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--STEELERS-ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTION: PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers need to play a very particular brand of football to win. It was on display in a clinical victory over Miami that offered hope their best football might still be in front of them. By Will Graves. UPCOMING: 900 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 12/16/2025 3:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
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HKN--SABRES-KEKALAINEN
DESCRIPTION: BUFFALO, N.Y. — The task of transforming the Buffalo Sabres into winners now falls on Jarmo Kekalainen, who becomes the team’s sixth general manager during the franchise’s NHL-record 14-season playoff drought. Kekalainen takes over after Kevyn Adams was fired, and has previous experience in spending 11-plus seasons in the same position with the Columbus Blue Jackets. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 12/16/2025 3:00 p.m. EST, Text
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FBC--CFP-MIAMI-BECK
DESCRIPTION: Someone told Carson Beck about an individual stat achievement earlier this season, and the Miami quarterback made clear that he doesn’t care much about that sort of thing. He came to Miami for a shot a national title. The Hurricanes were the last at-large team to get into this season’s College Football Playoff, and the road starts Saturday at Texas A&M. By Tim Reynolds. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 12/16/2025 3:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
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FBC--CFP-BLUE BLOOD COACHES
DESCRIPTION: NORMAN, Okla. — Oklahoma coach Brent Venables and Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer have endured the highs and lows of coaching blue blood programs during their relatively short runs. They face off on Friday in the first round of the College Football Playoff, carrying the weight of their rabid fan bases on their shoulders. By Cliff Brunt. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 12/16/2025 5:00 p.m. EST, Text
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CRI--THE ASHES
DESCRIPTION: With Australia holding a 2-0 lead over England in the five-test Ashes series, the home side needs only a draw at the Adelaide Oval beginning Wednesday to retain the coveted urn.
UPCOMING: By 12/16/2025 6:30 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
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BKN--NBA CUP-SILVER
DESCRIPTION: LAS VEGAS — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver holds his first news conference since the October arrests of Miami guard Terry Rozier and Portland coach Chauncey Billups as part of gambling investigations. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 12/16/2025 9:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
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HKN--OILERS-PENGUINS
DESCRIPTION: PITTSBURGH — Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby square off when Edmonton visits Pittsburgh. The game also marks the return of two-time All-Star goaltender Tristan Jarry to Pittsburgh, which traded him to Edmonton last week. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos. Game starts at 7:30 p.m.
UPCOMING: By 12/16/2025 10:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
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BKN--NBA CUP
DESCRIPTION: LAS VEGAS — The New York Knicks play the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup final. By Mark Anderson. UPCOMING: 450 words, photos, breakouts on merit. Game starts at 8:30 p.m. EST.
UPCOMING: By 12/16/2025 11:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
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BKC--T25-ABILENE CHRISTIAN-ARIZONA
DESCRIPTION: TUCSON, Ariz. — No. 1 Arizona hosts Abilene Christian in a nonconference game. The Wildcats are coming off an impressive 96-75 win over No. 12 Alabama on Saturday. By David Brandt. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos. Game starts at 9 p.m. EST.
UPCOMING: By 12/16/2025 11:30 p.m. EST, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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SOC--WCUP-TICKET PRICES
FIFA slashes price of some World Cup tickets to $60 after global fan backlash
SUMMARY: FIFA slashed the price of some World Cup tickets for teams’ most loyal fans following a global backlash and some will get $60 seats for the final instead of being asked to pay $4,185. FIFA said Tuesday that some $60 tickets will be made available for every game at the tournament in North America, going to the national federations whose teams are playing. Those federations decide how to distribute them to loyal fans who have attended previous games at home and on the road. Fans worldwide reacted with shock and anger last week on seeing FIFA’s ticketing plans that gave participating teams no tickets in the lowest-priced category.
WORDS: 379 - MOVED: 12/16/2025 1:43 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:73e7147a8843d07af08fcc88068dce80&mediaType=text
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FBN--JETS-LAZARD RELEASED
Jets release wide receiver Allen Lazard after nearly 3 disappointing seasons
SUMMARY: Allen Lazard came to the New York Jets with a big contract and high expectations. He’s leaving after almost three disappointing seasons. The Jets released the veteran wide receiver on Tuesday, cutting ties with Lazard after his role diminished significantly this season even as the offense struggled to produce. The 30-year-old Lazard had only 10 catches for 70 yards and a touchdown this season. He signed a four-year contract worth $44 million in 2023 and was expected to be a huge contributor in New York’s offense.
WORDS: 549 - MOVED: 12/16/2025 1:24 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:da9a5ef1b44767450ec8fb7331d328b1&mediaType=text
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SKI--WCUP-WOMEN’S SLALOM
Mikaela Shiffrin leads 1st run of night slalom as rivals falter under the lights
SUMMARY: Mikaela Shiffrin is on course to remain perfect in slalom during the Olympic season after several of her top challengers faltered under the lights during the opening run of a World Cup night race. The American holder of a record 104 World Cup victories stood 0.83 seconds ahead of Swiss skier Camille Rast and 1.16 ahead of German racer Lena Duerr. Shiffrin won the opening three slaloms of the season and has won four straight going back to last season. Lara Colturi, Zrinka Ljutic and Katharina Liensberger each failed to finish and Wendy Holdener crashed in the finish area.
WORDS: 264 - MOVED: 12/16/2025 12:27 p.m. EST. Will be updated.
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:739c9a12be1d642999ae3e624c83b91f&mediaType=text
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FBC--AP COACH OF THE YEAR
Indiana’s Curt Cignetti becomes the first back-to-back winner of AP coach of the year
SUMMARY: Curt Cignetti has been named The Associated Press coach of the year in college football for the second consecutive season. He is the first coach to win the award back-to-back since it was first presented in 1998. Cignetti has led Indiana to unprecedented success, with a 24-2 record over two seasons. The Hoosiers are 13-0 this year, Big Ten champions for the first time since 1967, and the top seed in the College Football Playoff. Cignetti received 47 first-place votes. Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire and Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea received two each, and Virginia’s Tony Elliott got one.
WORDS: 492 - MOVED: 12/16/2025 11:58 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cf177fc230d69e794bba129ecccd9267&mediaType=text
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BBO--PHILLIES-GARCIA
Adolis García finalizes $10M, 1-year contract with Phillies, expected to play right field
SUMMARY: Outfielder Adolis García and the Philadelphia Phillies have finalized a $10 million, one-year contract. The 32-year-old is expected to start in right field for the Phillies in place of Nick Castellanos, who has held the spot for four seasons. Garcia had career bests in home runs, RBIs, OPS, and runs in 2023 when he helped lead Texas to its first World Series title. He was selected the ALCS MVP after hitting five homers with 15 RBIs and a 1.293 OPS against Houston, including two home runs and five RBIs in the Rangers’ Game 7 win.
WORDS: 157 - MOVED: 12/16/2025 11:22 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e7dd996bfee18c7247a6292c2646a449&mediaType=text
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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-SCHEFFLER
Scottie Scheffler winning PGA Tour player of the year was an obvious outcome
SUMMARY: Scottie Scheffler is the PGA Tour player of the year for the fourth straight time and it wasn’t close. That’s the thinking, anyway. The PGA Tour decided not to release the voting percentage of the player-based award for the first time in three years. But then, what’s the point. The numbers tell the story in golf and Scheffler’s were astonishing. Among those that stand out beyond his six wins and two majors are going 21 consecutive rounds in the 60s and finishing no worse than a tie for eighth over the last six months and 15 tournaments of the season.
WORDS: 1020 - MOVED: 12/16/2025 10:41 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2d332451cd8505a7f3bdccc24e1572eb&mediaType=text
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SOC--PSG-MBAPPE-LEGAL DISPUTE
Court rules PSG must pay more than $70M to Mbappé in dispute over unpaid wages
SUMMARY: A Paris labor court has ruled that Paris Saint-Germain must pay over 60 million euros to Kylian Mbappé. The dispute involves unpaid wages and bonuses linked to his contract ending in 2024. Lawyers argued last month, and on Tuesday, the court sided with Mbappé amid accusations of betrayal and moral harassment. The award matches Mbappé’s initial claim of 55 million euros. His lawyer says he will be happy to close this chapter. PSG sought 440 million euros from Mbappé, citing damages after he left on a free transfer. The club said it respects the ruling but may appeal.
WORDS: 720 - MOVED: 12/16/2025 10:30 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:900fe793c6dcf4e81b23fac8a2baac6c&mediaType=text
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EU--BRITAIN-LIVERPOOL-CAR RAMMING
Driver who rammed through crowd at Liverpool soccer parade sentenced to over 21 years
SUMMARY: A driver who injured more than 130 people when he plowed his car into a crowd of soccer fans celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League championship has been sentenced to over 21 years in prison. The judge in Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday called the footage “truly shocking.” Prosecutors said Paul Doyle flew into a fury because he couldn’t get where he was going fast enough to pick up friends. Doyle sobbed during the two-day sentencing as prosecutors detailed the May 26 crime. Doyle had pleaded guilty to 31 counts. A defense lawyer said he was horrified by what he did and did not expect sympathy.
WORDS: 641 - MOVED: 12/16/2025 9:58 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:43e1d23841d8d00ead46adc280ed0ad7&mediaType=text
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ATH--GRAND SLAM TRACK-BANKRUPTCY
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Gabby Thomas among those owed six figures by bankrupt Grand Slam Track
SUMMARY: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Gabby Thomas, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and four other Olympic medalists are among those owed six-figure sums by Grand Slam Track, the racing league that filed for bankruptcy earlier this month. The league resubmitted forms for its Chapter 11 bankruptcy, one of which was a required list of its top 20 creditors. McLaughlin-Levrone, the four-time Olympic champion and world-record holder in the 400-meter hurdles, was owed the fifth most on the list: $365,250. Others included Kenny Bednarek, Josh Kerr, Marileidy Paulino and Alison Dos Santos. Dos Santos and Jefferson-Wooden were each owed $190,625. The rest were owed between $211,000 and $250,000.
WORDS: 279 - MOVED: 12/16/2025 9:33 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0814626a14b53df8fb29e6829de4b7af&mediaType=text
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SOC--WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW
Chelsea, Juventus aim for Women’s Champions League quarterfinals as league phase ends
WORDS: 507 - MOVED: 12/16/2025 7:24 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:81820ceba6ed43b9c6f323f651b595a4&mediaType=text
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BKN--AROUND THE NBA
Adversity has been a constant for Mitch Johnson in his Spurs’ tenure. He’s handling things with ease
SUMMARY: The San Antonio Spurs are off to a strong start this season, despite significant injuries to key players like Victor Wembanyama. Coach Mitch Johnson has led the team to an 18-7 record and a spot in the NBA Cup championship game. Johnson took over unexpectedly after Gregg Popovich suffered a stroke in November 2024. Despite challenges, Johnson has guided the Spurs with confidence, earning trust from players like Devin Vassell. The team is showing potential as contenders for the first time in a decade, maintaining the Spurs’ winning culture with Johnson’s own strategic tweaks.
WORDS: 807 - MOVED: 12/16/2025 6:15 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d0df5c089b585417b3a0c91c1c25f7c9&mediaType=text
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FBN--JETS-MUSICAL D-LINEMAN
Jets D-lineman Jowon Briggs is a one-man band, a tenor who can tackle and play 12 instruments
SUMMARY: New York Jets defensive tackle Jowon Briggs surprised his teammates earlier this season by singing a song during a special teams meeting. Known for his football skills, Briggs also has learned to play 12 instruments to varying degrees of competency, including piano, violin, and guitar. Many teammates were unaware of his musical abilities. Briggs grew up in a musical family in Cincinnati and developed his skills from a young age. He balanced music and sports throughout his education, even performing in choirs and a capella groups. While football remains his focus, Briggs enjoys music as a creative outlet.
WORDS: 1396 - MOVED: 12/16/2025 6:15 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6c9083612095e28081b29df7e7703e8e&mediaType=text
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FBN--BEHIND THE CALL
From grandpa to gridiron: Philip Rivers’ inspiring NFL return
SUMMARY: Philip Rivers has returned to the NFL as a grandfather, nearly five years after his last touchdown. On Sunday, he almost led the Colts to an upset against the Seahawks, completing 18 of 27 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown. Despite the 18-16 loss, Rivers expressed gratitude for the opportunity. His high school team in Alabama celebrated his return with a watch party. Rivers, now 44, joins sports legends like Michael Jordan and George Foreman in returning from retirement. Colts coach Shane Steichen confirmed Rivers will start against the 49ers next Monday, hoping to keep the Colts’ slim playoff hopes alive.
WORDS: 875 - MOVED: 12/16/2025 6:15 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7d83450ca7db31ca91a8ab61ee6a1820&mediaType=text
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HKN--RANGERS-REMPE
Back from injury, Rangers’ Matt Rempe says he won’t be deterred from dropping gloves
SUMMARY: Matt Rempe is finally back for the New York Rangers after missing 24 games with a broken thumb from his fight with Ryan Reaves in late October. Rempe said he broke his left thumb in many places but did not realize anything was wrong until looking down at it in the penalty box after the throwback bout. The 23-year-old who stands 6 feet 9 inches tall insisted the injury would not deter him from dropping the gloves moving forward. But Rempe cannot fight for a couple more weeks until the thumb heals completely to the point he can fully bend it correctly.
WORDS: 636 - MOVED: 12/16/2025 6:15 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:35abcb38c97db8ede0e40709972b26da&mediaType=text
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CRI--ASHES-BONDI TRIBUTE
England and Australia players to wear black armbands in Ashes tribute to Bondi shooting victims
SUMMARY: England and Australia players will wear black armbands and flags at Adelaide Oval will be flown at half-staff on Wednesday in an Ashes tribute to the victims of the Bondi beach shootings. On Sunday night, two gunmen killed 15 people and injured dozens more at the iconic beach in Sydney. Their target was mostly members of Sydney’s Jewish community celebrating the start of Hannukah in what authorities said was an antisemitic act of terrorism. Cricket Australia said Tuesday that veteran Australian folk singer John Williamson would join tributes to the victims at the start of Wednesday’s third test in the series which Australia leads 2-0.
WORDS: 409 - MOVED: 12/16/2025 3:20 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a36211ac12bcf1b8e242aafce82034bc&mediaType=text
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MOVING TOMORROW
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FBN--NFL-DRY NEEDLING
CHICAGO — NFL players use a variety of treatments to make it through a grueling 17-game season, including dry needling — which led to a collapsed lung and surgery for Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt last week. What is dry needling, and how popular is it in the NFL?
