AP Sports Digest
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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BKL--WNBA-MOUNTING DISCORD
DESCRIPTION: The WNBA enters All-Star weekend at a high point in its history, with a landmark CBA and surging popularity, while recent debates have again highlighted issues of race, gender and sexuality in the league. By Alanis Thames. 850 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 07/25/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT
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BKL--ALL-STAR-ENGELBERT
DESCRIPTION: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert meets with the media ahead of the All-Star Game at the United Center. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg.
UPCOMING: By 07/25/2026 9:00 p.m. EDT
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BKL--ALL-STAR GAME
DESCRIPTION: Caitlin Clark and Team Spoon take on Paige Bueckers and Team Coop in the WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center. By Jay Cohen.
UPCOMING: By 07/25/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT
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CAR--F1-HUNGARIAN GP
DESCRIPTION: Qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, the 11th round of the 2026 Formula 1 season and the last before the month-long summer break.
UPCOMING: By 07/25/2026 11:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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CYC-TOUR DE FRANCE
DESCRIPTION: Tour de France stage 20 takes the peloton from Le Bourg d’Oisans to the Alpe d’Huez for a final trek in the Alps.
UPCOMING: By 07/25/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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BBO--HALL OF FAME
DESCRIPTION: Carlos Beltran, Andruw Jones, and Jeff Kent are scheduled to address reporters on Saturday, a day before the trio will be formally inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. By Kenny Lacy. 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 07/25/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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FBN--49ERS-CAMP
DESCRIPTION: The San Francisco 49ers open training camp as they try to build on last season’s 12-win campaign. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 700 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 07/25/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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CAR--NASCAR-INDIANAPOLIS PREVIEW
DESCRIPTION: Bubba Wallace is the defending Brickyard 400 champion, but it’s the race inside Sunday’s race that has been the buzz this week. As Wallace celebrates the biggest win of his career again, Ryan Blaney and Todd Gilliland will battle Sunday for the $1 million In-Season Challenge. By Michael Marot. 700 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 07/25/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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FBN--RAMS REPORT
DESCRIPTION: LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams report to training camp at Loyola Marymount University. By Greg Beacham.
UPCOMING: By 07/25/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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FBN--SEAHAWKS-REPORT
DESCRIPTION: RENTON, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks have their first practice of training camp on Saturday under third-year coach Mike Macdonald. The Seahawks are the defending Super Bowl champions, and hope to repeat in 2026. Their path to potentially doing so begins on Saturday. 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 07/25/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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GLF--3M OPEN
DESCRIPTION: The third round of the 3M Open takes place at the TPC Twin Cities. By Dave Campbell. 500 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 07/25/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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BBO--DODGERS-METS
DESCRIPTION: Los Angeles Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto faces New York Mets rookie Nolan McLean in an attractive pitching matchup at Citi Field. The last-place Mets are likely to be without star slugger Juan Soto, who will undergo imaging after leaving Friday night’s game with a sore calf. 300 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 07/25/2026 10:15 p.m. EDT, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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FBN--KAEPERNICK-ACLU
Kaepernick, Springsteen receive new ACLU award for activism in arts, business, science and sports
SUMMARY: Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick has received a new award from the American Civil Liberties Union recognizing contributions to American thought and culture. Kaepernick and rock star Bruce Springsteen were honored Friday night with the ACLU Ralph Ellison Award for Defenders of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in the Arts, Business, Science and Sports. The honor comes a decade after Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem in protest against police violence and racial inequality. Springsteen closed the event with a solo rendition of “Streets of Minneapolis.” He and Kaepernick were honored as part of an awards ceremony hosted by actress Laverne Cox.
WORDS: 381 - MOVED: 07/24/2026 11:22 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3582dcd311a46119ea728c5f218e3093&mediaType=text
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BKL--ALL-STAR FRIDAY NIGHT
Dallas’ Azzi Fudd first rookie to win 3-point shootout at WNBA All-Star weekend
SUMMARY: Azzi Fudd of the Dallas Wings became the first rookie to win the WNBA All-Star 3-point contest, scoring 30 points in the championship round. The No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft hit her first six shots in the finals to get into rhythm. She edged Bridget Carleton, from the expansion Portland Fire, who had 29 points in the opening round. Carleton got off to a slow start in the finals and couldn’t recover, finishing with 19 points. Elena Delle Donne, Shakira Austin and high schooler Jezelle Banks led team Washington to the Shooting Stars championship to tipoff the Friday night festivities. The trio scored 31 points to edge Seattle’s three in the finals, with Banks hitting two of the 4-point shots from just inside halfcourt to put the team over the top.
WORDS: 727 - MOVED: 07/24/2026 9:58 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:36e4263bec78ddd3e285ff070d73af74&mediaType=text
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BKN--76ERS-JAMES
LeBron James is heading to the Philadelphia 76ers, saying it will be his ‘last decision’
SUMMARY: LeBron James is heading to the Philadelphia 76ers. James made the announcement on social media, saying it will be his “last decision” and that it comes after he strongly considered retirement. James says “I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.” James wrote he was “done” when his 23rd NBA season ended. He says “I was pretty sure I played my last game. I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and deicide if I still love this game.”
WORDS: 1122 - MOVED: 07/24/2026 9:07 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1db738a3a8c29aab2be24b1bc8082ae9&mediaType=text
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BBO--ROYALS-TIGERS
Skubal strikes out 12 in possible home finale as Tigers beat Royals 2-1
SUMMARY: Tarik Skubal had a season-high 12 strikeouts and allowed one run in 7 1/3 innings in what could have been his last home start for Detroit, helping the Tigers to a 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night. The two-time defending AL Cy Young winner pitched out of a seventh-inning jam before walking off the mound to a standing ovation from the sold-out crowd. Skubal, the subject of trade rumors as he approaches free agency, returned for the eighth inning with 89 pitches, but was replaced by Brenan Hanifee after retiring Carter Jensen. He left to another ovation, having given up four hits and two walks in his 61st win for the Tigers. Kenley Jansen pitched the ninth for his 12th save .
WORDS: 393 - MOVED: 07/24/2026 8:57 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d6e778052c555cdd88c76fc234bd0ffa&mediaType=text
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GLF--3M OPEN
Michael Kim shoots 59 at 3M Open, 15th in PGA Tour history
SUMMARY: Michael Kim shot the 15th 59 in PGA Tour history Friday, making a 24-foot putt for birdie on the 18th hole at the 3M Open. Kim birdied the final four holes of his bogey-free round at TPC Twin Cities to get to 14 under for the tournament and open a a three-shot lead over three players. Ben Kohles, who had a two-shot lead entering the day, shot a 69 to drop into a tie for second with Chandler Phillips (65) and Emiliano Grillo (67). Two bad swings cost Scottie Scheffler, and the world’s top-ranked player was seven shots back after 70.Jim Furyk holds the tour record with a 58 at the 2016 Travelers Championship.
WORDS: 645 - MOVED: 07/24/2026 8:28 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f55806348391482ad244759258c269fa&mediaType=text
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BKL--WNBA-ALL-STAR PREVIEW
Angel Reese gets her own Barbie doll in return to Chicago for WNBA All-Star Game
SUMMARY: Bayou Barbie is back in Chicago. With her own Barbie, too. Angel Reese is playing in her third WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday at the United Center. This time, she is representing Atlanta in her first season with the Dream following a messy split with the Chicago Sky. Reese calls it a “full circle” moment. She is on “Team Coop” for this weekend’s showcase event, alongside Paige Bueckers and Breanna Stewart. Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson headline “Team Spoon.” Reese earned the nickname “Bayou Barbie” while helping LSU win the 2023 national championship. Now she has her own Barbie doll with a pink Angel No. 5 jersey.
WORDS: 771 - MOVED: 07/24/2026 7:25 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fb24ba236406788d4f902b295b5b8642&mediaType=text
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BKN--JAMES-IMPACT
LeBron James listened to Joel Embiid’s 76ers’ pitch, 12 years later. The East is in for a shakeup
SUMMARY: LeBron James is set to join the Philadelphia 76ers, teaming up with Joel Embiid. This move comes 12 years after Embiid first pitched the idea on social media. The 76ers hope James can lead them to an NBA championship, as he did with Cleveland, Miami, and the Los Angeles Lakers. James, who turns 42 in December, signed a two-year deal for the veterans’ minimum. The 76ers have also added Jaylen Brown, boosting their lineup. While the Knicks remain the team to beat, Philadelphia’s chances have improved. James aims to become the first player to win NBA titles with four teams.
WORDS: 1117 - MOVED: 07/24/2026 5:45 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9ababa1cea0789f0c7a568bac04412be&mediaType=text
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FBN--ROMO-ARREST
Former Cowboys QB Tony Romo arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence
SUMMARY: CBS NFL analyst and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has been arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence. A Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office’s arrest report says Romo performed poorly on field sobriety tests after getting stopped while driving south on Interstate 43 on Thursday. Sheriff’s officials said Romo was taken into custody, booked and released. He has a court appearance set for Sept. 21. Romo went to high school about 35 miles from Milwaukee in Burlington, Wisconsin. The 46-year-old Romo has been the lead game analyst for CBS’ NFL coverage since 2017. CBS had no comment.
WORDS: 171 - MOVED: 07/24/2026 5:41 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4921d7e507874b060c841ec7c1eaba2f&mediaType=text
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BKL--OBAMA-ALL-STAR
Former President Barack Obama surprises WNBA All-Stars at their practice at his Presidential Center
SUMMARY: Former President Barack Obama has surprised the WNBA All-Stars at their practice at his new Presidential Center. Obama walked in from a side door much to the surprise of the 22 All-Stars. Obama says “the way the game has been growing lately and the way the game has been picking up people have been paying attention to your excellence. ... It has been a sight to see.” This was the first professional sport to use the basketball court at the center which opened in June. Obama went to the NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles in February.
WORDS: 720 - MOVED: 07/24/2026 5:31 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fe5ff9d58d8cf87816b3dfe48bfacc07&mediaType=text
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FBN--CHIEFS-MAHOMES
Patrick Mahomes cleared with no limits for the start of Chiefs training camp after knee surgery
SUMMARY: Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been cleared to start training camp after knee surgery last year. Mahomes says he met all the necessary benchmarks to report on time. The Chiefs begin practice Saturday for rookies, quarterbacks and select players recovering from injuries. Mahomes hurt his knee in December and underwent surgery immediately afterward. He spent the offseason rehabbing at the Chiefs’ facility. Coach Andy Reid says Mahomes is fully cleared but will be evaluated daily. Mahomes plans to wear a knee brace and participate in camp as usual. The Chiefs’ preseason opener is August 15. The regular season begins September 14.
WORDS: 768 - MOVED: 07/24/2026 5:25 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9a739bf329f4c1bccb09ec7e2a4e8f61&mediaType=text
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BKN--ON BASKETBALL-LEBRON’S DECISION
LeBron James picks his final NBA challenge, and Philadelphia was his ultimate answer
SUMMARY: Those NBA schedule-makers who have been stuck in limbo can go ahead and hit overdrive now. LeBron James might have made their work pretty simple. Opening night, go ahead and expect Philadelphia at New York. Christmas Day, go ahead and expect Philadelphia on the schedule. National television games, go ahead and give Philadelphia a ton of those, too. The 76ers got perhaps the biggest bargain in sports history on Friday, when James — the NBA’s all-time scoring king — announced he would be finishing his career in Philadelphia.
WORDS: 924 - MOVED: 07/24/2026 5:16 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a3e619dd99b6b21ce7f070107f77b3f4&mediaType=text
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CAR--NASCAR-INDIANAPOLIS
Ryan Blaney, Todd Gilliland ready for Brickyard 400 balancing act with $1 million prize at stake
SUMMARY: Ryan Blaney faces a high-stakes weekend in Indianapolis. He’s hoping to put Roger Penske back in victory lane at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and he’d like to add a second crown jewel win to his resume. At the same time, he’s chasing a $1 million pay day — if he finishes ahead of Todd Gilliland in NASCAR’s second In-Season Challenge. Blaney’s solution is to simplify matters by sweeping both titles Sunday with one amazing Brickyard 400. While Blaney enters the weekend as the favorite to win the challenge, Gilliland hopes his ability to keep advancing holds up one more week — long enough to help him cash in with a big pay day.
WORDS: 788 - MOVED: 07/24/2026 4:18 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ce7fc81ba961c00ec0c237f89b42a9ab&mediaType=text
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FBC--SEC MEDIA POLL
Georgia tops preseason media poll to win SEC championship in 2026
SUMMARY: Georgia is the preseason pick to win the Southeastern Conference championship. That’s according to voters attending the league’s annual media days event in Tampa. The Bulldogs received 88 of 164 votes to reach the title game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in early December. Texas was the second choice, with 57 votes, and Mississippi a distant third. Texas A&M, Alabama, Oklahoma, LSU and Kentucky also received votes. Only 10 times since 1992 has the media’s preseason predicted champion proceeded to win the SEC title game. Media also voted on preseason All-SEC teams, with Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss edging Texas’ Arch Manning for first-team quarterback.
WORDS: 592 - MOVED: 07/24/2026 2:13 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:88ef8241adf6f7aa04cb8d74d043de57&mediaType=text
