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--BUOYANT BRONCOS
DESCRIPTION: Despite losing Bo Nix to a broken ankle, the Denver Broncos radiate more swagger than stagger heading into the AFC championship against the New England Patriots behind backup Jarrett Stidham, whose next pass will be his first in two years. By Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton. 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 01/23/2026 2:00 p.m. EST, Text
___
BKC--T25-MIAMI (OHIO)-HISTORIC START
DESCRIPTION: A look at the 25th-ranked Miami RedHawks, who are one of three remaining unbeaten teams in Division I and at 20-0 are off to the best start by a school in Mid-American Conference history. By Joe Reedy. 700 words, photos
UPCOMING: By 01/23/2026 3:00 p.m. EST, Text
___
BKC--T25-NORTH CAROLINA-FIXING PROBLEMS
DESCRIPTION: No. 22 North Carolina’s strong start hit an abrupt snag with three losses in four recent games, notably with defensive troubles. The Tar Heels don’t have much time to fix problems with the ACC schedule about to get tougher. By Aaron Beard. 700 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 01/23/2026 4:00 p.m. EST, Text
___
BKW--T25-DUKE’S RESURGENCE
DESCRIPTION: No. 21 Duke has regrouped from a 3-6 start, winning 10 straight games. That’s validated coach Kara Lawson’s belief in the reigning ACC Tournament champions. By Aaron Beard. 750 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 01/23/2026 4:00 p.m. EST, Text
___
GLF--AMERICAN EXPRESS
DESCRIPTION: LA QUINTA, Calif. -- Scottie Scheffler is one shot behind at The American Express, were 19 players were at 64 or lower after the opening round in the desert. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 700 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 01/23/2026 7:30 p.m. EST, Photo, Text
___
CAR--NASCAR-HALL OF FAME CEREMONY
DESCRIPTION: Kurt Busch, Harry Gant and Ray Hendrick will officially be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame at a ceremony on Friday night in Charlotte. By Steve Reed. 700 words, photos. Event begins at 7 p.m. EST
UPCOMING: By 01/23/2026 9:00 p.m. EST, Text
___
BKN--PACERS-THUNDER
DESCRIPTION: OKLAHOMA CITY -- The NBA-leading Thunder host the struggling Indiana Pacers in a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals. By Tim Willert. 300 words, with photos. Game starts 8 p.m. EST.
UPCOMING: By 01/23/2026 11:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text
___
BKC--OHIO STATE-MICHIGAN
DESCRIPTION: Ohio State plays No. 3 Michigan at Crisler Center. By Larry Lage. 300 words, more on merit.
UPCOMING: By 01/23/2026 10:45 p.m. EST, Text
___
——————————
NEW AND DEVELOPING
——————————
CAR--INDYCAR-PALOU-MCLAREN-LAWSUIT
Alex Palou ordered to pay McLaren Racing $12M in breach of contract suit
SUMMARY: Four-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou has been ordered to pay McLaren Racing more than $12 million for breach of contract. The decision came Friday from London’s High Court after a five-week trial. McLaren initially sought nearly $30 million in damages, later reducing it to $20.7 million. The damages are tied to losses the IndyCar team suffered when Palou chose to stay with Chip Ganassi Racing instead of moving to McLaren’s IndyCar team in 2024. Palou expressed disappointment, stating the claims were overblown. He is considering his options with advisors. Palou has won three consecutive IndyCar titles since the saga began.
WORDS: 929 - MOVED: 01/23/2026 1:29 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8ad1dc70d9a48f5cbfc1aa3f9d7c0afd&mediaType=text
___
US--SNOWBOARDER-DRUG RING
Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder on the FBI’s ‘Most Wanted’ list, has been arrested
SUMMARY: Authorities say they have arrested Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder facing charges related to drug trafficking and the killing of a federal witnesses. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed Friday that Wedding has been arrested. Patel said Wedding was captured in Mexico, where authorities believe he had been hiding for more than a decade. The former Olympian was on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. Wedding was charged in 2024 with running a drug ring that used semitrucks to move cocaine between Colombia, Mexico, Southern California and Canada.
WORDS: 574 - MOVED: 01/23/2026 12:22 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1ba939875022738f89e0822cb32f0176&mediaType=text
___
FBC--CFP FUTURE
College Football Playoff to remain at 12 teams after SEC and Big Ten fail to agree on expansion
SUMMARY: The College Football Playoff will remain at 12 teams after the commissioners of the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten couldn’t come up with a compromise for expansion. The CFP Management Committee announced Friday the 12-team format would stay the same for the 2026-27 season. The decision provides additional time for evaluation and discussion on the current format and potential changes in the future. The CFP went from four teams to 12 teams for the 2024 season, and the two most powerful conferences favored further expansion but could not agree on a number.
WORDS: 365 - MOVED: 01/23/2026 12:22 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bfb7c8a66f337c76591cbf68536593d6&mediaType=text
___
OLY--SPD-SPEEDSKATING-STOLZ
The next Eric Heiden? US speedskater Jordan Stolz draws comparisons ahead of Milan Cortina Olympics
SUMMARY: Jordan Stolz appreciates that people liken what he’ll be trying to do at the Milan Cortina Winter Games to Eric Heiden’s record five speedskating gold medals at Lake Placid in 1980. Stolz calls it a cool comparison. But the 21-year-old from Wisconsin also acknowledges what he will try to do at the Olympics in February is not quite the same as Heiden. Still, Stolz is a favorite in the men’s 500, 1,000 and 1,500 meters and a contender for gold in the mass start, too. There is even a chance he could enter a fifth event.
WORDS: 839 - MOVED: 01/23/2026 12:20 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1d6682752608070ce283542eba39dfca&mediaType=text
___
CAR--IMSA-ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA
NASCAR chairman Jim France’s car wins Rolex 24 pole, then gets disqualified
SUMMARY: NASCAR chairman Jim France’s Cadillac sports car won the pole for the Rolex 24 at Daytona but was disqualified after inspection. The No. 31 car, driven by Jack Aitken, failed inspection because of its rear skid block friction surface. This moved the Cadillac to the back of the top GTP class. One of Meyer Shank Racing’s Acuras was bumped to the front. The race, featuring 60 cars from 12 automakers, starts Saturday at Daytona International Speedway. Porsche Penske Motorsports seeks a third consecutive victory, while Meyer Shank Racing fields a strong lineup, including NASCAR driver AJ Allmendinger.
WORDS: 947 - MOVED: 01/23/2026 10:52 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5fff2eaa7f6eff720fb3caf0865e2d81&mediaType=text
___
SOC--WCUP-TICKETS
There is a massive demand for World Cup tickets and savvy resellers could be big winners
SUMMARY: World Cup ticket prices are at exorbitant levels yet fans are still queueing up in their millions to attend soccer’s biggest tournament. There is a such an over-demand for the event being staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico this year that FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the governing body would need to hold a draw to allocate tickets and accepted prices would likely be even higher on resale platforms. On FIFA’s own resale marketplace a ticket for the final was being listed for as much as $230,000 this week. FIFA does not resell tickets or set prices on the platform, but can cash in for a second time by taking a 30% cut from any sale.
WORDS: 833 - MOVED: 01/23/2026 10:44 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:697281ba3b1c7106804f9c251aff96b2&mediaType=text
___
FBN--FORMER PLAYER KILLED
Former NFL player Kevin Johnson killed at homeless encampment, medical examiner says
SUMMARY: A medical examiner says former Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Kevin Johnson has died from “blunt head trauma and stab wounds” at a homeless encampment. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner says the 55-year-old Johnson was pronounced dead Wednesday after being found unconscious. His death was ruled a homicide and is being investigated. Johnson was a fourth-round draft pick by New England in 1993. He spent time with the Patriots, Minnesota and Oakland before landing with the Eagles. He had 43 tackles, including seven sacks, and returned a fumble for a touchdown in two years with Philadelphia.
WORDS: 166 - MOVED: 01/23/2026 9:50 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f77d1dd4f4b4c97972558260301a3c91&mediaType=text
___
TEN--AUSTRALIAN OPEN
Carlos Alcaraz wins third-round match but loses ‘drop-shot battle’ at Australian Open
SUMMARY: Carlos Alcaraz admits he lost the drop-shot battle against Corentin Moutet despite winning their third-round match at the Australian Open. Alcaraz faced a mix of drop shots, slices, and an underarm serve from Moutet on Friday and it kept the world No. 1 on his toes. Alcaraz will face No. 19 Tommy Paul on Sunday. Women’s No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka squeezed past Anastasia Potapova in two tiebreakers and No. 3 Coco Gauff had to dig in for a three-set comeback win over Hailey Baptiste. Daniil Medvedev rallied from two sets down to beat Fabian Marozsan, setting up a rematch with Learner Tien.
WORDS: 789 - MOVED: 01/23/2026 8:35 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:648212a4a8f9e2c13f7295ffb3e72827&mediaType=text
___
TEN--AUSTRALIAN OPEN-JOVIC-GREAT ADVICE
Iva Jovic uses advice from Novak Djokovic to upset Jasmine Paolini at Australian Open
SUMMARY: Iva Jovic has credited Novak Djokovic for some advice that helped her recent success at the Australian Open. She spoke to Djokovic before her third-round match against seventh-seeded Jasmine Paolini, and it helped her secure a 6-2, 7-6 (3) upset win. This victory marks the first time the 18-year-old American has reached the second week of a Grand Slam tournament. Jovic, whose father is Serbian, has always admired Djokovic and Monica Seles. She plans to continue following Djokovic’s advice as she prepares to face Yulia Putintseva in her next match.
WORDS: 626 - MOVED: 01/23/2026 8:20 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:288bc9347e2ba3ced6fe41c953714681&mediaType=text
___
FBN--BRONCOS-TURNOVER TURNAROUND
After applying the pressure all season, Broncos defense now producing turnovers in playoffs
SUMMARY: Finally, all that pressure paid off for Nik Bonitto and the Denver defense. Finally, the Broncos produced what’s been missing all season — takeaways. It’s been a long time coming for a defense that has been one of the best in the NFL. The Broncos forced five turnovers last weekend against Buffalo, four from Josh Allen, who hadn’t coughed up the ball in his previous six playoff games. They may be under pressure to turn in a similar sort of turnover-fest against Drake Maye and the New England Patriots in the AFC championship game Sunday so they can take the pressure off backup Jarrett Stidham, who’s taking over at QB with Bo Nix out with a broken ankle.
WORDS: 661 - MOVED: 01/23/2026 6:00 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:00562ae8f729356bc5215f1c012d7126&mediaType=text
___
FBN--ON FOOTBALL-DEFENSIVE COACHES
Defensive coordinators are 3 of first 5 head coaching hires
SUMMARY: Jesse Minter, Robert Saleh and Jeff Hafley earned their head coaching opportunities on the defensive side of the ball. Three of the five new hires this coaching cycle are former defensive coordinators. There are five openings still remaining and a few more defensive coaches could get a job, including Sean McDermott, Brian Flores and Vance Joseph. Maybe the trend is shifting. NFL teams have often sought offensive coaches in recent years. The success of guys like Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan and Matt LaFleur inspired organizations to seek the rising offensive coordinators. Liam Coen and Ben Johnson stepped in and led their teams to division titles in their first season as head coaches after leading offenses.
WORDS: 630 - MOVED: 01/23/2026 6:00 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c7fd14cecbda91eb1942a2f6cb640866&mediaType=text
___
OLY--SBD-CHLOE KIM
Chloe Kim rediscovers love for Olympics. Will an injury derail quest for a 3rd straight gold medal?
SUMMARY: Chloe Kim’s journey to a third Olympic gold is facing unexpected challenges. A shoulder injury during training has left her scrambling to prepare for the Milan Cortina Games. Kim, known for her impressive tricks, is unsure if she’ll be at full strength for the halfpipe event. She expressed disappointment about not being able to snowboard until just before the Olympics. Despite her achievements, including eight Winter X Games golds and three world championships, the pressure to perform remains. Her coach, Rick Bower, notes that fame has made snowboarding feel more like a job. Kim aims to rediscover her love for the sport while facing fierce competition from athletes like Gaon Choi and Sena Tomita.
WORDS: 1253 - MOVED: 01/23/2026 5:10 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0f058b2e4d21a03a51b4cc038a552cd9&mediaType=text
——————————
MOVING TOMORROW
——————————
OLY--HKO-LOST OLYMPIC GENERATION
An entire generation of the best hockey players has not gotten the chance to take part in the Olympics. Unlike the stars of yesteryear who came about before the NHL began participating in the international event, the likes of Americans Auston Matthews and Jack Eichel and Canadians Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon grew up watching and expecting to go. Chances in 2018 and 2022 were missed for various reasons, making the upcoming tournament in Milan a moment many have been waiting their entire careers for. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno.
___
FBC--INDIANA-CELEBRATION
The Indiana Hoosiers celebrate their first national championship in football Saturday.
___
SKI--WCUP-WOMEN’S GS
SPINDLERUV MLYN, Czechia — Austrian skier Julia Scheib enters the last women’s World Cup giant slalom before the Olympics on a substantial lead in the discipline standings, while Mikaela Shiffrin aims for her first GS podium of the season.
___
