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.

For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, including agate, contact AP Customer Support at apcustomersupport@ap.org or 877-836-9477.

The New York sports desk can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1630. Sports photos, ext. 1918.

——————————

UPCOMING

——————————

HKN--SABRES-DROUGHT IS OVER

DESCRIPTION: When Taylor Hall signed with the Sabres several years ago, he said the NHL is better when Buffalo is good. It has been a while since that was the case. For Hall and many others who endured part or all of a decade of losing in one of hockey’s best markets, there is joy from afar in seeing the Sabres end the longest playoff drought in league history. By Hockey Writers Stephen Whyno and John Wawrow. SENT: 765 words, photos.

___

FBN--NFL-DRAFT-LATE ROUND JACKPOT

DESCRIPTION: The first two days of the draft generate most of the attention but teams that find value on Day 3 set themselves up for success. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.

UPCOMING: By 04/15/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

FBN--NFL-DRAFT-GUIDE

DESCRIPTION: This year’s NFL draft begins with the first round on April 23 with 257 picks spread over a three-day process. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is expected to go to the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 1 overall pick. By David Brandt. SENT: 361 words, photos.

___

GLF--RBC HERITAGE-PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: Cameron Young took the three-hour drive to Hilton Head and reflected on birdie chances he had on the back nine of the Masters, all eight of them. And then it was on to the next week. Ditto for Scottie Scheffler, who find the RBC Heritage a perfect spot for any post-Masters blues. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/15/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

___

SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

FORMATS: Photo, Text

1. WITH: SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-ARSENAL-SPORTING

2. DESCRIPTION: Arsenal plays at home to Sporting Lisbon in the return leg of their Champions League quarterfinal. 500 words. Match starts at 3 p.m. EDT.

3. UPCOMING: By 04/15/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-BAYERN-MUNICH-REAL MADRID

5. DESCRIPTION: After winning away 2-1 Bayern Munich hosts Real Madrid in the return leg of their Champions League quarterfinal. 500 words. Match starts at 3 p.m. EDT.

6. UPCOMING: By 04/15/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

___

BKN--NBA POSTSEASON COVERAGE

BKN--Hornets-Ball — LaMelo Ball was so excited after delivering a knockout blow to the Miami Heat in Tuesday night’s electric 127-126 play-in tournament win he decided to carry it over to his victory celebration, delivering two right-hand jabs to the oversized head of Hugo, the Charlotte Hornets’ mascot. It’s unclear if Ball could face disciplinary action from the league over an earlier incident in the game when he appeared to grab the leg of Bam Adebayo, resulting in the Heat center falling on his back. Adebayo did not return to the game and Heat coach Erik Spoelstra later said that Ball should have been ejected. By Steve Reed. SENT: 500 words, photos.

BKN--Celtics-Whole Again — With Jayson Tatum back in the lineup, the Celtics finished the season on a roll. Championship expectations are high in Boston. Kyle Hightower.

BKN--Hawks-New Beginning — Atlanta traded away the player who was perceived to be its star and has been basically unbeatable since. There’s a feeling of fresh air around the Hawks, who’ll go into the playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the East. Maura Carey.

BKN--Magic-76ers — PHILADELPHIA — The 76ers host the Magic in a play-in game. By Dan Gelston. 400 words, photos. Game starts at 7:30 p.m. EDT.

BKN--Warriors-Clippers — INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Kawhi Leonard and the ninth-seeded Los Angeles Clippers host Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament. By Greg Beacham. 400 words, photos. Game starts at 10 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 04/15/2026 11:59 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

___

HKN--AVALANCHE-MACKINNON

DESCRIPTION: DENVER -- Nathan MacKinnon’s standout season includes a career-best in goals, a shot at a second Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP and leading the Colorado Avalanche to the league’s top record. Despite his serious demeanor, MacKinnon does crack the occasional smile. His intense focus on improvement is likened to the drive of the late Kobe Bryant. MacKinnon, the No. 1 pick in 2013, is consistently at the top of his game. He’s notched at least 111 points in each of the four seasons. He had 51 goals and 89 assists in 2023-24 when he won the Hart Trophy. By Pat Graham. SENT: 782 words, photos.

___

MMA--ROUSEY-CARANO

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK — Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano come face to face again, with just about a month until the mixed martial arts stars end their retirements to fight in Los Angeles.

UPCOMING: By 04/15/2026 9:30 p.m. EDT, Text

___

——————————

NEW AND DEVELOPING

——————————

BBO--JACKIE ROBINSON DAY

MLB celebrates Jackie Robinson Day as every player wears No. 42 on anniversary of his historic debut

SUMMARY: Major League Baseball is set to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day, when every player, coach and umpire will wear his No. 42 to mark the 79th anniversary of the infielder breaking the sport’s color barrier. Robinson debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. He went on to win Rookie of the Year honors, become a six-time All-Star and the 1949 National League MVP. He played in six World Series, and won his only championship in 1955 with the Dodgers. The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets will hold a joint reflection ceremony later Wednesday at the centerfield statue of Robinson at Dodger Stadium.

WORDS: 283 - MOVED: 04/15/2026 1:40 p.m. EDT. Will be updated.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d58cb4b13ee04db99c6adf28e32a5407&mediaType=text

___

BBO--TIGERS-MCGONIGLE CONTRACT

Tigers and rookie Kevin McGonigle agree to an $150 million, 8-year contract starting in 2027

SUMMARY: Detroit Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle has agreed to a $150 million, eight-year contract starting in 2027. The 21-year-old infielder made his major league debut on March 26 and has been impressive, hitting .311 with one homer and eight RBIs in 17 games. McGonigle is the fourth top prospect to secure a big-money deal since late March, following contracts for Konnor Griffin, Colt Emerson, and Cooper Pratt. His deal includes a $14 million signing bonus and covers the first three seasons after he would have been eligible for free agency. McGonigle was drafted 37th overall in 2023.

WORDS: 313 - MOVED: 04/15/2026 1:14 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:380303a3cffb62dd82a672018f8d7707&mediaType=text

___

GYM--NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

A resurgent Georgia and a resilient Arkansas are back at the NCAA gymnastics championships

SUMMARY: Cecile Landi has revitalized Georgia’s gymnastics program since leaving elite coaching two years ago. Landi, who coached two-time Olympic champion Simone Biles, and the Bulldogs are making their first appearance at the NCAA championships since 2019 after a strong performance at regionals. The field includes defending national champion Oklahoma along with powerhouses Florida, LSU, and UCLA. Yet the return of Georgia and the resurgence of Arkansas under Olympic gold-medal-winning coach Jordyn Wieber is offering proof that the playing field at the NCAA level may be evening out.

WORDS: 1035 - MOVED: 04/15/2026 12:36 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:40a7028ff4feb154daa61c69d7bf6316&mediaType=text

___

US-WRESTLEMANIA-ECONOMIC IMPACT

WrestleMania is back in Las Vegas after a big showing last year

SUMMARY: As WWE gears up for WrestleMania this weekend, the biggest annual event for the professional wrestling organization, data shows that its appearance in Las Vegas last year had an economic impact worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Parent company TKO said Wednesday that recent studies conducted by research firm Applied Analysis show that the event had an economic impact of $322.2 million, with wrestling fans traveling from all over the U.S. and abroad to spend money on hotels, restaurants, shops and at other businesses.

WORDS: 485 - MOVED: 04/15/2026 12:25 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:344c93f46e1d442a66d74d08a73bc048&mediaType=text

___

BBC--LEHIGH-NCAA RECORDS

Lehigh sets Division I record with 20 runs in first inning of 38-6 victory over Coppin State

SUMMARY: Lehigh set an NCAA Division I baseball record by scoring 20 runs in the first inning of a 38-6 victory over Coppin State. The Mountain Hawks broke the record of 18 runs in a first inning set by Princeton and matched by Air Force, both in 1974. Lehigh’s 38 runs were a Patriot League record and the most in a game between Division I teams since New Mexico State beat Texas Southern 38-6 in 2019. Thirteen of the 20 first-inning runs were scored consecutively on bases-loaded walks, hit by pitches or wild pitches.

WORDS: 153 - MOVED: 04/15/2026 11:38 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5f373643884f4945f9bbf48daa2c309a&mediaType=text

___

SOC--WCUP-GROUP I-PREVIEW

Mbappé’s France faces Haaland’s Norway, Senegal and Iraq in World Cup Group I

WORDS: 706 - MOVED: 04/15/2026 10:10 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:150932ed8887b32ffbb174b8b8883186&mediaType=text

___

SOC--WCUP-GROUP H PREVIEW

Spain and Uruguay set for blockbuster World Cup Group H clash with Cape Verde debuting

WORDS: 627 - MOVED: 04/15/2026 8:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e838e2b5a09167bdf5e3861ff3c544a6&mediaType=text

___

SOC--WCUP-GROUP G-PREVIEW

War with the United States draws attention to Iran in Group G

WORDS: 710 - MOVED: 04/15/2026 6:10 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1dff50f52eff1abe00a5abcb6dc68a78&mediaType=text

___

SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE–BAYERN-MUNICH-REAL MADRID

Bayern primed to finish the job against Real Madrid in Champions League

SUMMARY: Bayern Munich is primed to finish the job against embattled Real Madrid to reach the Champions League semifinals on its way to a potential treble of trophies from an outstanding season. The Bavarian powerhouse holds a 2-1 lead over Madrid from the first leg of their quarterfinal last week. Coach Vincent Kompany has a full squad at his disposal with no injuries after Bayern smashed the Bundesliga goals record with a 5-0 rout of St. Pauli at the weekend. Bayern’s excellence contrasts sharply with Madrid’s troubles. The 15-time European champion faces the prospect of a second consecutive season without a trophy unless it beats Bayern away by two goals in what is sure to be a hostile environment in Munich. Coach Álvaro Arbeloa says, “We are the team that never gives up.”

WORDS: 257 - MOVED: 04/15/2026 6:07 a.m. EDT. Will be updated.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6a3dd781a30ef14e156670de6040a825&mediaType=text

___

HKN--FLYERS-PLAYOFF FEVER

Playoff party time in Philadelphia! Flyers, fans rejoice at long-awaited return to postseason

SUMMARY: Flyers fans are buzzing with excitement as the team clinches its first playoff berth since 2020. The youthful squad, led by 19-year-old Porter Martone and 21-year-old Matvei Michkov, secured a 4-2 win over Montreal. General manager Danny Briere and team president Keith Jones are credited for building through the draft rather than quick fixes. The Flyers ended the season strong, going 18-6-1 after a rough patch. Fans celebrated at the arena, enjoying a Grateful Dead cover band and the antics of mascot Gritty. The Flyers are ready to face Pittsburgh in the playoffs, aiming to prove their potential.

WORDS: 891 - MOVED: 04/15/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:64dbd74c8c38f727e4cb490ef2cf7476&mediaType=text

___

SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-ARSENAL-SPORTING LISBON

Arsenal faces pivotal week with key games in the Champions League and Premier League

SUMMARY: A crucial week for Arsenal starts against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday. Mikel Arteta’s team faces two huge games in its pursuit of a Premier League and Champions League double this season. Leading 1-0 against Lisbon after the first leg in Portugal last week, Arsenal is closing in on a place in the semifinals for the second successive year. Then on Sunday it faces Manchester City in a top of the table clash in the Premier League.

WORDS: 297 - MOVED: 04/15/2026 3:51 a.m. EDT. Will be updated.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:704b3bfdbaf58b4403f875e3832e23db&mediaType=text

___

BBO--STRUGGLING METS

Mets looking lost at the plate again in 7th straight loss

SUMMARY: The New York Mets’ bats have gone silent during a seven-game losing streak. Their latest setback was a 2-1 defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Mets have been outscored 36-10 during the skid and are at the bottom of the NL East. Their best hitter, Juan Soto, is sidelined with a calf injury and isn’t expected back for two to three weeks. Francisco Lindor hit a leadoff home run, snapping the team’s 20-inning scoreless streak. The Mets are hitting .178 during the skid, with just eight extra-base hits. Rookie Nolan McLean was a bright spot, giving up one run in seven innings.

WORDS: 526 - MOVED: 04/15/2026 2:09 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f5f9f9a21517d2e2de8721c000e5bce8&mediaType=text

___

——————————

MOVING TOMORROW

——————————

FBN--NFL DRAFT PREVIEWS

Draft stories planned on each of the 32 teams, including a breakdown of their needs in the draft.

___

BKN--NBA-PLAY-IN PREVIEW

The last two playoff spots will be claimed on Friday. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds.

___

BKN--NBA-PLAYOFFS CAPSULES

Capsule previews and predictions for the NBA first-round playoff series. By Brian Mahoney and Tim Reynolds.

___

HKN--WEST PREVIEW

Previewing the Western Conference half of the NHL’s Stanley Cup Playoffs

___

HKN--EAST PREVIEW

The Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning are the most seasoned playoff teams in an Eastern Conference field with lots of new blood.