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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BBO--POSTSEASON
FORMATS: Text
WITH: BBO--PHILLIES-BRAVES
DESCRIPTION: After clinching the last NL wild-card spot on the final day of the regular season, the Philadelphia Phillies will open a best-of-three series at NL East champion Atlanta on Tuesday. By Charles Odum. 500 words, photos. Game scheduled for 2:15 p.m. start.
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT
WITH: BBO--WHITE SOX-ASTROS
DESCRIPTION: The Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros play Game 1 of an AL Wild Card series. 600 words.
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT
WITH: BBO--RED SOX-YANKEES
DESCRIPTION: Cam Schlittler pitches for the New York Yankees against Payton Tolle and the rival Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of their AL Wild Card Series. By Baseball Writer Mike Fitzpatrick. 500 words, with photos. Game starts 8:15 p.m.
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 11:15 p.m. EDT
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FBN--NFL-LONDON-TICKETS
DESCRIPTION: NFL cuts London ticket prices for Colts-Commanders to fill venue. Move irks fans who paid full fare. By Ken Maguire. 700 words; photos
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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FBC--BIG TEN-FIVE IN FIVE
DESCRIPTION: Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham said the five-in-five rule is one of the best things the NCAA has done in years because it’s giving more athletes a chance to play. By Larry Lage. 650 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text
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FBN—BEHIND THE CALL
DESCRIPTION: Pat Bryant’s acting skills have drawn comparisons to famous sports “floppers.” On Sunday night, Bryant sold a defensive pass interference call against Josh Wallace, negating an interception and setting up a Denver Broncos touchdown. The Broncos won 30-26 over the Los Angeles Rams.
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text
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BKN—LAKERS-BRONNY RETURNS
DESCRIPTION: Bronny James seems to realize that the wildest part of LeBron James’ decision to change teams before his 24th NBA season is the fact he left behind his son to do it. Bronny is still with the Los Angeles Lakers after his 41-year-old father’s departure for the 76ers.
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text
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FBC--SEC-BLEEDING TALENT
DESCRIPTION: The Big Ten has gained bragging rights with three straight national titles while the SEC struggles to land a team in the championship game. An Associated Press analysis reveals a shift in recruiting trends, with fewer top high school recruits from SEC states choosing to stay home. The percentage dropped from 72% in 2022 to a projected 53% for 2027. Big Ten and ACC schools are increasingly attracting these players, suggesting a slow drain of talent from the SEC. By Eddie Pells and Steve Megargee. Text, file photos.
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 7:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text, DigitalPlans
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OLY--GYM-BILES-FUTURE
DESCRIPTION: Gymnastics star Simone Biles hasn’t ruled out competing at the 2028 Olympics, but the bar for her to try for a fourth trip to the Games is pretty high. By Will Graves.
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 9:15 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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HKN--UNSATISFIED SABRES
DESCRIPTION: A breakthrough season in which the Sabres won 50 games, their first Atlantic Division title and snapped a 14-year playoff drought isn’t enough to satisfy general manager Jarmo Kekalainen. “Pretty good,” Kekalainen said in sharing the message he provided to players in opening training camp. “Pretty good’s not good enough.” By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. 650 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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BBO--MARLINS-ALCANTARA
DESCRIPTION: Sandy Alcantara began the Marlins season with his franchise-record sixth opening day start. He ended it with three saves, returning to form following 2024 Tommy John surgery. That should make the Marlins’ decision to pick up his $21 million club option an easy one, but it remains to be seen how President of Baseball Operations Peter Bendix handles the contract situation of the perennial clubhouse leader. By Alanis Thames. 600 words.
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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HKN--PANTHERS-HURRICANES
DESCRIPTION: The Carolina Hurricanes raise a Stanley Cup championship banner on Tuesday before opening the season against the Florida Panthers, who won the Cup in 2024 and 2025. By Aaron Beard. 300 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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BKL--WNBA PLAYOFFS
DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the first round of the WNBA playoffs
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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EUROPEAN ROUNDUP
DESCRIPTION: MADRID -- Spain faces Croatia in the Nations League in its first home match since winning the World Cup.
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 5:30 p.m. EDT, Text
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BKL-ACES-FEVER
DESCRIPTION: The Indiana Fever will try to stay alive in their best-of-three first-round playoff series when they host the defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday. Las Vegas won the first game Sunday at home. By Michael Marot. 300 words, more on merit, with photos. Game time is 6:30 p.m. ET. WNBA
UPCOMING: By 09/29/2026 6:30 p.m. EDT, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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FBN--EAGLES-BEARS
Case Keenum drives Chicago to 3 touchdowns as the Bears beat the Eagles 27-7
SUMMARY: Case Keenum passed for two touchdowns in his first start in almost three years, and the Chicago Bears shut down Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles for a 27-7 victory. Stepping in for the injured Caleb Williams, Keenum was 24 for 34 for 247 yards. He also scored his first rushing touchdown since 2019 on a 1-yard plunge with 7:19 left, capping a 13-play drive that took more than eight minutes off the clock. It was Keenum’s first action since he started for Houston in a 36-22 loss to Cleveland on Dec. 24, 2023. Philadelphia turned the ball over three times.
WORDS: 932 - MOVED: 09/29/2026 1:19 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a6c11bb3e03ef5bbf11246222bf7e224&mediaType=text
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US--SENATE-COLLEGE SPORTS
Senate passes college sports bill that would rein in athlete payments and transfers
SUMMARY: The Senate has passed a sweeping bipartisan bill that would regulate college sports. It’s an attempt to end “chaos” in an industry that has been upended by skyrocketing athlete payments and near-unrestricted transfers between schools. Passage of the legislation Monday would be the strongest effort yet by Congress to set national regulations governing payments to college athletes for their name, image and likeness and how often they can transfer. It would give the NCAA new authority over those rules and limited antitrust protections to enforce them. The legislation still has to pass the House.
WORDS: 1220 - MOVED: 09/28/2026 11:08 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a63e3f4e0be41fb95062b2bc5e646f9f&mediaType=text
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FBN--BEARS-QBS
Case Keenum starts at quarterback for the Bears against the Eagles
SUMMARY: Case Keenum started at quarterback for the Chicago Bears against Philadelphia, his first regular-season game in almost three years. Caleb Williams was inactive with a right hamstring injury, leaving coach Ben Johnson to choose between Keenum and Tyson Bagent. The 26-year-old Bagent returned to practice on Saturday and cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol on Sunday. The 38-year-old Keenum is in his second season with Johnson and Chicago after signing with the team in April 2025. It was his first regular-season action since he started for Houston in a 36-22 loss to Cleveland on Dec. 24, 2023.
WORDS: 284 - MOVED: 09/28/2026 8:20 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bc9940bf872f5ea533725ce91f76f2f8&mediaType=text
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FBN--NFL-DHS VIDEO
NFL asks Homeland Security to take down video of Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins
SUMMARY: The NFL has asked the Department of Homeland Security to take down a video on social media showing highlights of Hall of Fame safety Brian Dawkins in reference to a potential caravan of immigrants approaching the U.S. border. The video posted on Sunday shows Dawkins’ pregame walkout as he chants “The time has come,” followed by a series of big hits. The DHS post includes the caption “Our time has come.” Dawkins was a nine-time Pro Bowler and five time All-Pro safety during 16 NFL seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos before retiring in 2011.
WORDS: 185 - MOVED: 09/28/2026 7:45 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9fedf0725aec449ce249803024565e78&mediaType=text
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FBC--SOUTH CAROLINA-STEWART SUSPENDED
SEC, South Carolina suspend Gamecocks’ edge rush Dylan Stewart 1 game for punch
SUMMARY: The Southeastern Conference and South Carolina have jointly suspended Gamecocks edge rusher Dylan Stewart for throwing a punch at an Alabama player over the weekend. South Carolina coach Shane Beamer suspended Stewart indefinitely on Sunday for punching Alabama tight end Josh Ford in the helmet in the fourth quarter of the Gamecocks’ 49-18 loss at No. 7 Alabama on Saturday. Beamer already ruled Stewart out for Saturday’s game against No. 24 Kentucky prior to the one-game suspension issued on Monday. The one-game suspension is separate from Beamer’s indefinite suspension.
WORDS: 299 - MOVED: 09/28/2026 7:41 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5c8e5099265707d9c7b1759f7b2203f4&mediaType=text
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BBO--YANKEES-JUDGE
Aaron Judge hopes to persuade Yankees to put him in lineup against Red Sox in Wild Card Series
SUMMARY: Aaron Judge hopes to rejoin the New York Yankees for the AL Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox. Sidelined since Sept. 16 with a strained right calf, Judge took batting practice on the field Monday. He emphasizes the importance of being healthy for the long stretch ahead. The Yankees captain, a three-time AL MVP, received a platelet-poor plasma injection on Sept. 21. He hasn’t run the bases since the injury but has been using an antigravity treadmill. Judge aims to return as an outfielder, believing it best helps the team. He acknowledges the risks but feels motivated by the passage of time.
WORDS: 646 - MOVED: 09/28/2026 7:15 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0dc49a61180557ae5b750e097ebd32ec&mediaType=text
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HKN--CHANGING ECONOMICS-SIGNER’S REMORSE
NHL players who took long contracts before salaries skyrocketed shake off signer’s remorse
SUMMARY: Many NHL players who signed long-term contracts before this past summer of high spending suddenly look underpaid. Tage Thompson is a steal for Buffalo at a salary under $7.2 million through 2029-30. Same for Frank Nazar at $6.6 million with Chicago through ’32-33. There is some level of regret about leaving money on the table given how quickly salaries have ballooned around the league. But some of the sport’s biggest stars knew this was coming and still prioritized long-term security.
WORDS: 775 - MOVED: 09/28/2026 6:34 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d2c25b1c4122f1fe611f0ae14c326c6b&mediaType=text
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FBN--VIKINGS-GIANTS-MCCARTHY
Giants acquire quarterback J.J. McCarthy from the Vikings for a 2027 fifth-round pick
SUMMARY: The New York Giants have acquired quarterback J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings for a 2027 fifth-round pick. The Vikings announced the trade Monday pending McCarthy passing a physical. The Giants made the aggressive move days after Jaxson Dart had surgery on his left knee that will sideline him for at least the rest of the regular season. Jameis Winston started and beat Tennessee on Sunday, and coach John Harbaugh said afterward that Winston would get the nod again this coming weekend against Arizona. It’s unclear what that means moving forward after adding McCarthy.
WORDS: 934 - MOVED: 09/28/2026 6:31 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4d777707abc72fa93ae13abf6a331836&mediaType=text
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BKN--MEDIA DAY
At NBA Media Days, plenty of teams in the league find no shortage of reasons for optimism
SUMMARY: New York guard Jalen Brunson and San Antonio center Victor Wembanyama share the same mindset after a short offseason. Both players describe their summer as brief following their NBA Finals clash just months ago. The Knicks and Spurs are gearing up for another season, with Media Days held on Monday and practices starting Tuesday. Miami’s Giannis Antetokounmpo acknowledges the Knicks as the best team, praising Brunson. The league is filled with confident contenders, with eight different franchises winning titles in the past eight seasons. Philadelphia added LeBron James, while Miami brought in Antetokounmpo. The Spurs and Thunder are favorites for the 2027 championship.
WORDS: 831 - MOVED: 09/28/2026 6:09 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fe87d6a7d3c4d4a5d4e82cda662cd87e&mediaType=text
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SOC--NATIONS LEAGUE-ROUNDUP
Transformed Italy records dominant win in Nations League, Olise gives France late win
SUMMARY: Roberto Mancini appears to have transformed Italy almost immediately. Italy stormed to a dominant 4-1 win at Turkey in the Nations League on Monday. It was Mancini’s second match in charge. Italy will face a much tougher test in its next match when it plays France away on Friday. France also has a new coach in Zinedine Zidane. He saw his team snatch a 1-0 win at Belgium thanks to a stunning late goal from Michael Olise. France was without the injured Kylian Mbappé.
WORDS: 552 - MOVED: 09/28/2026 5:06 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4de93059eeb9e0e366488a1bed391f9f&mediaType=text
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BKN--MEDIA DAY-76ERS
LeBron James on 76ers’ debut: ‘You guys know who I am, right?’ Sixers excited to add NBA great
SUMMARY: LeBron James has joined the Philadelphia 76ers, wearing the No. 23 jersey. He’s excited to play with close friend Tyrese Maxey and start his 24th NBA season. On Monday, James said he didn’t leave his family behind in California to lose in the second round. The Sixers are gearing up for a highly anticipated season, with James, Maxey, Joel Embiid and new star Jaylen Brown leading the charge. James aims to end Philadelphia’s title drought, similar to his success in Cleveland. The 41-year-old signed a modest two-year contract and remains a dominant force in the NBA.
WORDS: 1063 - MOVED: 09/28/2026 4:03 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:886c56b165e18bc65aaecf97b42eedb5&mediaType=text
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HKN--CHANGING ECONOMICS
Top hockey players are cashing in on rising NHL revenues after a summer spending spree
SUMMARY: Leo Carlsson has become the face of rising salaries in the NHL. This summer, he received a $90 million offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers, making him the league’s highest-paid player at $18 million per year. The Anaheim Ducks matched the offer, and Carlsson’s deal set a new standard for player salaries. This offseason has seen significant increases in player contracts, with Macklin Celebrini and Cale Makar also signing record-breaking deals. With rising revenues and a growing salary cap, the NHL is catching up to other major sports leagues in terms of player pay.
WORDS: 1112 - MOVED: 09/28/2026 3:36 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:af1e5c43c0fce2d25562fd58daab0555&mediaType=text
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BBO--LOOMING LOCKOUT
This could be MLB’s last postseason for a while with a lockout looming, players vowing to fight cap
SUMMARY: Carlos Rodón of the New York Yankees says players are ready for a long lockout if MLB owners push for a salary cap. The current labor contract ends Dec. 1, and an expected lockout would halt trades and free-agent signings. MLB argues a cap is needed to reduce economic disparity, but players disagree, citing successful low-payroll teams like Milwaukee and Tampa Bay. MLB’s proposal includes a cap on team spending and a revenue split, but players say the details would reduce their earnings. This would be MLB’s 10th work stoppage. No regular-season games have been lost since 1994-95.
WORDS: 1191 - MOVED: 09/28/2026 3:19 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:15c846433f4f9463cf6fe264f99a0589&mediaType=text
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FBN--BUCCANEERS-MAYFIELD INJURY
Baker Mayfield is expected to miss at least 3 weeks after dislocating his right thumb, Bucs say
SUMMARY: Baker Mayfield is expected to miss at least three weeks after injuring his right thumb on Sunday in Tampa Bay’s loss to Minnesota. Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels will start this weekend week against the Green Bay Packers. Mayfield was injured when his throwing hand hit Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman on a desperation pass on fourth down that was intercepted late in the fourth quarter of a 23-16 loss.
WORDS: 386 - MOVED: 09/28/2026 2:34 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a668893007c0dbe5bd586d7fd9ee8810&mediaType=text
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