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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SOC--ENGLISH PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: A lookahead to the next round of the Premier League, focusing on the troubles at relegation-threatened Tottenham. By Steve Douglas. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 03/12/2026 4:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKC-T25-MIAMI (OHIO)-MAC TOURNAMENT

DESCRIPTION: CLEVELAND — No. 20 Miami, the first Division I men’s team to go unbeaten through the regular season in five years, opens the Mid-American Conference tournament against UMass. By Joe Reedy. 300 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 03/12/2026 1:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--CONTACT HITTING

DESCRIPTION: While Toronto led the major leagues in batting average and came within two outs of a World Series title, don’t expect other teams to follow the Blue Jays’ example and usher in an era of emphasis on contact hitting. By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum. 800 words, photos, by 4 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 03/12/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN-ON FOOTBALL-FREE AGENCY-TAKEAWAYS

DESCRIPTION: Mike Evans leaving Tampa Bay for seemingly less money is the biggest surprise of free agency. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.

UPCOMING: By 03/12/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP

DESCRIPTION: PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Rory McIlroy is the defending champion with a sore back and Scottie Scheffler is coming off a pair of finishes outside the top 10 as The Players Championship begins at the TPC Sawgrass. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. 750 words, photos

UPCOMING: By 03/12/2026 5:55 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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SOC--NWSL GROWS

DESCRIPTION: For the players populating the rosters of the two newest teams in the National Women’s Soccer League, the undertaking is much like joining a fast-growing startup company. The Denver Summit and the Boston Legacy join the NWSL for its 14th season, with two more teams on the way. By Anne M. Peterson. 600 words and photos.

UPCOMING: By 03/12/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--NWSL PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: With two of its big stars back, two new teams joining the fold and an expanded television presence, the National Women’s Soccer League is embarking on its 14th season hoping to ride the surge in popularity of women’s sports and of a summer focused on soccer. By Anne M. Peterson. 600 words and photos.

UPCOMING: By 03/12/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--EUROPEAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: The round of 16 of the Europa and Conference Leagues, the 1st leg.

UPCOMING: By 03/12/2026 6:15 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKN--CELTICS-THUNDER

DESCRIPTION: The league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder host the Boston Celtics, who have Jayson Tatum back from injury. Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will try to break a tie with Wilt Chamberlain for most consecutive games -- 126 -- with at least 20 points. By Cliff Brunt. 300 words, with photos.

UPCOMING: By 03/12/2026 11:50 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKL--CLARK RETURNS

Caitlin Clark returns from injury to help US rout Senegal in qualifying tournament

SUMMARY: Caitlin Clark made a triumphant return from an injury in her U.S. senior national team debut, finishing with 17 points and 12 assists as the Americans beat Senegal 110-46 on Wednesday in the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament. Clark sustained a right groin injury in a WNBA game for the Indiana Fever in July and hadn’t played since then. The former Iowa star averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 assists and 5.0 rebounds in just 13 games in her short second season after starting her pro career by being named rookie of the year. She was back in rhythm Wednesday, helping the Americans shoot 58.7% from the field and 54.8% from 3-point range.

WORDS: 189 - MOVED: 03/12/2026 12:30 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:348873a14c5f3b4dec9dc823e28004fe&mediaType=text

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BKN--WNBA-CBA

WNBA players’ union feels movement is being made in CBA negotiations after 9-hour bargaining session

SUMMARY: Nneka Ogwumike and the other members of the WNBA players’ union executive committee feel that movement is being made toward a new collective bargaining agreement. Ogwumike spoke after nine hours of negotiations Wednesday night. That followed a 12-hour session that began Tuesday and finished at 5 a.m. EDT Wednesday. In proposals over the last 24 hours, the league has increased its salary cap offer for the first year to $6 million — up from $5.75 million in previous negotiations. That’s according to a person familiar with the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the discussions.

WORDS: 621 - MOVED: 03/12/2026 12:28 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1e97b22d16035f152d9ab5d21cad1ebd&mediaType=text

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TEN--BNP PARIBAS

Novak Djokovic falls to defending champ Jack Draper in 3 sets at BNP Paribas Open

SUMMARY: Defending champion Jack Draper rallied from a set down and beat five-time champ Novak Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) Wednesday night in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open. The 24-year-old Draper, who is coming back after missing eight months due to an arm injury, advanced to the quarterfinal round and will face Daniil Medvedev, who beat Alex Michelsen 6-2, 6-4 in the round of 16 to advance.

WORDS: 199 - MOVED: 03/12/2026 12:26 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a9c37e05c1acb1024568a38368f1c0c0&mediaType=text

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BBI--WBC-US ADVANCES

US gets the help it needs from Italy and advances to the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals

SUMMARY: A day later than expected, the United States has punched its ticket to the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic. The Americans got the help they needed from Italy, which beat Mexico 9-1 on Wednesday night. Italy beat the U.S. 8-6 a night earlier, turning the Americans into spectators as they hoped to avoid elimination. The Italians won Group B with a 4-0 record. The U.S. was runner-up in the group at 3-1. Mexico was eliminated, having also lost to the U.S. The Americans will stay in Houston to meet Canada on Friday night. Italy will play Puerto Rico in the other quarterfinal at Daikin Park on Saturday.

WORDS: 387 - MOVED: 03/12/2026 12:03 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d5009e0d76d9d1fe1242e92b97307fe5&mediaType=text

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BBI--WBC RDP

Pasquantino has WBC’s first 3-homer game to lead Italy over Mexico, advancing US to quarterfinals

SUMMARY: Vinnie Pasquantino had the World Baseball Classic’s first three-homer game, leading Italy over Mexico 9-1 to win Pool B and advance the United States to the quarterfinals as group’s second-place team. Italy’s victory ended a day of uncertainty for the Americans, who needed help to reach the quarterfinals after losing to Italy 8-6 on Tuesday night. Pasquantino, who opened the tournament 0 for 12, homered leading off the second, sixth and eighth innings to propel Italy to the quarterfinals for a third time and second tournament in a row. Jon Berti also homered for Italy to help build a big lead early.

WORDS: 1084 - MOVED: 03/11/2026 11:33 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:74c59f353381a6b8acec1f06d8820618&mediaType=text

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US--MICHIGAN-SIGN-STEALING-LAWSUIT

Former Michigan linebackers coach Chris Partridge sues university over firing

SUMMARY: Former Michigan linebackers coach Chris Partridge is suing the university, its board of regents and its athletics director for firing him in 2023. The federal lawsuit filed Wednesday says he was unjustifiably terminated. Partridge was fired while the NCAA investigated allegations of in-person scouting and sign-stealing. The lawsuit says the school violated his Fourteenth Amendment right to due process. Michigan did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press requesting comment. The Big Ten declined to comment on the lawsuit.

WORDS: 559 - MOVED: 03/11/2026 10:11 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ab68bb973ef5b75f1dfcc112c1f21a78&mediaType=text

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BKC--ARIZONA STATE-HURLEY FIRED

Arizona State not renewing coach Bobby Hurley’s contract after 11 up-and-down seasons

SUMMARY: Bobby Hurley’s tenure as Arizona State’s coach is over after 11 up-and-down seasons. Arizona State athletic director Graham Rossini announced on Wednesday that Hurley’s contract will not be renewed, just hours after the Sun Devils’ blowout loss to No. 7 Iowa State in the Big 12 tournament. Hurley will be placed on paid administrative leave through the remainder of his contract, which ends in June. Hurley led the Sun Devils to the NCAA Tournament three times, including two straight in 2018-19, but needed to make another March Madness run if his contract was going to be extended. Arizona State fell well short, finishing 12th out of 16 teams in the Big 12 at 7-11 and 17-16 overall. Hurley finished 185-167 at Arizona State.

WORDS: 899 - MOVED: 03/11/2026 8:49 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8befdbca141accfecca0a2f53690ad76&mediaType=text

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FBN--FREE AGENCY RDP

Trey Hendrickson joins Ravens, Maxx Crosby still on Raiders and Daniel Jones re-signs with Colts

SUMMARY: The Baltimore Ravens landed their star pass rusher in Trey Hendrickson, Maxx Crosby is back in Las Vegas for now and Daniel Jones is staying in Indianapolis as part of a busy start to the new league year. Wednesday’s biggest move came when the Ravens agreed to a four-year, $112 million contract with Hendrickson, a four-time Pro Bowl defensive end. On Tuesday night, Baltimore backed out of a deal with the Raiders for Crosby over a failed physical, a person with knowledge of that deal told The Associated Press.

WORDS: 1073 - MOVED: 03/11/2026 8:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e4e98cb87284c4bd2676d6d201259ce6&mediaType=text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP

Real Madrid dominates Man City in Champions League, PSG beats Chelsea, Arsenal salvages draw

SUMMARY: Real Madrid was too strong for Manchester City in the latest Champions League clash of these titans. A 3-0 win at the Bernabeu put Madrid in control of this round-of-16 tie at the halfway mark after a first-half hat trick by Federico Valverde. The Uruguay international inspired the record 15-time champion in the absence of injured stars Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo. Defending champion Paris Saint-Germain beat Chelsea 5-2 and tiny Bodø/Glimt is also in sight of the quarterfinals after a 3-0 win over Sporting Lisbon. Arsenal drew 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen.

WORDS: 900 - MOVED: 03/11/2026 7:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:81929fc2c9cd3a8654695f6226afb065&mediaType=text

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SOC--BODO/GLIMT-FAIRYTALE

Champions League’s Cinderella club Bodø/Glimt shines again by beating Sporting Lisbon 3-0

SUMMARY: The Champions League’s Cinderella club Bodø/Glimt is writing another chapter in its fairytale run. The homely Norwegian club won 3-0 against Sporting Lisbon in the first leg of a round of 16 clash at its tiny Aspmyra Stadium. Sporting was the latest favored team to struggle inside the Arctic Circle. Manchester City and Inter Milan were each beaten 3-1. Bodø/Glimt led in the 32nd minute when Sondre Brunstad Fet scored with a penalty. Ole Blomberg scored in first-half stoppage time and Kasper Høgh in the 71st. The winner after the return game in Lisbon will play either Arsenal or Bayer Leverkusen.

WORDS: 432 - MOVED: 03/11/2026 7:13 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3ebbc7e9ac42e56feedd8b3b8030d004&mediaType=text

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BKN--WARRIORS-CURRY

Stephen Curry to miss at least another 10 days for Warriors because of right knee injury

SUMMARY: Stephen Curry will be sidelined for at least another 10 days as the Golden State Warriors star tries to work his way back from a troublesome right knee injury. The team says that Curry — who will turn 38 on Saturday and has missed 15 consecutive games — was re-evaluated Tuesday and has continued to make good progress. He has returned to individual on-court workouts that will be intensified as Curry is able to do more.

WORDS: 263 - MOVED: 03/11/2026 5:59 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ccf2f308c1b972f2edac41db07253e7e&mediaType=text

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OLY--PARALYMPICS-UKRAINE

Ukraine accuses IPC and local Paralympic organizers of ‘systematic pressure’ at Milan Cortina Games

SUMMARY: Ukraine’s Paralympic committee has accused the International Paralympic Committee and Milan Cortina organizers of subjecting Ukraine’s athletes and coaches to “systematic pressure.” It released a statement Wednesday with a series of alleged incidents in which it says representatives of the IPC and the local organizing committee pressured and disrespected the Ukrainians. The incidents included the alleged forceful removal of a Ukrainian flag, the breaking up of planning meetings by the Ukrainian team, and the prohibition of a Ukrainian athlete from wearing a earring with the words “Stop War” in a podium ceremony. The IPC says it was caught by surprise by the Ukrainian statement.

WORDS: 389 - MOVED: 03/11/2026 5:57 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:88ed36aad67f22023790f953a818e967&mediaType=text

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BKN--HEAT-ADEBAYO’S 83

Bam Adebayo’s 83-point night was one to remember in Miami. But not everyone was pleased

SUMMARY: Bam Adebayo’s 83-point game for the Miami Heat has stirred up a ton of emotions around the NBA. Some players lauded it. Some around the league criticized it. Adebayo turned in the second-best scoring effort in NBA history, 17 points shy of Wilt Chamberlain’s single-game record and two points better than Kobe Bryant’s career-best of 81 points. Bryant’s performance held the No. 2 mark on the league’s single-game scoring list for 20 years. Much of the criticism surrounding Adebayo’s big night is focused on his record 43 free-throw attempts.

WORDS: 1201 - MOVED: 03/11/2026 5:33 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:10146b0855f5b8f36a58f2e52b27f920&mediaType=text

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GLF--PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP-PREVIEW

The Players Championship is set to deliver major excitement at the TPC Sawgrass

SUMMARY: Whether The Players Championship should be considered a major is up for debate. What gets little argument is whether it’s among the most entertaining tournaments in golf. Attribute that to the Stadium Course at the TPC Sawgrass. Drama seems to be the rule, not the exception. Adam Scott was asked to describe the tournament with one word. He called it exciting. Scottie Scheffler loves the test because it never seems to favor one style of golf. The biggest question is defending champion Rory McIlroy. He had to withdraw from Bay Hill with back spasms and was not due to arrive until Wednesday.

WORDS: 969 - MOVED: 03/11/2026 5:16 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ea3ed2d6609386b9b0b0479db7720b06&mediaType=text

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BBO--CACTUS-LEAGUE-HEAT

Are 105-degree days coming to the Cactus League? Spring training could turn to summer in Arizona

SUMMARY: A day of fun in the sun for a Major League Baseball spring training game in the Cactus League looks like it’s about to get toasty — even by Arizona standards. Record-setting heat is forecast over the next 10 days in central Arizona with temperatures that could rise into the 90s by the end of this week and top 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.6 degrees Celsius) late next week. National Weather Service meteorologist Katherine Berislavich in Phoenix said Wednesday that the current forecast shows a roughly 55% chance the temperature will top 105 by next Wednesday, March 18. That chance improves to 70% on March 19 and 85% on March 20.

WORDS: 335 - MOVED: 03/11/2026 5:02 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0f307acd891c619734f77fb0727ade37&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-IRAN-MINISTER

Iran’s sports minister says the country can’t take part in the World Cup because of US attacks

SUMMARY: Iran’s sports and youth minister says the country is in no position to take part in the World Cup after the United States killed its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in its ongoing war. Iran was expected to take part in the World Cup that will be held across North America in June, but Iranian Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali told state television that his country’s soccer team players are not safe in the U.S., according to a video of the interview posted Tuesday.

WORDS: 365 - MOVED: 03/11/2026 4:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8e4d152ee19807adaf70c95522bf951b&mediaType=text

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SOC--NWSL EXPANSION

NWSL to award its 18th franchise this year, with team expected to begin play in 2028

SUMMARY: National Women’s Soccer League Commissioner Jessica Berman said the league will award its 18th franchise this year, with the team to begin play in 2028. The NWSL announced in November that Atlanta had been awarded the 17th franchise, with that team also taking the field in 2028. The NWSL opens its 2026 season this weekend with two new teams, the Boston Legacy and the Denver Summit.

WORDS: 420 - MOVED: 03/11/2026 3:56 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0b4bc7a98523556bb10616a7e8d79b25&mediaType=text

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US--PRIEST-BASEBALL CARDS

Head priest of Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh accused of stealing baseball cards from Walmart

SUMMARY: The head priest of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Pittsburgh is facing charges after being accused of stealing more than $1,000 in baseball cards from a Walmart. Police arrested the Very Rev. Aidan Smith on Feb. 27 just after he left a Walmart near Pittsburgh. Court records say Smith had 27 packs of baseball cards concealed under his clothing and in a cardboard box. The 42-year-old is charged with receiving stolen property and retail theft. Police say Walmart security video shows Smith also taking baseball cards each of the four previous days and leaving without paying. The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh says Smith had been on administrative leave since January.

WORDS: 255 - MOVED: 03/11/2026 3:45 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0542a4ad7cda396d366207c76f84f30c&mediaType=text

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GLF--PLAYERS-ROLAPP

PGA Tour targets bigger fields in bigger markets as it moves closer to new model

SUMMARY: The PGA Tour is exploring a major reset that puts more top players together in bigger events and bigger markets. CEO Brian Rolapp says nothing is final, but leaders see meaningful consensus. The tour considers doubling signature events and expanding those fields to 120 players with a 36-hole cut. It also is leaning toward two tracks of tournaments. One track has about two dozen elite events, plus majors and the postseason. The other track focuses on promotion. Rolapp also raises match play as a way to add drama to the postseason. He says changes could start in 2027.

WORDS: 859 - MOVED: 03/11/2026 1:52 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:469c2b62ec0cfe3342cb8fc082de03ce&mediaType=text