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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FBN--SUPER BOWL

FORMATS: Text, Photo

WITH: FBN--SUPER BOWL-ROLE PLAYERS

DESCRIPTION: Much of the attention Super Bowl week is always on the star players like Drake Maye and Jaxon Smith-Njigba for good reason. But if history is any indication, some lesser-known players could have a big impact on the Super Bowl on Sunday between New England and Seattle. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 02/03/2026 6:00 a.m. EST

WITH: FBN--PRO BOWL

DESCRIPTION: SAN FRANCISCO — The players selected for this year’s Pro Bowl all-star festivities face off in skills challenges, including a flag football game.

UPCOMING: By 02/03/2026 6:00 p.m. EST

WITH: FBN--SUPER BOWL-SEAHAWKS-MACDONALD DEFENSE

DESCRIPTION: The Seattle Seahawks have embodied the no-nonsense, workmanlike mindset of coach Mike Macdonald in his second year at the helm. The Seahawks’ defense has been a textbook extension of Macdonald, who is just one win away from becoming the first head coach to win a Super Bowl as the primary defensive play caller for his team. Lots of coaches have done so while calling plays on offense, but few on defense. By Andrew Destin. 650 words. Photos.

UPCOMING: By 02/03/2026 6:00 p.m. EST

WITH: FBN--SUPER BOWL-PATRIOTS-THE VRABEL WAY

DESCRIPTION: The “Do your job” approach Bill Belichick cultivated during his two-decade run with the Patriots produced six Super Bowl wins, but wasn’t it the most pleasant atmosphere to play in. But Mike Vrabel, a former Patriots player under Belichick, has brought fun back to Patriots locker room in his first season. He’s instituted little things that shine the spotlight on his players like game-specific captains, individual player introductions and racing to the locker room to hug every player after wins or losses. It extends into the locker room with spotlight “one clap” acknowledgements to multiple players in addition to traditional game balls. In short, he’s made is first season in New England about imploring his team to enjoy winning — and experiencing it with teammates whose backgrounds they know and can appreciate. It’s created an identity that may be the not-so-hidden life blood of this team’s success. By Kyle Hightower. 800 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 02/03/2026 6:00 p.m. EST

WITH: FBN--SUPER BOWL-DARNOLD

DESCRIPTION: Sam Darnold’s career had bottomed out when he arrived in San Francisco in 2023. A year under coach Kyle Shanahan as Brock Purdy’s backup helped revive Darnold’s path and now he returns to Levi’s Stadium to start the Super Bowl. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 02/03/2026 6:00 p.m. EST

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BKN--AROUND THE NBA

DESCRIPTION: With teams now at the 50-game mark, trends of a potential champion start to emerge. There’s no guarantees, of course, but things are looking good right now for Detroit, Houston, New York and San Antonio. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 02/03/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text, Photo

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BKC--T25-TOP 25 THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: Saint Louis coach Josh Schertz believes his team is more than just a feel-good story. Ranked No. 19, the Billikens have won 15 straight games and aim to extend their 21-1 record Tuesday night against Davidson. By Dave Skretta. 650 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 02/03/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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BKW--T25-TOP 25 THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: UConn has rarely been tested this season, winning all but one of its games by double digits. The No. 1 Huskies, who are the only undefeated team left in Division I basketball, had led by at least double figures at the half in 21 of the first 22 games this season. Sunday’s game against rival Tennessee looked like it could be a challenge for the Huskies, who trailed by four with just over 2 minutes left in the half before UConn tied the game at 42 at the break. UConn, like it has done for most of the season, turned the game into a rout in the second half before winning 96-66. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg. Upcoming: 450 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 02/03/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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OLY--SKI-DESCRIBING SHIFFRIN

DESCRIPTION: Mikaela Shiffrin’s actions, of course, speak louder than any words. Those close to the all-time winningest Alpine ski racer and compete against her, along with former teammates and current teammates, tried to explain what makes Shiffrin, well, Shiffrin in a word or two. By Pat Graham. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 02/03/2026 7:00 a.m. EST, Text

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OLY--SKI-VONN’S STATUS

DESCRIPTION: Lindsey Vonn provides an update on her status for the Milan Cortina Olympics after crashing and injuring her left knee last week in the final World Cup downhill before the Winter Games. By Andrew Dampf.

UPCOMING: By 02/03/2026 11:00 a.m. EST, Text, Video, Photo

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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-KOEPKA

DESCRIPTION: Brooks Koepka would never consider anything a dream week without a trophy, certainly not finishing 19 shots behind the winner. But it felt like one at Torrey Pines. The warm reception in his return from LIV might have been as much about golf taking a step toward patching up the landscape. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 975 words, photos. With Golf Notes and Golf Glance.

UPCOMING: By 02/03/2026 11:00 a.m. EST, Text, Photo

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BBO-TAMPA BAY RAYS STADIUM

DESCRIPTION: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manford plan a news conference to discuss a proposal for a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays near the NFL’s Raymond James Stadium and the Yankee’s minor league facility Steinbrenner Field. A time has not yet been announced for the news conference.

UPCOMING: By 02/03/2026 12:15 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

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OLY--US-MINNESOTA STRONG

DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Winter Olympic teams have long had a strong Minnesota showing, with the North Star State’s rich history on the ice a major influence, and this year is no exception. Many of the 26 athletes hailing from Minnesota going to the Milano Cortina Games are carrying more than local pride this time, with both heaviness and inspiration from the federal immigration crackdown that has roiled and riled up the state. By Martha Bellisle and Dave Campbell. 850 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 02/03/2026 2:00 p.m. EST, Text, Video, Photo

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CAR--NASCAR PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: There’s no telling what version of Denny Hamlin will show for the upcoming NASCAR season, which unofficially begins Wednesday night with The Clash, an exhibition race held at grassroots Bowman Gray Stadium in North Carolina. How he bounces back from a rollercoaster three months of triumph and tragedy will be one of the major storylines of the upcoming 2026 season. By AP Auto Racing Writer Jenna Fryer.

UPCOMING: By 02/03/2026 2:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBN-BROWNS-MONKEN

DESCRIPTION: Todd Monken will be introduced as the Cleveland Browns new head coach during a press conference. By Joe Reedy. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 02/03/2026 3:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBN--CARDINALS-LAFLEUR

DESCRIPTION: The Arizona Cardinals introduce new head coach Mike LaFleur on Tuesday at the team’s practice facility. LaFleur was the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator the past three seasons. By David Brandt. 700 words, photos from 12 p.m. MST press conference.

UPCOMING: By 02/03/2026 4:00 p.m. EST, Text

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Arsenal protects a 3-2 lead heading into a home second leg against Chelsea in the English League Cup semifinals. By Steve Douglas. UPCOMING: 400 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 02/03/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKC--T25-KANSAS-PETERSON FINISHES

Peterson finally finishes for No. 11 Kansas, hitting two late 3s to beat No. 13 Texas Tech

SUMMARY: Kansas standout freshman Darryn Peterson finally finished a game for the No. 11 Jayhawks. And he finished off No. 13 Texas Tech with two 3-pointers in the final 1:20 of a 64-61 road win Monday night. Peterson scored 19 points while playing a season-high 35 minutes, with his only field goals in the second half those late 3s. Two days earlier, Peterson scored 18 points in the first half but didn’t play the final 16:46 of a win over then-No. 13 BYU because of cramping. The 6-foot-5 guard has dealt with ankle, hamstring and calf injuries while missing 10 games for 17-5 Kansas.

WORDS: 473 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 1:31 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9fbe3a4dfe9e25d98630b0383c26040e&mediaType=text

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FBN--SUPER BOWL-OPENING NIGHT

Patriots and Seahawks kick off Super Bowl festivities with a quieter, calmer, tamer Opening Night

SUMMARY: Maybe the game itself will live up to the hype, because Super Bowl Opening Night was calmer than usual. Drake Maye and the New England Patriots take on Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers. The media frenzy that kicks off the week’s festivities on Monday night was smaller, quieter and far less outrageous than it has been in recent years. The crowd inside the San Jose Convention Center didn’t compare to the thousands of fans who’ve attended when it’s been held in larger arenas.

WORDS: 850 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 1:27 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e37616f7a5dcd626062de384125287df&mediaType=text

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BKW--T25-WOMEN’S POLL

Louisville rises to 6th in AP women’s Top 25, its best ranking in four years, UConn-UCLA 1-2

SUMMARY: Louisville moved up to sixth for its best ranking in four years in The Associated Press women’s Top 25 basketball poll. UConn remained the unanimous No. 1 from the 31-member national media panel. The Huskies are the lone undefeated team in women’s college basketball and kept that streak going Sunday with a 96-66 rout of then-No. 15 Tennessee. UConn has won 39 consecutive games dating to last season. UCLA, South Carolina and Texas remained behind the Huskies in an unchanged top four. The Bruins had an impressive win over then-No. 8 Iowa on Sunday.

WORDS: 406 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 1:09 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:21cd6a8d853599475a6cb87325b7cbff&mediaType=text

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US--FBN-SUPER BOWL-POLITICS

Football, politics and protest: This year’s Super Bowl comes at a tinderbox moment in the US

SUMMARY: The NFL faces pressure to take a stance against the Trump administration’s immigration policies ahead of the Super Bowl. Over 184,000 people have signed a petition urging the league to denounce Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s potential presence at the game. The liberal group MoveOn plans to deliver the petition to the NFL’s New York City headquarters on Tuesday. Bad Bunny, the halftime show’s headliner, is expected to address the moment. The Grammy-winning artist has criticized President Donald Trump on various issues. Trump has said he doesn’t plan to attend this year’s game and has derided Bad Bunny as a “terrible choice.”

WORDS: 1329 - MOVED: 02/03/2026 12:04 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1447163cfa820cbb0c96973c20ccd976&mediaType=text

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BKC--T25-KANSAS-TEXAS TECH

Darryn Peterson hits two late 3s as No. 11 Kansas wins 64-61 at No. 13 Texas Tech

SUMMARY: Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson scored 19 points, including two 3-pointers in the final 1:20 for his only field goals of the second half, and the 11th-ranked Jayhawks overcame a late nine-point deficit to beat No. 13 Texas Tech 64-61. Peterson, who played a season-high 35 minutes, hit a 3 from the right corner with 1:20 left to tie the game at 61. His next one, with 44 seconds remaining, put the Jayhawks ahead to stay in their sixth consecutive win. The Red Raiders, playing without starting point guard Christian Anderson, had a 59-50 lead with 6:05 to go but made only one of their last 12 shots while Kansas closed on a 14-2 run. Melvin Council Jr. had 16 points and Flory Bidunga scored 14 for the Jayhawks.

WORDS: 338 - MOVED: 02/02/2026 11:45 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c374f38ab5ccd0fa763dcbdcd7467dc5&mediaType=text

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BBO--MARINERS-CARDINALS-RAYS TRADE

Mariners acquire All-Star Brendan Donovan from Cardinals in three-team trade with Rays

SUMMARY: The Seattle Mariners have acquired All-Star infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals in a three-team trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. Seattle sent infielder Ben Williamson to the Rays, and a pair of minor league prospects to the rebuilding Cardinals: pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje and outfielder Tai Peete. St. Louis also received a 2026 draft pick from the Mariners. Tampa Bay shipped minor league outfielder Colton Ledbetter and a 2026 draft pick to the Cardinals. The 29-year-old Donovan was a first-time All-Star last year, when he batted .287 with 10 home runs, 50 RBIs and a .775 OPS. He won a utility player Gold Glove as a rookie in 2022.

WORDS: 656 - MOVED: 02/02/2026 11:37 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:89e8b548c2ae8ef1398b5347ee103e46&mediaType=text

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FBN--SUPER BOWL-GOODELL

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says expanding the regular season to 18 games is ‘not a given’

SUMMARY: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said there have been no discussions with the union about adding an 18th game to the season and said lengthening the season again was not inevitable. The NFL added a 17th game in 2021 and Goodell has expressed interest in the past about adding an 18th game in place of one of the three exhibition games each team plays every season. Goodell said a number of issues would have to be discussed with the union before an 18th game was added, including whether a second bye week was needed and the size of rosters.

WORDS: 779 - MOVED: 02/02/2026 10:49 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cb83949d2ccc51fc21981f87eafd9189&mediaType=text

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BBO--MLB-LOCAL TEAM RIGHTS

MLB to produce local broadcasts for 6 more teams with fate of FanDuel Sports Network uncertain

SUMMARY: Major League Baseball will produce and distribute local broadcasts for six more teams this season. The Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Rays have all made the switch. These teams ended their deals with Main Street Sports Group after missed rights payments. The Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, and Los Angeles Angels are still deciding on their plans. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized the importance of maximizing revenue for teams. The local media landscape is changing, with MLB taking over broadcasts for several teams in recent years.

WORDS: 745 - MOVED: 02/02/2026 8:46 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9d328346363a84f5a858b6c2606a0336&mediaType=text

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BKN--HORNETS-BALL COLLISION

Hornets coach left feeling ‘foolish’ after collision leaves LaMelo Ball with a gash above his eye

SUMMARY: Charlotte Hornets coach Charles Lee jokingly called himself a “stupid coach” after accidentally colliding with LaMelo Ball during a game. The incident happened in the first quarter Monday against the New Orleans Pelicans. Ball was trying to save a pass when he collided with Lee, sending both to the ground. Ball went to the locker room with a cut above his eye but returned to score 26 points and grab eight rebounds. The Hornets won 102-95, marking their seventh straight victory. Ball laughed off the collision, saying the win was what mattered most.

WORDS: 521 - MOVED: 02/02/2026 6:46 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:41de271ec1bbb1f6d9730849cad0cfd6&mediaType=text

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FBN--GIANTS-TISCH-EPSTEIN

NFL says it will look into Giants co-owner Steve Tisch’s association with Jeffrey Epstein

SUMMARY: The NFL released a statement Monday on New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch, whose name showed up more than 400 times in files released by the U.S. Justice Department regarding Jeffrey Epstein. The statement said the NFL is aware of the reports and will look into the matter “to understand the facts.” The statement came before Commissioner Roger Goodell was scheduled to hold his annual state of the league address to kick off Super Bowl week.

WORDS: 204 - MOVED: 02/02/2026 6:44 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1caf99d478942c41808fc3b37d664df5&mediaType=text

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SOC--TRIPLE ESPRESSO

Rodman, Swanson and Wilson look forward to reuniting Triple Espresso after eventful year

SUMMARY: So much has changed in the lives of Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Wilson since winning the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Swanson and Wilson both took time away from soccer to start families. Rodman spent much of last season dealing with injuries before contract negotiations with the Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League. It is likely that this year the trio will also reunite on the field for the national team as the United States prepares for Women’s World Cup qualifying in November. It’s also expected that at some point three will be playing for their different NWSL teams.

WORDS: 857 - MOVED: 02/02/2026 3:40 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:989f5489da497221114604e8fe4625e6&mediaType=text

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BBO--AVERAGE SALARY

Major League Baseball salary increase slowed to 1.4% in 2025 while setting record at $4.7 million

SUMMARY: Major League Baseball’s average salary increased by 1.4% last year, reaching a record $4.7 million, according to the players’ association. This is the smallest increase since the average dropped for four straight seasons before 2022. The average rose 2.9% in 2024 after increases of 7.2% in 2023 and 14.8% in 2022. The average has risen 28.3% in the first four seasons of the current labor deal. Union figures are based on 2025 salaries, bonuses and prorated shares for 1,046 players. MLB has not yet finalized its 2025 average, which may differ slightly due to methodology.

WORDS: 388 - MOVED: 02/02/2026 3:34 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:188bf8f2e4cee3c87aaf4210814ca247&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAMS-MCVAY-SNEAD

Coach Sean McVay and GM Les Snead agree to multiyear contract extensions with the Rams

SUMMARY: Coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead have agreed to multiyear contract extensions to stay with the Los Angeles Rams. McVay and Snead have led the Rams through one of the longest stretches of success in franchise history. The Rams are 92–57 in the regular season and 10–6 in the playoffs since Snead and owner Stan Kroenke hired a then-30-year-old McVay in 2017, one year after the franchise returned home from St. Louis. The Rams immediately ended a 12-year playoff absence and reached the Super Bowl one year later before winning the franchise’s second Super Bowl title in February 2022.

WORDS: 923 - MOVED: 02/02/2026 3:01 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:20fb0731b9813c12ad56ec49349bb3f8&mediaType=text

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BKC--TUSKEGEE-TAYLOR HANDCUFFED

Tuskegee men’s basketball coach Taylor handcuffed after intervening in postgame incident

SUMMARY: Tuskegee men’s basketball coach Benjy Taylor was handcuffed after intervening in an incident involving his team and members of Morehouse’s basketball and football teams over the weekend. A statement from his attorney says Taylor was concerned about Morehouse football players acting aggressively toward Tuskegee players and their parents during postgame handshakes on Saturday. The statement says the football players’ presence during the postgame handshake is prohibited by conference-mandated security protocols. After Taylor asked a second officer to enforce those protocols, the officer handcuffed him and escorted him from the court. Coach Taylor was not charged. Taylor has hired attorneys to represent him.

WORDS: 365 - MOVED: 02/02/2026 2:21 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:856c2a4815651a619bae7bfe6a3b1fcb&mediaType=text

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HKN--PREDATORS-TROTZ

Barry Trotz is retiring as Predators general manager once a successor is found

SUMMARY: Barry Trotz is retiring as general manager of the Nashville Predators after just under three years on the job. Trotz will stay on through the March 6 NHL trade deadline and until a successor is found, playing a role in that process. He is expected to remain with the Predators as an adviser through the 2026-27 season, when his contract expires. Trotz took over from longtime GM David Poile in the summer of 2023. Nashville made the playoffs the following season, then missed in 2024-25 after spending $100 million in free agency.

WORDS: 670 - MOVED: 02/02/2026 1:54 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cc94ee379f611c3170bf8d419d9ee98b&mediaType=text