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; graphics, ext. 7636.
——————————
UPCOMING
——————————
FBN--INSIDE THE NUMBERS
DESCRIPTION: The Kansas City Chiefs are scoring more points than at this point last season, allowing fewer and have improved their turnover margin. Those are usually ingredients for success but that’s not the case for the three-time defending AFC champions, who have four fewer wins compared to this point last season and are currently outside of playoff position. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 1100 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 11/19/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text
___
FBC--T25-WHAT TO WATCH
DESCRIPTION: Two matchups of Associated Press Top 25 teams will have College Football Playoff implications Saturday and a bevy of other games will impact conference races. By College Football Writer Eric Olson. 900 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 11/19/2025 8:10 a.m. EST, Text, Photo
___
FBN--CHIEFS-SIMMONS
DESCRIPTION: KANSAS CITY, Mo. — First-round draft pick Josh Simmons speaks for the first time since his sudden departure from the Kansas City Chiefs due to family reasons. By Dave Skretta. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos from 11:45 a.m. CT availability.
UPCOMING: By 11/19/2025 11:11 a.m. EST, Text
___
FBC--T25-COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS
DESCRIPTION: AP College Football Writer Eric Olson makes his picks for Week 13 games involving Top 25 teams. By College Football Writer Eric Olson. 1,000 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 11/19/2025 1:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
___
FBC--T25-NOTRE DAME-THE LOVE CAMPAIGN
DESCRIPTION: SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love just keeps running hard, trying to keep the ninth-ranked Fighting Irish in contention for a second straight playoff spot. And while he appreciates being part of the Heisman Trophy discussion, all he really wants to do is keep winning. UPCOMING: 600 words, with photos by 2 p.m. ET.
UPCOMING: By 11/19/2025 2:00 p.m. EST, Text
___
GLF--LPGA TOUR
DESCRIPTION: NAPLES, Fla. -- LPGA Tour Commissioner Craig Kessler announces the 2026 schedule aimed at a better flow, new courses and one new partner in Golf Saudi. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Developing from 11 a.m. announcement.
UPCOMING: By 11/19/2025 2:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
___
FBC--VIRGINIA TECH-FRANKLIN
DESCRIPTION: Virginia Tech holds a news conference Wednesday to formally introduce James Franklin as its new football coach. By Mitchell Northam. UPCOMING: 500 words by 3 p.m.
UPCOMING: By 11/19/2025 3:00 p.m. EST, Text
___
HKW--PWHL-SIRENS
DESCRIPTION: Adding first-round draft picks in forwards Kristýna Kaltounková and Casey O’Brien to a roster already featuring Sarah Fillier gives New York Sirens coach Greg Fargo a belief the franchise is ready to turn the corner. The Sirens have finished last in the standings in each of the PWHL’s first two years in preparing to open Season 3 at Ottawa on Saturday. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. UPCOMING: 550 words, photos by 4 p.m. EST.
UPCOMING: By 11/19/2025 4:00 p.m. EST, Text
___
GLF--LPGA TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP
DESCRIPTION: NAPLES, Fla. -- Sixty players are gathered for the LPGA Tour’s season finale with one of them picking up $4 million on Sunday, more money than any player has made this year. Also at stake is LPGA player of the year between Jeeno Thitikul and Miyu Yamashita. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 700 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 11/19/2025 4:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
___
US--GOLF COURSE WATER
DESCRIPTION: The battle over watering a world-class Maui golf course notched up this week as environmentalists called for a Hawaii commission to stop allowing drinking water to irrigate the greens. Earlier this year, the PGA Tour pulled out of its season opener at Kapalua Resort, set for January, due to drought and a separate water dispute. The tensions over golf turf maintenance at the Plantation course, which has hosted the PGA’s season opener nearly every year for more than a quarter-century, highlight complicated water problems in west Maui, where a deadly 2023 wildfire ravaged the historic town of Lahaina.
UPCOMING: By 11/19/2025 4:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
___
BKC--IMPACT FRESHMAN
DESCRIPTION: The recent trend in college basketball has been to build rosters through the transfer portal with veteran players who already know the college game. A deep, uber-talented class of freshmen has upended that thinking this season. By Basketball Writer John Marshall. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos by 3 p.m. MT.
UPCOMING: By 11/19/2025 5:00 p.m. EST, Text
___
CAR--F1-LAS VEGAS
DESCRIPTION: LAS VeGAS -- Formula 1’s championship race heads to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Lando Norris of McLaren on top of the points standings trying to hold off both his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and four-time world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull. By AP Auto Racing Writer Jenna Fryer.
UPCOMING: By 11/19/2025 10:00 p.m. EST, Text
——————————
NEW AND DEVELOPING
——————————
SOC--WCUP-CONCACAF QUALIFYING
Curaçao makes history as smallest nation by population to qualify for a World Cup
SUMMARY: Curaçao has made history by becoming the smallest nation by population to qualify for a World Cup. On Tuesday, it secured a 0-0 draw with Jamaica, finishing atop Group B with 12 points. The achievement comes despite the absence of their coach, Dick Advocaat, who returned to the Netherlands for family reasons. Curaçao has a population of 156,115. Panama and Haiti also booked their spots. Panama defeated El Salvador 3-0, while Haiti won 2-0 against Nicaragua.
WORDS: 470 - MOVED: 11/19/2025 12:59 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ad26383b6c7276479d2a309a7970a5cb&mediaType=text
___
BKC--T25-KANSAS-PETERSON INJURY
Kansas star freshman Darryn Peterson to have his hamstring injury re-evaluated
SUMMARY: Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson has missed a third consecutive game because of what coach Bill Self called hamstring tightness. Self does not expect the injury to be long term but also is not sure if Peterson will be available next week at the Players Era tournament in Las Vegas. The 24th-ranked Jayhawks could not keep up with No. 5 Duke in a 78-66 loss Tuesday night in the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden. Self said they are a “makeshift team” right now. Peterson is the nation’s top recruit and could be the top pick in the NBA draft next year.
WORDS: 383 - MOVED: 11/19/2025 12:27 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7cca9c3a7f82dd59c2fc8dbdfd8eba46&mediaType=text
___
BBO--ORIOLES-ANGELS TRADE
Orioles trade pitcher Grayson Rodriguez to the Angels for power-hitting outfielder Taylor Ward
SUMMARY: The Baltimore Orioles have acquired outfielder Taylor Ward from the Los Angeles Angels for right-hander Grayson Rodriguez in one of the first big moves of baseball’s offseason. The 31-year-old Ward hit a career-high 36 home runs this past season, and he’ll join an Orioles team hoping to rebound after falling to last place in the AL East. To get him, Baltimore gave up the oft-injured Rodriguez, who was considered a potential ace for the Orioles but missed the entire 2025 season with elbow and lat problems. The 26-year-old Rodriguez is 20-8 with a 4.11 ERA in 43 big league starts.
WORDS: 437 - MOVED: 11/19/2025 12:20 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:309a6105369d1089b3b09c42b7b3eafd&mediaType=text
___
BKC--T25-KANSAS-DUKE
Cameron Boozer scores 18 points as No. 5 Duke outlasts No. 24 Kansas 78-66
SUMMARY: Cameron Boozer had 18 points and 10 rebounds, twin brother Cayden made a couple of big second-half baskets and fifth-ranked Duke outlasted No. 24 Kansas, defeating the undermanned Jayhawks 78-66 in the annual Champions Classic. The Jayhawks were still without their best player, freshman Darryn Peterson, the nation’s top recruit and potentially the top pick in next year’s NBA draft, because of a lingering hamstring injury. Peterson has missed three consecutive games since hurting himself during a shootaround.
WORDS: 361 - MOVED: 11/18/2025 11:27 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2ea4d53215097c23c5419853674901c2&mediaType=text
___
BKN--LAKERS-JAMES
LeBron James begins his record 23rd NBA season in Lakers’ starting lineup against Jazz
SUMMARY: LeBron James has begun his unprecedented 23rd NBA season Tuesday night in the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers against Utah. James has been sidelined since the start of training camp by sciatica, keeping him out of the preseason and the Lakers’ first 14 games of the regular season. James, who had never before missed a season opener, returned to contact basketball activity last week before participating in practice Monday. After James performed to his satisfaction in a pregame workout, the Lakers confirmed he would play about an hour before they hosted the Jazz at their downtown arena.
WORDS: 630 - MOVED: 11/18/2025 11:11 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2436bf0de1c85bfe46181fe27aceeb5d&mediaType=text
___
FBC--CFP RANKINGS
Georgia jumps, Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M stay 1-2-3, and what is going on with Miami?
SUMMARY: Georgia nabbed the fourth and final projected first-round bye in the College Football Playoff rankings, while undefeated Ohio State, Indiana and Texas A&M held onto the top three positions. The Bulldogs rose one spot thanks to Alabama’s loss to Oklahoma over the weekend — a result that dropped the Crimson Tide six spots to No. 10 and lifted Oklahoma three notches to eighth. The top four teams in the rankings released Dec. 7 will receive first-round byes in this season’s playoff, which starts Dec. 19 and concludes with the title game a month later.
WORDS: 887 - MOVED: 11/18/2025 10:38 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fcb04468c5b072572d05e1d1c296e9a2&mediaType=text
___
BKC--T25-MICHIGAN STATE-3-POINT BARRAGE
No. 17 Michigan State gets an unexpected 3-point barrage to beat No. 12 Kentucky
SUMMARY: Michigan State’s breakout 3-point-shooting performance was so surprising to Tom Izzo that the Hall of Fame coach wondered aloud if the Spartans made more while beating Kentucky than in their first three games of the season combined. It was close. No. 17 Michigan State shot 11 of 22 from beyond the arc to defeat the 12th-ranked Wildcats 83-66 in the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden. Izzo’s team entered the night with the fourth-worst 3-point shooting percentage in the country.
WORDS: 613 - MOVED: 11/18/2025 10:19 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:07eaa59798e8eb0c3df0ee4e9ea124cf&mediaType=text
___
SOC--TRUMP-SAUDI ARABIA-RONALDO
Soccer superstar Ronaldo joins Saudi crown prince during a White House visit
SUMMARY: Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was at the White House on Tuesday as President Donald Trump hosted a glitzy dinner to honor Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The soccer star was seated near the front of the East Room, not far from where the president and crown prince gave remarks. Trump, in his speech, made a point of recognizing Ronaldo, whom he introduced to his teenage son. Ronaldo, who hasn’t made a high-profile U.S. appearance in over a decade, recently signed a lucrative contract extension with Saudi club Al-Nassr. He is also set to play in a record sixth World Cup next year.
WORDS: 546 - MOVED: 11/18/2025 8:38 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7e9fff8c6ae0d0f33662398c372bb966&mediaType=text
___
BKL--WNBA-CBA
WNBA’s latest CBA proposal would put max salary over $1.1M with revenue sharing, AP source says
SUMMARY: The WNBA’s latest collective bargaining proposal would include revenue sharing with a maximum salary of more than $1.1 million available to more than one player per team growing each year, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. WNBA officials updated the board on the latest proposal at meetings this week. The new league minimum would be more than $220,000 with an average of more than $460,000. Those numbers would start in the first year of the deal for more than 180 players and increase over the length of the CBA.
WORDS: 306 - MOVED: 11/18/2025 7:47 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:499cb4d9d7723c185bf056e71e3755de&mediaType=text
___
SOC--WCUP-EUROPEAN QUALIFYING ROUNDUP
Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Scotland and Austria secure automatic World Cup spots
SUMMARY: European qualifying for the 2026 World Cup has concluded with Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Scotland and Austria securing the region’s remaining automatic spots. Spain was held to a 2-2 home draw with Turkey but took first place in Group E and equaled Italy’s 31-match unbeaten streak in competitive matches. Italy’s record came between 2018 and 2021. Scotland beat 10-man Denmark 4-2 in Group C, with Scott McTominay scoring a superb bicycle kick goal three minutes into the match. A 1-1 home draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina was enough for Austria in Group H, while Belgium routed Liechtenstein 7-0 in Group J.
WORDS: 809 - MOVED: 11/18/2025 7:18 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:99f20895c365ae4cc38ce237b80f1313&mediaType=text
___
HKW--PWHL-CHARGE FUTURE
PWHL considers options including relocating Ottawa Charge over plans to cut seating capacity
SUMMARY: The Professional Women’s Hockey League is exploring options including the possibility of relocating the Ottawa Charge following the city’s plan to reduce the team’s current home’s seating capacity by about 2,000 during a renovation. Speaking on a Zoom call with reporters, league executive Amy Scheer said the only option not on the table is the Charge playing at the renovated facility. She accused city officials of blindsiding the league by refusing to give it a seat at the table before making its plans public. At issue are plans to reduce the arena’s capacity from 8,500 to 6,600 for a project that is expected to break ground this year and run through 2033.
WORDS: 756 - MOVED: 11/18/2025 5:30 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:036411bffc858046e456cfe472725d2d&mediaType=text
___
FBC--BIG TEN-PRIVATE INVESTOR
Big Ten denies Michigan regent’s claim of coercion over $2.4 billion investment plan
SUMMARY: The Big Ten Conference has denied claims by a University of Michigan regent that Commissioner Tony Petitti threatened the school over a $2.4 billion investment plan. Mark Bernstein, Michigan’s board chairman, accused Petitti of trying to “strong-arm” the university. The Big Ten stated that no school is being forced to support the plan, which aims to bring private investment into the league. Discussions began last year, and the plan involves UC Investments providing funds in exchange for a share of media rights. Some schools, including Michigan and Southern California, oppose the deal. Concerns include governance and the impact on tax-exempt status.
WORDS: 995 - MOVED: 11/18/2025 5:05 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1a9307e73503ae4f8a6117eb6db77193&mediaType=text
___
FBC--ACC-BUILDING THE BRAND
Commissioner Jim Phillips says ACC freed to focus on future with legal fight resolved
SUMMARY: Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner Jim Phillips says the league has been freed to focus on the future after resolving legal fights with two member schools earlier this year. The settlement with Clemson and Florida State came in March. That deal included a new revenue-distribution model that factors in TV viewership into payouts to league members. In an interview with The Associated Press, Phillips called the months since the settlement a “welcomed period” that “allowed us to get back to work” on league priorities amid the changing landscape of college athletics.
WORDS: 1169 - MOVED: 11/18/2025 4:30 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:93e9187b487c2d4089fd6526a1f240b5&mediaType=text
___
TEN--DAVIS CUP FINALS-ALCARAZ
Alcaraz withdraws from Davis Cup Finals because of hamstring injury
SUMMARY: Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Davis Cup Finals in Italy because of a right hamstring injury. The top-ranked Alcaraz made the announcement on X. He says he made the decision with a “heavy heart” after a recommendation by doctors. He was hurt during last week’s ATP Finals and was diagnosed with muscle overload and swelling of his right hamstring. Alcaraz was set to lead Spain against the No. 4-seeded Czech Republic in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
WORDS: 411 - MOVED: 11/18/2025 4:27 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7f8701686a2963fe8a96a663b340dd98&mediaType=text
___
FBN--GIANTS-SKATTEBO
Injured Giants running back Cam Skattebo defends his WWE ‘Monday Night Raw’ appearance
SUMMARY: Cam Skattebo has not played for the New York Giants since undergoing season-ending surgery in late October, but the rookie running back still has his teammates and plenty of others talking. Skattebo went viral for shoving a wrestler during a skit at the WWE “Monday Night Raw” event at Madison Square Garden. He defended himself on social media against criticism, and Giants players who spoke to reporters Tuesday had his back. Skattebo is recovering from a broken right fibula and dislocated right ankle.
WORDS: 613 - MOVED: 11/18/2025 3:12 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:45cf6986047cc267e92825d805951694&mediaType=text
___
FBN--ON FOOTBALL-TUESDAY TAKEAWAYS
Bryce Young has the Panthers in the playoff chase a year after getting benched
SUMMARY: When Bryce Young was benched after two games last year, people questioned whether he needed a fresh start on another team. Young is still in Carolina and has the Panthers in the playoff chase. The third-year quarterback threw for a franchise-record 448 yards and three touchdowns against the NFL’s No. 1 pass defense to lead the Panthers to a 30-27 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Carolina (6-5) trails the Tampa Buccaneers (6-4) by a half-game in the NFC South, and the two teams will meet twice in the final three weeks. Both have tough road games in Week 12.
WORDS: 853 - MOVED: 11/18/2025 2:35 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9582d27e74491191e22e3e09f25f20ad&mediaType=text
___
FBN--STEELERS-QUARTERBACKS
Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers and his broken wrist could still play against the Bears
SUMMARY: Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his fractured left wrist could still play when the Steelers visit Chicago. Coach Mike Tomlin says the team will evaluate Rodgers’ availability later in the week and that the key to Rodgers’ potential return will be whether he can play safely with a brace protecting the wrist. Mason Rudolph, who filled in capably in the second half of the Steelers’ win over Cincinnati, would start for AFC North-leading Pittsburgh when it faces the NFC North-leading Bears if Rodgers cannot. The 41-year-old Rodgers, the oldest active player in the league, clutched the wrist when he was hit following a heave to the end zone.
WORDS: 899 - MOVED: 11/18/2025 2:11 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fa023d968d17bacd1475972c6649e540&mediaType=text
___
FBC--T25-TEXAS A&M-REED
Marcel Reed’s leadership and talent propel No. 3 Texas A&M to 1st 10-0 start since 1992
SUMMARY: Marcel Reed has emerged as one of the country’s top quarterbacks in leading No. 3 Texas A&M to a 10-0 start. He began his football journey as a running back but quickly transitioned to quarterback, where he has excelled. Reed’s leadership and rapport with teammates have been key and his offseason focus on improving his passing skills has paid off. As a Heisman Trophy contender, he’s focused on helping Texas A&M chase its first national title since 1939 while setting an example for future players.
WORDS: 1407 - MOVED: 11/18/2025 1:51 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e803043b120b6a26beb4f4f1415f9d82&mediaType=text
___
