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 BALANCED PLAYOFFS

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK __ It’s fitting that all four of the opening round playoff series are going the distance after the balanced regular season the WNBA had. They’ll be four decisive Game 3s over the next two days. That’s the first time that’s happened since 2008. Last season all four opening round games were sweeps. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg. Upcoming: 450 words, photos by 6 a.m. ET

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--SEC THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: No. 22 Auburn heads to Norman to take on No. 11 Oklahoma in the sole ranked SEC matchup of the week. South Carolina looks for redemption against a Missouri team on the rise. Marcel Reed and Mario Craver aim to keep momentum going for No. 10 Texas A&M. By Maura Carey, 600 words.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--BIG 12 THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: The Big 12 has only three ranked teams, and two of them face off in a conference opener when No. 16 Utah hosts No. 17 Texas Tech in a matchup of a 3-0 teams. By Stephen Hawkins. 550 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBC--ACC THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: N.C. State visits Duke seeking a 4-0 start while fourth-ranked Miami hosts Florida to headline the ACC’s weekly slate. By Aaron Beard. UPCOMING: 500 words and photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25--OKLAHOMA-ARNOLD RETURNS

DESCRIPTION: NORMAN, Okla. — Jackson Arnold was expected to be a standout quarterback at Oklahoma, following in the footsteps of stars like Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray. However, after struggling with injuries and losing his starting job last season, Arnold transferred to Auburn. On Saturday, Arnold will return to Oklahoma as Auburn’s quarterback. By Cliff Brunt.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--RANGERS-CAMP SULLIVAN

DESCRIPTION: TARRYTOWN, N.Y. -- Mike Sullivan’s first training camp as coach of the New York Rangers is a chance to put his stamp on a roster that underachieved significantly last season and missed the playoffs. Sullivan spent the summer canvassing players for their thoughts and plans to start longtime center Mika Zibanejad on right wing with new captain J.T. Miller, acknowledging there might be many moving parts before opening the NHL season Oct. 7 against his old team, the Pittsburgh Penguins. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. 580 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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EU--ISRAEL-BOYCOTT THREATS

DESCRIPTION: Spain’s prime minister this week became the first European leader call for Israel to be banned from international sports. Several European countries have threatened to withdraw from next year’s Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to compete. Across culture and sports, pressure is building to sideline Israel over the humanitarian toll of the war.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 6:30 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN--KICKOFF CHAOS

DESCRIPTION: For a while, the kickoff had become had become one of the most boring plays in football. Not anymore. With rules that incentivize kicking the ball short of the end zone, touchbacks are down -- and wild, unpredictable plays are increasingly possible. By Noah Trister. 650 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 7:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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CAR--F1-AZERBAIJAN GP

DESCRIPTION: Formula 1 drivers speak with the media ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. On merits.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 10:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN--CHIEFS-GIANTS PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs probably can bounce back from starting the NFL season 0-2. Falling to 0-3 by losing at the also-winless New York Giants would be cause for alarm for a team that has been to five of the past six Super Bowls and won three of them. The Giants with no similar aspirations and a brutal start to the schedule just want to get on track. By Stephen Whyno. 700 words, preview capsule photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Lamine Yamal and Barcelona travel to Newcastle and Napoli’s Kevin De Bruyne makes an immediate return to long-time club Manchester City in the standout games to wrap up the first round of fixtures in the Champions League. By Steve Douglas. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKL--FEVER-DREAM

DESCRIPTION: ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever will meet in the decisive Game 3 of their best-of-three first round WNBA playoff series on Thursday night with a spot in the semifinals on the line. UPCOMING: 300 words. Game starts at 7:30 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 7:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--GOLDEN KNIGHTS- MARNER

DESCRIPTION: LAS VEGAS — Golden Knights marquee free agent signee Mitch Marner opens his first training camp with Vegas. He starred in Toronto but said recently one reason he decided to leave the Maple Leafs was because he was concerned about his family’s safety. By Mark Anderson. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--DOLPHINS-BILLS

DESCRIPTION: ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills seek to continue their dominance over AFC East rival Miami when they host the Dolphins. Allen is 12-2 overall and the Bills have won nine straight home meetings against Miami. By John Wawrow. 750 words, photos. Game starts at 8:15 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 09/18/2025 11:15 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKL--LIBERTY-STEWART INJURY

Liberty’s Breanna Stewart struggles in Game 2 loss with knee injury

SUMMARY: After much speculation about her condition, Breanna Stewart was on the court Wednesday night for the Liberty’s lopsided 86-60 loss to the Phoenix Mercury in Game 2 of their first round series. But it didn’t look promising. Stewart finished with six points, two rebounds and two assists in her first game since spraining the MCL in her left knee the series’ opening game Sunday. Wednesday’s performance was a far cry from the 18 points and six rebounds she had in that Game 1 victory.

WORDS: 495 - MOVED: 09/17/2025 11:43 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f3d6a6763f340f31b6eb32f9482cb911&mediaType=text

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ATH--KERLEY-ENHANCED GAMES

Former world champion sprinter Fred Kerley set to join no-testing Enhanced Games

SUMMARY: Former world sprint champion Fred Kerley has become the first track athlete to join the no-drug-testing Enhanced Games. Kerley is currently serving a ban for missed doping tests and is not at the world championships in Tokyo. His lawyers have said he’s looking to contest the so-called whereabouts failures that led to his suspension. The Enhanced Games is set to debut next May in Las Vegas, with track, swimming and weightlifting contests offering $500,000 in prize money for each event.

WORDS: 368 - MOVED: 09/17/2025 10:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1871da27b978f7ff83d022fe5ee62531&mediaType=text

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BKL--MERCURY-LIBERTY

Sabally, Thomas help Phoenix beat New York 86-60 to even best-of-3 WNBA playoff series

SUMMARY: Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas each scored 15 points to help the Phoenix Mercury beat the New York Liberty 86-60 in Game 2 on Wednesday night. That forced a decisive Game 3 on Friday night in Phoenix. Sabally was coming off one of the worst shooting games of her career when she was 2 for 17 in Game 1, but said in practice Tuesday that she was confident she’d bounce back. New York had a huge emotional lift before the game with Breanna Stewart able to play after spraining the MCL in her left knee in overtime of Game 1 on Sunday. But she was mostly ineffective with just six points in 20 minutes.

WORDS: 380 - MOVED: 09/17/2025 10:06 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ea2e0a21e3ce80aa747abc2a63278454&mediaType=text

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BKL--COACH OF THE YEAR

Golden State Valkyries’ Natalie Nakase voted WNBA Coach of the Year after reaching playoffs

SUMMARY: Natalie Nakase won over Golden State Valkyries owner Joe Lacob with her fire in a matter of two hours when they sat down last year for a formal interview. Now, the entire WNBA understands why. Nakase was named WNBA Coach of the Year after leading her team to the playoffs, making league history as the only first-year franchise to reach the postseason. The announcement came ahead of Golden State’s home game against the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx.

WORDS: 720 - MOVED: 09/17/2025 9:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:998e958098170761eaa0307fddd93d0b&mediaType=text

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TEN--BJÖRN BORG-AP INTERVIEW

Björn Borg tells the AP about drug overdoses and quitting tennis in his 20s

SUMMARY: Björn Borg starts his new memoir, “Heartbeats,” with a story about being rushed to a Dutch hospital in the 1990s after overdosing on alcohol and drugs, and the Swedish tennis great closes it by revealing that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He said in a recent video interview with The Associated Press that he quit tennis at age 25 because he realized he no longer cared whether he won or lost. The 69-year-old Borg’s 292-page book will be released in the United States on Sept. 23. It contains revelations about his love life, various adventures and regrets, and the 11-time Grand Slam champion’s detailed recollections of particular matches.

WORDS: 811 - MOVED: 09/17/2025 8:25 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:04be560a136bfb9ff9fd35df51f14fad&mediaType=text

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FBN--COMMANDERS-STADIUM

DC Council gives final approval to the Washington Commanders’ return to the RFK Stadium site

SUMMARY: The Washington Commanders’ plan to return to the site of their former home at RFK Stadium has cleared its final hurdle with the local legislature. The District of Columbia Council approved the legislation on Wednesday. The bill passed by an 11-2 vote and can now be sent to Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser. She negotiated the original plan with Commanders owner Josh Harris in April. The Commanders currently play at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, but aim to open a new venue in 2030.

WORDS: 547 - MOVED: 09/17/2025 8:10 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:07a16a77ea4152f469c0143c055a9d15&mediaType=text

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BBO--CUBS-CLINCH

Cubs soak in the moment after clinching first postseason berth since 2020

SUMMARY: The Chicago Cubs clinch their first postseason berth since 2020 with an 8-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday. They celebrated in the clubhouse for the first time since winning the NL Central in 2017. The coronavirus pandemic limited celebrations in 2020 and they held off in 2018, hoping to win the division but finished second to the Brewers.

WORDS: 806 - MOVED: 09/17/2025 7:02 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:691b7bc6bb43f0445f9933f60f875431&mediaType=text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP

PSG cruises, Liverpool wins late yet again, Bayern and Inter also start well in Champions League

SUMMARY: Title holder Paris Saint-Germain roared to victory in the Champions League by beating Atalanta 4-0. Liverpool found yet another late winning goal in its stunning start to the season. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk soared to score with a header in stoppage time of a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield. It seemed Liverpool was going to waste a two-goal lead seized after just six minutes. Bayern Munich held off Chelsea 3-1 and Inter Milan beat Ajax 2-0. Newcomers Bodo/Glimt and Pafos impressed with hard-earned draws on the road at, respectively, Slavia Prague and Olympiakos.

WORDS: 867 - MOVED: 09/17/2025 6:18 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9bb99666d0d133d49a39a90a7a3e2684&mediaType=text

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FBN--COMMANDERS-DANIELS

Commanders’ Jayden Daniels will not practice earlier than Friday because of an injured knee

SUMMARY: Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will not practice earlier than Friday while recovering from an injured knee. Commanders coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday that Daniels went through a rehabilitation session and threw on the field but would not take part in that day’s work with teammates. The Commanders host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Last season’s AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year was hurt in the fourth quarter of Washington’s 27-18 loss at the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night.

WORDS: 600 - MOVED: 09/17/2025 5:28 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:50d697e7e7806081593074c49f568884&mediaType=text

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FBN--JETS-FIELDS OUT

Jets quarterback Justin Fields ruled out with concussion, Tyrod Taylor to start against Buccaneers

SUMMARY: New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a concussion. Coach Aaron Glenn announced the decision Wednesday. Fields remains in the concussion protocol after being injured in the Jets’ loss to Buffalo last Sunday. He fell backward when he was sacked by Joey Bosa and the back of his helmet hit off the turf. Tyrod Taylor will start in Fields’ place. The 36-year-old Taylor last started for the Giants in 2023. He missed the Jets’ preseason games due to a knee injury. Glenn isn’t concerned about Taylor being behind in any way. Taylor has 58 career NFL starts.

WORDS: 869 - MOVED: 09/17/2025 4:48 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:97a644e280192e85db19d4c16121e6c4&mediaType=text

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BBO--CUBS-PIRATES

Happ homers as the Cubs clinch first postseason berth since 2020 with an 8-4 win over the Pirates

SUMMARY: Ian Happ homered and drove in three runs, and the Chicago Cubs clinched their first postseason berth since 2020 with an 8-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Chicago has won four in a row and seven of eight overall. It leads the NL wild-card standings with an 88-64 record. Nico Hoerner had two hits and scored three times for the Cubs. Justin Turner hit a pair of RBI singles after entering in the sixth. The Cubs grabbed control with three runs in the sixth, helped by errors on Pirates reliever Yohan Ramírez and catcher Joey Bart. Aaron Civale pitched three scoreless innings for the win.

WORDS: 334 - MOVED: 09/17/2025 4:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dc98040f9d78519a425f9f952b0ee838&mediaType=text

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FBC--T25-COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS

College football picks: Average winning margin in FBS after Week 3 is widest since at least 2000

SUMMARY: The 2025 college football season has had a run of lopsided games. The average winning margin in the Football Bowl Subdivision is 25.5 points per game and 28.9 per game when one of the teams is from a power conference. Those figures are courtesy of Sportradar. There have been eight games where the winner amassed at least 70 points and 25 games where the winner scored 60. Eight FBS teams are averaging at least 50 points per game, most at this point in a season since 2019.

WORDS: 1070 - MOVED: 09/17/2025 2:44 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dce6e3b271bf911ade54ac6a8b9cb962&mediaType=text

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HKN--TRAINING CAMP PRIMER

NHL training camps open with Oilers’ Connor McDavid unsigned and Panthers’ Matthew Tkachuk out

SUMMARY: Connor McDavid doesn’t have a contract beyond this season, the Florida Panthers start their Stanley Cup threepeat bid without Matthew Tkachuk and nearly a third of the NHL have new head coaches as training camps open around the league. Players are doing fitness testing one last time before it’s eliminated under the new collective bargaining agreement. And it’s the final year of extended camp and exhibition play before they get cut back in favor of an 84-game schedule beginning in 2026-27.

WORDS: 798 - MOVED: 09/17/2025 2:27 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c74f7ce0ec2b7fafb906f3ae787f2c7c&mediaType=text

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