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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BKW--T25-MICHIGAN-BARNES ARICO

DESCRIPTION: PISCATAWAY, N.J. __ Coming home to New Jersey this week was bittersweet for Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico. She always would look forward to coach in the Garden State as it would be a chance to see her family, including her dad George. Barnes Arico had around 100 family and friends at the No. 7 Wolverines’ game against fifth-ranked Vanderbilt on Monday at the Coretta Scott King Classic, which Michigan lost 72-69. She was expecting a lot again on Thursday night for a game against Rutgers. But one person was missing, George. He died last Nov. 1 after battling cancer and Parkinson’s disease. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg.

UPCOMING: By 01/22/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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FBN--NFL AWARDS-FINALISTS

DESCRIPTION: The AP NFL awards finalists are announced. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.

UPCOMING: By 01/22/2026 9:00 a.m. EST, DigitalPlans, Photo, Text

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CAR--F1-HERTA’S NEXT MOVE

DESCRIPTION: Colton Herta is leaving IndyCar to race in F2 in the UK, aiming for a spot in Formula 1. He’s currently a star at Andretti Global, but sees this move as a chance to join the new Cadillac F1 team by 2027. Herta is open to returning to IndyCar if needed. Herta also hopes to race in the Indianapolis 500, despite potential conflicts with his F2 schedule. By AP Auto Racing Writer Jenna Fryer. 900 words.

UPCOMING: By 01/22/2026 12:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBN--DOLPHINS-FUTURE

DESCRIPTION: MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- New Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley discussed the future of the organization in a joint introductory news conference. By Alanis Thames. UPCOMING: 650 words, photos by 3 p.m. EST.

UPCOMING: By 01/22/2026 3:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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MMA--UFC 324 PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: Fourth-ranked challenger Justin Gaethje faces fifth-ranked challenger Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight championship at UFC 324. By Mark Anderson. 500 words, file photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/22/2026 6:00 p.m. EST, Text

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BBO-HALL-OF-FAME

DESCRIPTION: Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones are scheduled to address reporters at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, on Thursday, two days after both were selected for induction. By Alex Rubinson. 650 words, photos by 6 p.m. EST.

UPCOMING: By 01/22/2026 6:00 p.m. EST, Text

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GLF--AMERICAN EXPRESS

DESCRIPTION: LA QUINTA, Calif. -- Scottie Scheffler, with 13 wins and three majors over the last two years, makes his 2026 debut when The American Express begins over three courses in the California desert. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming:700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/22/2026 7:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Liverpool and Barcelona are leaving it late to secure automatic qualification to the Champions League round of 16.

SENT: By 01/22/2026 3:00 a.m. EST, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBO--METS-BREWERS TRADE

Mets acquire ace pitcher Freddy Peralta from Brewers in trade

SUMMARY: The active New York Mets have acquired ace pitcher Freddy Peralta and right-hander Tobias Myers from Milwaukee in a trade that sent two top prospects to the Brewers: pitcher Brandon Sproat and minor league infielder/outfielder Jett Williams. Peralta gives the new-look Mets a front line starter after their rotation faltered in the second half of a hugely disappointing 2025 season. Peralta went 17-6 with a 2.70 ERA last year, when he led the National League in wins and finished fifth in Cy Young Award voting. He also earned his second All-Star selection. The 29-year-old right-hander is set to make $8 million this year and can become a free agent following the World Series.

WORDS: 1089 - MOVED: 01/22/2026 1:35 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dbfbad1f9167dcd0723787e705c90bf3&mediaType=text

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ENT--ALEX HONNOLD-TAIPEI 101

Alex Honnold is climbing Taipei 101 with no ropes, live on TV. It’s drawing excitement — and concern

SUMMARY: Alex Honnold plans to climb Taipei 101 in his signature free solo style without ropes or protective gear. Netflix will broadcast the event live. The announcement has sparked excitement and concern, especially since Honnold is now a married father of two. Known for his ropeless ascent of Yosemite’s El Capitan, Honnold aims to push climbing limits worldwide. He won’t be the first to climb the skyscraper, but he will be the first to do so without a rope. Safety measures are in place, but ethical concerns remain about broadcasting such a high-risk endeavor live.

WORDS: 1096 - MOVED: 01/22/2026 1:20 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0709f4d062923a09ff6da3786131fdd0&mediaType=text

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TEN--AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Djokovic’s 399th Grand Slam match win propels him into Australian Open third round

SUMMARY: Novak Djokovic has advanced to the third round of the Australian Open with a victory over Francesco Maestrelli, his 399th Grand Slam singles match win. Djokovic dropped serve for the first time in the tournament and then won the next eight points to finish off the second-round match in straight sets. Women’s champion Madison Keys advanced in straight sets over Ashlyn Krueger and will next face former No. 1-ranked Karolina Pliskova. Ben Shelton and Lorenzo Musetti also advanced. Jannik Sinner and Naomi Osaka are set to play later on Day 5.

WORDS: 734 - MOVED: 01/22/2026 1:13 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b45c3be1ba7fad0a5a304bae492a1e6b&mediaType=text

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FBC--MICHIGAN-MOORE

Sherrone Moore is returning to court in case related to his firing as Michigan football coach

SUMMARY: Former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore is returning to court for the first time since he was charged in December with home invasion and two other crimes. Thursday’s hearing is an opportunity for the judge to get an update on the case. Moore was fired for having a relationship with a woman who was a staff member. Authorities say Moore subsequently blamed her for disclosing the affair and threatened to kill himself. He’s pleaded not guilty.

WORDS: 246 - MOVED: 01/22/2026 12:04 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e71fc74f1846ff6ffb4c3224b0384fef&mediaType=text

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BKC--T25-CINCINNATI-ARIZONA

No. 1 Arizona pulls away late to top Cincinnati 77-51 and remain 1 of 3 unbeatens in country

SUMMARY: Motiejus Krivas scored 17 points, Ivan Kharchenkov added 14 and the top-ranked Arizona Wildcats pulled away late to beat Cincinnati 77-51 and remain one of just three unbeaten teams in the country. Arizona entered the game Wednesday night as the unanimous No. 1 team in the latest AP poll, a first in school history. Cincinnati tested Arizona with an early 14-1 run to take a 20-16 lead midway through a rugged first half, but Arizona responded for a 33-27 halftime advantage. The 7-foot-2 Krivas thrived in the physical environment with eight points, five rebounds and a block before the break. The Bearcats were led Baba Miller’s 14 points.

WORDS: 366 - MOVED: 01/21/2026 11:50 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:03c3a460e9ce5ca50f113bc53d9053bd&mediaType=text

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BKN--KNICKS-RECORD WIN MARGIN

Knicks get back on track with biggest win in their history, beating Brooklyn by 54 points

SUMMARY: The New York Knicks hadn’t won at all in more than a week. They hadn’t won quite like this in 80 years. The Knicks ended their four-game losing streak Wednesday night with the most lopsided victory in franchise history, beating the Brooklyn Nets 120-66. The Knicks had lost nine of their previous 11 games and were just two days removed from the low point of their season. They trailed by 30 points in the first half Monday at home against Dallas, booed repeatedly in their 114-97 loss. The 54-point victory surpassed three 48-point wins they had they stood as the previous franchise record.

WORDS: 529 - MOVED: 01/21/2026 11:19 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4622940ee9932c8ce85850fac4c70c8d&mediaType=text

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BKC--T25-PEPPERDINE-GONZAGA

Fogle scores 17 as No. 8 Gonzaga pounds Pepperdine 84-60 to reach 20 wins for 29th straight season

SUMMARY: Davis Fogle scored 17 points and No. 8 Gonzaga pounded Pepperdine 84-60. The Bulldogs beat the Waves for the 51st consecutive time despite missing its top two scorers, Graham Ike and Braden Huff, because of injuries. Tyon Grant-Foster and Mario Saint-Supery each scored 12 points for Gonzaga which won its 13th straight game overall. This is also the 29th consecutive season the Bulldogs have won at least 20 games. Styles Phipps scored 13 points and Aaron Clark 10 for Pepperdine. The Waves have not won in Spokane since 1998. Their last victory in the series was in 2002 in Malibu, California.

WORDS: 358 - MOVED: 01/21/2026 11:14 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:843d7371b2346209e462b6ad08f7126c&mediaType=text

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BKN--NETS-KNICKS

Knicks crush Nets 120-66 to end their 4-game skid with the most lopsided win in franchise history

SUMMARY: The New York Knicks broke a four-game losing streak without breaking a sweat, crushing the Brooklyn Nets 120-66 on Wednesday night in the most lopsided victory in franchise history. Jalen Brunson scored 20 points and Landry Shamet was 6 for 6 on 3-pointers and added 18 for the Knicks, who led by as much as 59 points before the 54-point victory that surpassed the previous largest victory margin of 48 points. The Knicks had lost nine of their last 11 games. The Knicks were already on track to win this one easily before outscoring the Nets 16-0 to open the fourth quarter, extending a 32-point lead to 104-56.

WORDS: 369 - MOVED: 01/21/2026 10:03 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1a34290c28e12081f8952c9d3322b21d&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAMS-ADAMS’ FIFTH TRY

After 4 NFC title game losses with Packers, Davante Adams resumes chase of ‘mythical thing’ for Rams

SUMMARY: Davante Adams reached the NFC championship game four times during his eight seasons with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Every single time, Green Bay came up just short of the Super Bowl. Adams still feels the pain, and he feels like the Super Bowl has become a “mythical thing” that he just can’t quite reach. After an ensuing three years spent nowhere near a Super Bowl, Adams is back for his fifth shot when his Los Angeles Rams visit the Seattle Seahawks for another NFC title game. Adams clearly means it when he says team success is the only thing that still matters to him.

WORDS: 718 - MOVED: 01/21/2026 7:27 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4e3c28daad7617fada944a89f0c0f05d&mediaType=text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP

Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea make Champions League charge, Bayern advances and Barcelona wins

SUMMARY: Premier League teams are powering ahead in the Champions League with five of England’s top flight clubs in position to advance to the round of 16. Arsenal tops the standings and has already secured its place in the next round, while wins for Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea saw them move into the top eight automatic qualifying positions with one game of the league phase to go. Tottenham is fifth, with Manchester City the only English team in the playoffs going into next week’s matches. Bayern Munich is second and joined Arsenal in advancing to the round of 16 with Harry Kane scoring twice in a 2-0 win against Union Saint-Gilloise.

WORDS: 927 - MOVED: 01/21/2026 6:43 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:647fc91d739f6aa9fc39576485a5ede1&mediaType=text

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GLF--AMERICAN EXPRESS

Scottie Scheffler makes his 2026 debut amid palm trees and desert at The American Express

SUMMARY: Scottie Scheffler makes his 2026 debut at The American Express. The world’s No. 1 player has been playing plenty of matches at home in Dallas. But he’s like most of the 156 players in the California desert this week in trying to shake off tournament rust. Scheffler has played only one time since the Ryder Cup last September. That’s also true for the likes of Ludvig Aberg and defending champion Sepp Straka. They all say the desert courses are ideal to give them an idea where their games are at. Great weather makes it feel like playing in a dome.

WORDS: 853 - MOVED: 01/21/2026 5:02 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:aaac29c7402b2c7e5577ef3c7ae0b526&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA SCHEDULE

WNBA season would begin May 8 if new CBA is reached, league will take 17-day FIBA World Cup break

SUMMARY: The WNBA will begin its season on May 8, assuming the league and the players’ union can come to an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement. Teams will play 44 games over a five-month period with a 17-day break for the FIBA World Cup in early September. The league said last year that with the World Cup this season they would keep the schedule at 44 games despite adding two new teams in Portland and Toronto. The WNBA will go on break from Aug. 31-Sept. 16 for the World Cup, which will be played in Berlin this year. Teams will have a handful of games after that tournament finishes with playoffs set to begin on Sept. 27.

WORDS: 641 - MOVED: 01/21/2026 4:59 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d7cf0e1d306f13253c09e73d6a53d7f6&mediaType=text

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FBC--DUKE-MENSAH LAWSUIT

Judge grants Duke’s bid to block QB Darian Mensah’s transfer until Feb. 2 hearing in contract fight

SUMMARY: A judge has granted Duke’s request for a temporary restraining order blocking quarterback Darian Mensah from enrolling to play football at another school until a court hearing set for early February. The school filed a lawsuit Monday in Durham County Superior Court against Mensah seeking to block his efforts to transfer and reach a contract with another school to play next season. The complaint came three days after Mensah reversed his announced plan to return to the Blue Devils after leading them to the Atlantic Coast Conference title. The order remains in effect until a hearing scheduled for Feb. 2.

WORDS: 597 - MOVED: 01/21/2026 4:15 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8b490c8f4c42516aca5695ea9db4091f&mediaType=text

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BKC--T25-ALABAMA-BEDIAKO

Ex-Alabama player Charles Bediako, who played in NBA G League, gets temporary college eligibility

SUMMARY: Ex-Alabama player Charles Bediako, who has spent the past 2 1/2 years competing in the NBA Summer League and G League, had his college eligibility temporarily reinstated by a judge who blocked the NCAA from retaliating for his return to the 17th-ranked Tide. Bediako had signed several NBA developmental contracts since going undrafted in 2023. He played two seasons at Alabama, averaging 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks a game, and helped the Crimson Tide make the NCAA Tournament twice. James H. Roberts Jr. of the Tuscaloosa Circuit Court granted Bediako a temporary restraining order.

WORDS: 508 - MOVED: 01/21/2026 4:05 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:167389bcbb9c757611e3f760abc24be0&mediaType=text

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FBN--PRO PICKS-CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Pro Picks: Patriots will top the Broncos and Rams will edge the Seahawks to reach the Super Bowl

SUMMARY: The NFL’s conference championship games feature both No. 1 seeds, two division rivals and a backup quarterback making his first start of the season. The Denver Broncos host the New England Patriots in the AFC title game on Sunday. It was Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady the previous time they met in the playoffs 10 years ago. Now, it’s backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham for the Broncos against second-year standout Drake Maye. Then it’s a showdown between NFC West foes when All-Pro quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams visit Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks in the their third matchup of the season.

WORDS: 874 - MOVED: 01/21/2026 2:37 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f2ba5f1970108c8dc6c741c89abb7498&mediaType=text

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BBO--YANKEES-BELLINGER

Cody Bellinger stays with the Yankees, agrees to $162.5 million, 5-year contract, AP source says

SUMMARY: Cody Bellinger has agreed to stay with the New York Yankees on a five-year, $162.5 million contract. The deal includes a $20 million signing bonus and a no-trade provision. Bellinger can opt out after the 2027 or 2028 seasons, with the opt outs pushed back a year if there is a full-season work stoppage in 2027. Acquired from the Chicago Cubs in 2024, Bellinger hit .272 with 29 homers last year. He played 149 games, mostly in the outfield. The two-time All-Star and former MVP has a .261 average over eight seasons with the Dodgers, Cubs, and Yankees.

WORDS: 308 - MOVED: 01/21/2026 2:24 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:905445562bf6d1e96409c5643f8934a8&mediaType=text

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FBN--BILLS-FUTURE

Bills owner feels team hit ‘proverbial playoff wall’ after latest loss

SUMMARY: Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula felt his team hit what he called “the proverbial playoff wall” in leading to his decision to abruptly fire coach Sean McDermott this week. Speaking at a season-ending news conference, Pegula said he made up his mind immediately following a 33-30 overtime loss to Denver in a divisional playoff on Saturday. He based his decision in part on seeing how distraught many Bills players, including quarterback Josh Allen, appeared in the locker room in the aftermath of the loss. Pegula spoke Wednesday alongside general manager Brandon Beane, who is tasked with the team’s first coaching search since McDermott took over in 2017.

WORDS: 1109 - MOVED: 01/21/2026 2:02 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f6689706d1df660b5881a3bca4027f60&mediaType=text

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