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 5:34 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:19cb2c1d3712b5f4641a2392a503a196&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 4:34 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c1d9b1045e15e434b75102586d17df6a&mediaType=text
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BBO--NATIONALS-BUTERA
Nationals finalizing hire of 33-year-old Blake Butera as manager, AP source says
SUMMARY: A person with knowledge of the situation says the Washington Nationals are finalizing a deal to hire 33-year-old Blake Butera as manager. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday on condition of anonymity because nothing had been announced. The Nationals fired Dave Martinez in July, and Miguel Cairo took over on an interim basis. Washington has had six straight losing seasons since Martinez managed them to the 2019 World Series title. The Nationals went 66-96 this year.
WORDS: 433 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 3:50 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:89b01bf760836b6b87f274ef073f9673&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: 548 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 3:43 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e20fa3696abf1cc56b74babb02d621e4&mediaType=text
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FBC--CENTRAL MICHIGAN-PENALTIES
Former Central Michigan staff members receive punishments for their roles in sign-stealing scandal
SUMMARY: Former Central Michigan coach Jim McElwain and three of his former staff members face coaching restrictions and potential suspensions after agreeing to the punishments following an NCAA investigation into their role in an alleged sign-stealing scandal. The accused sign-steal, former Michigan staff member Connor Stalions, appeared in coaching gear on the Chippewas sideline for a 2023 game against Michigan State. The NCAA found one assistant coach, Jake Kostner, requested the coaching gear and a sideline pass without going through the normal processes. Kostner and Stalions had a preexisting friendship, the NCAA found. The Chippewas also were fined $30,000 plus 1% of the football budget.
WORDS: 744 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 3:37 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:631af0ac0ac0148eccc09a5797ee61cb&mediaType=text
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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: 423 - MOVED: 10/30/2025 3:23 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b4be7fa7aec651fccb1a258c1e34c5aa&mediaType=text
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