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--NFL COMBINE-WRAPUP

DESCRIPTION: Winners and losers from the NFL’s week-long annual scouting combine. By Michael Marot. 700 words, more on merit, with photos by 4 p.m. ET.

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

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BKC--T25-IOWA STATE-ARIZONA

DESCRIPTION: No. 2 Arizona can clinch the outright Big 12 title when it hosts No. 4 Iowa State. By John Marshall. 300 words, photos. Starts at 7 p.m. MT.

UPCOMING: By 03/02/2026 9:00 p.m. EST, Text

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BBI--US-WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC

DESCRIPTION: A star-studded U.S. team assembles for its first workout in Arizona ahead of the World Baseball Classic. The Americans are led by pitchers Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes, along with sluggers Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge. By Baseball Writer David Brandt. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos by 8 p.m. MST.

UPCOMING: By 03/02/2026 10:00 p.m. EST, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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FBN--COMBINE-TAKEAWAYS

Combine buzz centered on players who could be on the move and likely No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza

SUMMARY: While college players take center stage at the NFL scouting combine, teams are busy preparing their next moves along with evaluating potential draft picks. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is the consensus choice for the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 1 overall and it’s uncertain whether another quarterback will be selected in the first round. But there was plenty of speculation about QBs changing teams during a jam-packed week in Indianapolis. Kirk Cousins already was informed by the Atlanta Falcons that he’ll be released. Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray also could be looking for new teams.

WORDS: 589 - MOVED: 03/02/2026 1:31 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6a69b778d61cf857e489ce2c31614ca0&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-JGR-GABEHART LAWSUIT

A judge lets Chris Gabehart keep working at Spire, but bars his old JGR duties

SUMMARY: A federal judge has ruled Chris Gabehart can keep working at Spire Motorsports but only in a role unrelated to work he did as competition director at Joe Gibbs Racing. The ruling follows a Friday hearing in which JGR sough a restraining order to block his move. The judge also ordered Gabehart to return any data and materials to his former team. She set March 16 for a full hearing. Gabehart holds a top job overseeing TWG Global’s racing groups. He can travel to Phoenix Raceway this weekend.

WORDS: 290 - MOVED: 03/02/2026 1:30 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8a8d77f1ecc6d1bbd40e339678e94cca&mediaType=text

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BBO--ROBOT UMPIRES

The A’s and Giants have the best robot-ump challenge rates in the first 10 days of spring

SUMMARY: The Athletics had the highest success rate using the robot-umpire system to overturn ball/strike calls during the first 10 days of spring training, winning 69.2% of challenges as teams prepared for its regular-season debut March 25. San Francisco was second at 66.7%, followed by Cincinnati, Miami and San Diego at 61.9% each, Major League Baseball said Monday. The World Series champion Dodgers had the lowest rate, winning 21.4% of appeals to the Automated Ball-Strike System. Baltimore was at 25%, the New York Mets at 35.3% and Texas at 38.1%.

WORDS: 295 - MOVED: 03/02/2026 1:28 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:48afcc94cb27b7bc6e88ee80254c1d18&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA-CBA

WNBA’s new CBA offer boosts pay, fast-tracks max deals for stars like Caitlin Clark, AP source says

SUMMARY: The WNBA sent a new CBA proposal to the players’ union Sunday night that includes allowing some of its young stars like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers a chance to earn a maximum salary quicker, a person familiar with the deal has told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of negotiations. The new offer would allow players on rookie contracts who were first or second team all-league to become eligible to sign a maximum contract in their fourth year and would not be eligible for a franchise tag designation following that extension.

WORDS: 606 - MOVED: 03/02/2026 1:11 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d4306962d1aa5eeb07a10dedea5fa90c&mediaType=text

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FBN--LIONS-TEXANS TRADE

Lions trade Montgomery to Texans for Scruggs, 4th, 7th-round picks, AP source says

SUMMARY: The Detroit Lions traded running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs along with fourth and seventh-round picks, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. Detroit dealt a veteran running back who wanted more carries for much-needed depth on the offensive line and extra selections in next month’s draft. Montgomery should have a chance to start for the Texans.

WORDS: 280 - MOVED: 03/02/2026 1:05 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:58632a9055a645cddebf6a150be3461b&mediaType=text

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BKC--T25-MEN’S POLL

Duke extends No. 1 record in AP Top 25 as Michigan State, Nebraska and Texas Tech crash top 10

SUMMARY: Duke is No. 1 in The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll for the second straight week, extending its all-time record with the program’s 149th appearance in the top spot. The Blue Devils received 55 of 59 first-place votes. No. 2 Arizona received the other four.. Michigan, UConn and Florida round out the top five. No. 19 Miami (Ohio), Division I’s only remaining undefeated team, climbed two spots for its highest ranking since reaching No. 12 in 1952-53.

WORDS: 488 - MOVED: 03/02/2026 1:00 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5c7ec81f1303ace9a8b1e18f3e9db3f6&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-IRAN

Iran’s World Cup place in US put in doubt by Middle East war. FIFA has Iraq next in line

SUMMARY: Iran’s place at the men’s soccer World Cup in three months’ time has been put in doubt amid an escalating Middle East conflict sparked by tournament co-host the United States. Iran is due to play three group-stage games in the U.S. from June 15-26. Two are in Inglewood, California and one in Seattle. It is unclear if the state-backed Iranian soccer federation could refuse to send its team to the 48-nation tournament that Canada and Mexico will co-host. Or if the U.S. government could effectively block the team. If Iran doesn’t play, Iraq is next in line from Asia.

WORDS: 990 - MOVED: 03/02/2026 12:34 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8882f12c6e9cb3f3dc1306fd2dd9a208&mediaType=text

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BKC--T25-MICHIGAN-GUARDS

Big Ten champion Michigan looking for guards to step up without L.J. Cason

SUMMARY: No. 3 Michigan lost the best backup point guard in college basketball, according to coach Dusty May. L.J. Cason tore a knee ligament as the team clinched an outright Big Ten title with a win at No. 10 Illinois on Friday night. The Wolverines will certainly miss the smooth-shooting sophomore, who averaged 8.4 points and more than one 3-pointer per game. May says the injury will give guards an opportunity to play larger roles. Starting point guard Elliot Cadeau plays about 25 minutes a game, a number that may increase if he can avoid foul trouble.

WORDS: 383 - MOVED: 03/02/2026 12:15 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:40f80b6483fa6cc4ea0b77914e45a4dd&mediaType=text

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BKW--T25-WOMEN’S POLL

UConn remains unanimous No. 1 in AP Top 25 heading into postseason; followed by UCLA, South Carolina

SUMMARY: UConn heads into the postseason undefeated and still the unanimous choice at No. 1 in The Associated Press women’s basketball Top 25. The Huskies, who have won 47 consecutive games, are 31-0 this season. They received all 31 first-place votes from a national media panel. The top seven teams remained unchanged this week with UCLA, South Carolina and Texas following the Huskies. Conference tournaments begin this week with less than two weeks before the NCAA brackets are set.

WORDS: 361 - MOVED: 03/02/2026 12:01 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d7a985275c662787c3af79a664074190&mediaType=text

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FBN--BROWNS-TEXANS TRADE

Browns agree to acquire offensive tackle Tytus Howard from Texans, AP source says

SUMMARY: The Cleveland Browns have agreed to acquire offensive tackle Tytus Howard from the Houston Texans for a fifth-round pick, a person familiar with the move has told The Associated Press. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the teams have not announced the deal, which can not become official until the start of the NFL’s new league year on March 11. Howard is expected to take over at right tackle, but has also played at left tackle and right guard. The trade is also Cleveland’s first step in rebuilding an offensive line where most of its starters are free agents.

WORDS: 413 - MOVED: 03/02/2026 12:01 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6797eaebcecc633f61f2c130153df560&mediaType=text

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US--IRAN-US-SPORTS

War disrupts sports with doubt over Messi’s ‘Finalissima,’ Ronaldo games and F1 races

SUMMARY: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lewis Hamilton are among the sports stars whose schedules are in doubt because of the spreading war in the Middle East. Cancelations and travel shutdowns are already affecting events since the United States and Israel launched a wave of strikes on Iran on Saturday. Organizers of Formula 1 and major soccer games face deciding within weeks whether they can go ahead as scheduled. Middle Eastern nations have become crucial to the world sports landscape over the last decade as event hosts, financial backers and employers for some of the world’s top athletes.

WORDS: 700 - MOVED: 03/02/2026 11:25 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:46cc551e816533216a7971f67dd9c06c&mediaType=text

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TEN--TRAVEL ISSUES

Tennis stars in Dubai and Paralympians face travel issues as Middle East war continues

SUMMARY: Former U.S. Open tennis champion Daniil Medvedev has indicated he’s one of what the ATP Tour calls “a small number of players and team members” stuck in Dubai as the war in the Middle East causes a widespread travel shutdown that has also caused issues for athletes heading to the Paralympics. Medvedev’s Instagram account has reposted a report from Russian-language tennis outlet Bolshe which said he was safe and staying at a friend’s apartment in Dubai after winning the ATP event there last week. Medvedev and others are due to play at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. Main-draw matches there start Wednesday.

WORDS: 481 - MOVED: 03/02/2026 11:11 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3008358bbb8846171fb2428612e08122&mediaType=text

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BBO--BATTING AVERAGE BLUES

It’s an OPS world in today’s major leagues with batting average in the background

SUMMARY: When Andrew Benintendi first broke into the major leagues in 2016, batting average was a priority for the outfielder. Going into his fourth season with the White Sox and No. 11 overall, he is more focused on his OPS and power numbers. Benintendi says, “The game kind of changes where the money is, I guess.” The significance of batting average has been in decline for years. But its diminished importance was thrown into sharp relief by the free agency of Luis Arraez over the winter. Arraez, a three-time batting champion, waited until right before spring training before agreeing to a $12 million, one-year deal with San Francisco.

WORDS: 940 - MOVED: 03/02/2026 10:38 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2daf6397151d46069b524191c12e56f5&mediaType=text

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SOC--WOMEN’S ASIAN CUP

A long way from the war, Iran loses its opening Women’s Asian Cup game to South Korea

SUMMARY: Iran has opened its Women’s Asian Cup soccer tournament under the shadow of war. The Iranian players stood for the anthem in a sombre moment before their 3-0 loss to South Korea. The Koreans dominated the match on Australia’s Gold Coast and continually created chances but only led 1-0 at halftime. Iran captain Zahra Ghanbari had to leave the field after a collision before the end of regulation time. Iran next faces tournament host Australia on Thursday. The Iranian squad was already in Australia preparing for the tournament when Israel and the United States launched a major attack on Iran.

WORDS: 465 - MOVED: 03/02/2026 7:53 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:597f8341d6e4fdf98d792fdbd8f464fa&mediaType=text

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CAR--F1-MERCEDES-RUSSELL

Speed and paddock politics: George Russell aims to seize his chance after F1’s big changes

SUMMARY: George Russell has long been tipped as a Formula 1 champion of the future and the sweeping regulation changes for 2026 mean it could be his and Mercedes’ year. He and teammate Kimi Antonelli were consistently among the fastest drivers in preseason testing. Two wins last year positioned Russell as best of the rest in the standings behind the title contenders from McLaren and Red Bull and showed his growing maturity. But he still has concerns about sluggish starts off the line. That’s an area where ex-teammate Lewis Hamilton looks particularly strong for Ferrari.

WORDS: 619 - MOVED: 03/02/2026 7:20 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7189dd801824833a738bc104bb116b1e&mediaType=text

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OLY-PARALYMPICS-INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES-RETURN

End the ban: France backs return of intellectually disabled athletes to Winter Paralympics

WORDS: 987 - MOVED: 03/02/2026 7:03 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f97d6b77829c5937a2708fe4ef734eca&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-RACING PERFECTION

23XI team co-owned by Michael Jordan delivering perfect start to season in a ‘perfect partnership’

SUMMARY: Michael Jordan calls Denny Hamlin the mastermind behind their 23XI NASCAR racing team. Hamlin calls their co-ownership a perfect partnership. The team has been nothing shy of perfect behind driver Tyler Reddick so far in 2026. Reddick became the first driver in Cup Series history to win the first three races of the season Sunday. He started the first road course race of the year from the pole position, then held off hard-charging Shane van Gisbergen for the victory at the Circuit of the Americas.

WORDS: 459 - MOVED: 03/02/2026 6:00 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b024d65429a9693b5687100c0cc172fb&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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BKN--AROUND THE NBA

Kevin Durant says aprons are to be thanked for the NBA’s wide-open playoff race.

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OLY--PARALYMPICS-SKATING PIONEERS

Figure skating is the big sport missing from the Winter Paralympic program. Amputee skater Stef Reid, a Paralympic medalist in track and field, is trying to change that. She’s raising visibility on social media for skaters with disabilities and helping to build a movement. By James Ellingworth.

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