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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BKL--ACES-SMITH-GRADUATES

DESCRIPTION: NaLyssa Smith can now say she’s a college graduate. Smith, who plays for the Las Vegas Aces, graduated from Baylor Friday, four years after leaving the school for the WNBA. She played at Baylor from 2018-22, winning a national championship in 2019 and earning AP first-team All-America honors in 2021 and 2022. Smith left the school a few classes short from earning her degree in health and kinesiology.

UPCOMING: By 05/16/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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TEN--ITALIAN OPEN

DESCRIPTION: ROME — Jannik Sinner leads Daniil Medvedev in the third set of an Italian Open semifinal that will resume after being interrupted by rain late Friday. Coco Gauff plays Elina Svitolina in the women’s final.

UPCOMING: By 05/16/2026 10:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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SOC--GERMAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: The last day of the Bundesliga season sees fierce competition for the final Champions League spot as Stuttgart and Hoffenheim battle, while former champion Wolfsburg fights against relegation.

UPCOMING: By 05/16/2026 11:30 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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SOC--FA CUP FINAL

DESCRIPTION: LONDON — Manchester City plays Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

UPCOMING: By 05/16/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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CAR--NASCAR-ALL STAR PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: A preview of the NASCAR All-Star Race, which this year will be held Sunday at the track in Dover, Delaware. By Dan Gelston. Text, photos. With CAR--NASCAR-All Star-Qualifying -- With a unique two-lap format that will include a four-tire pit stop, the starting lineup for the first NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway will be determined. By Nate Ryan. Eds: Qualifying will begin at noon EDT.

UPCOMING: By 05/16/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKO--WORLDS

DESCRIPTION: A daily roundup of matches at the hockey world championship in Switzerland.

UPCOMING: By 05/16/2026 5:15 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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SOC--FRENCH ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Paris FC hosts Paris Saint-Germain in a local derby and Lyon faces Lens in the last round of Ligue 1. Marseille faces Rennes, Lille takes on Auxerre and Monaco travels to play Strasbourg.

UPCOMING: By 05/16/2026 6:30 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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RAC--PREAKNESS STAKES

DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the 2026 Preakness Stakes, the second race of the Triple Crown in horse racing. By Noah Trister. Text, photos. Post time approximately 7:01 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 05/16/2026 6:45 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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GLF--LPGA TOUR

DESCRIPTION: CINCINNATI — Jin Young Ko and Amanda Doherty topped the Kroger Queen City Championship leaderboard going into the weekend, with Nelly Korda three shots back in her bid for a third straight victory. 350 words.

UPCOMING: By 05/16/2026 7:15 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

DESCRIPTION: NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. — Alex Smalley and Maverick McNealy shared the lead at 4 under going into the weekend in the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. 800 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/16/2026 7:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--SABRES-CANADIENS

DESCRIPTION: The Montreal Canadiens can wrap up a trip to the Eastern Conference Final with a Game 6 win over Buffalo. The visiting Sabres are hoping to force a Game 7. Text, photos. Starts at 8 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 05/16/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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MMA--ROUSEY-CARANO

DESCRIPTION: INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Mixed martial arts pioneers Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano return from lengthy absences as the headliners on Netflix’s first live MMA show. Former UFC champion Rousey hasn’t fought since 2016, and the 44-year-old Carano hasn’t fought since 2009. By Greg Beacham. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/16/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKN--SPURS-TIMBERWOLVES

Stephon Castle gives the Spurs 32 points in a 139-109 blowout to eliminate Timberwolves in Game 6

SUMMARY: Stephon Castle had 32 points and 11 rebounds to highlight another dominant performance from the San Antonio backcourt, and Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs raced past the Minnesota Timberwolves 139-109 on Friday night to win the series in six games. De’Aaron Fox added 21 points and nine assists as the Spurs advance to face defending champion Oklahoma City in the Western Conference finals. Anthony Edwards had 24 points to lead the Wolves, who got another spark from reserves Terrence Shannon and Naz Reid but were again flustered by the Spurs and their relentless switch-heavy defense.

WORDS: 559 - MOVED: 05/16/2026 1:18 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ba345b1a571922a3f9604dc9452c7463&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA-MVP

The NBA’s MVP will be announced Sunday. Gilgeous-Alexander, Wembanyama or Jokic the finalists

SUMMARY: The NBA will reveal this season’s Most Valuable Player on Sunday, which just happens to be the day before Game 1 of the Western Conference finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs. Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning MVP and he’s one of the three finalists for the award this season — along with Spurs center Victor Wembanyama and Denver’s Nikola Jokic. No matter who wins, it’ll be the eighth consecutive season in which a player who was born outside the U.S. takes the MVP trophy.

WORDS: 476 - MOVED: 05/16/2026 1:07 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b7ed505254bbac5a6c432ae973ec11d3&mediaType=text

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BBO--METS-HOLMES

Mets pitcher Clay Holmes sidelined indefinitely with broken leg after getting hit by line drive

SUMMARY: Clay Holmes has a broken right leg after getting hit on the mound by a 111 mph line drive, another devastating blow to the New York Mets in their miserable season so far. Perhaps the Mets’ best pitcher this year, Holmes got nailed just above the right foot on a leadoff single in the fourth inning by New York Yankees rookie Spencer Jones during the Subway Series opener at Citi Field. The ball caromed past the first-base line into foul territory, but Holmes remained in the game until being lifted with one out in the fifth. Following a 5-2 loss, manager Carlos Mendoza said X-rays showed a ‘fractured’ right fibula that will sideline Holmes indefinitely.

WORDS: 714 - MOVED: 05/16/2026 12:39 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8c11b369b6126c4298fabb403cea3e6d&mediaType=text

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BBO--RANGERS-ASTROS-NO-HITTER

Astros’ Spencer Arrighetti has a no-hit bid broken up with 1 out in the 8th vs. Rangers

SUMMARY: Houston Astros right-hander Spencer Arrighetti had a no-hit bid broken up with one out in the eighth inning Friday night when Texas Rangers rookie Justin Foscue hit a line-drive single to left field. Arrighetti was pulled after Foscue’s base hit. The 26-year-old walked four while throwing 102 pitches — one shy of his career high — and 62 for strikes. Foscue grounded out in each of his first two at-bats and entered the game batting .182 this season in 11 plate appearances. Arrighetti has a 1.50 ERA in six starts this season.

WORDS: 580 - MOVED: 05/15/2026 11:57 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3d327b752594660913253dff999de7fc&mediaType=text

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BBO--PHILLIES-SURGING SCHWARBER

Kyle Schwarber is on a heater. So are the Phillies. It’s not a coincidence

SUMMARY: Kyle Schwarber is on a hot streak and so are the Philadelphia Phillies. The star designated hitter smashed two more home runs in an 11-9 win over Pittsburgh to bring his season total to an MLB-leading 20. Nine of Schwarber’s homers have come in his last eight games. He’s one of two players in MLB history to hit that many homers over that short a span twice in their careers. Schwarber says he’s not sure why he’s so locked in, adding that he’s more pleased that that Phillies are starting to play better after an early season funk. The Phillies have gone 13-4 since Don Mattingly took over as manager in April.

WORDS: 837 - MOVED: 05/15/2026 11:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:75a70995a8155f05b27a509c7ae7fa89&mediaType=text

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BKN--PISTONS-CAVALIERS

Cade Cunningham scores 21 and Pistons dominate 2nd half to beat Cavs 115-94 and force Game 7

SUMMARY: Cade Cunningham scored 21 points and the top-seeded Detroit Pistons dominated the second half, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-94 to force a Game 7 in their Eastern Conference second-round series. The decisive game is Sunday in Detroit. Jalen Duren had 15 points and 11 rebounds while Daniss Jenkins also scored 15 for the Pistons, who have won four games this postseason when facing elimination. James Harden scored 23 points for Cleveland, which suffered its first home loss of the postseason. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley scored 18 apiece.

WORDS: 493 - MOVED: 05/15/2026 11:08 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a2d4d8b75f8190c7fb093cbf6d2dc4d6&mediaType=text

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BBO--PHILLIES-PIRATES

Schwarber hits majors-leading 19th and 20th HRs, Phillies beat Pirates 11-9 in 10 innings

SUMMARY: Kyle Schwarber hit his majors-leading 19th and 20th home runs of the season and Philadelphia rallied past Pittsburgh 11-9 in 10 innings. Schwarber sparked the comeback with a pair of two-run homers. The designated hitter has hit nine home runs in the past eight games, the second time in his career he’s done that. Brandon Marsh led off the 10th inning with an RBI single and Rafael Marchán followed with a two-run single. The Phillies have won five of six and are 13-4 since Don Mattingly took over as manager. Brandon Lowe hit two homers for Pittsburgh.

WORDS: 358 - MOVED: 05/15/2026 10:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d9a5ec247a099c7a6c20048b8ab74bc2&mediaType=text

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GLF--PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

The PGA Championship has the biggest logjam at a major in 24 years.

SUMMARY: Alex Smalley and Maverick McNealy share the lead at the PGA Championship. It seems like everyone else shares a chance. Smalley shot 69 and McNealy had 67 as they set the pace at 4-under 136. But Aronimink has shown to be a course that doesn’t let anyone get too far away. Chris Gotterup and Hideki Matsuyama are among those one shot behind. Lurking with his big presence is Scottie Scheffler. He overcame three early bogeys to salvage a 71 and was among those only two behind. Rory McIlroy got back in the game at 67 and was five back.

WORDS: 994 - MOVED: 05/15/2026 9:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8b8fb9acd75b17a951377d15729a0824&mediaType=text

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GLF--PGA CHAMPIONSHIP-CUT

Rose’s final-hole eagle ensures weekend tee times at the PGA Championship; DeChambeau misses cut

SUMMARY: Justin Rose used a dramatic final-hole eagle to make his two-round total good enough to beat the 4-over cut line and secure a weekend stay at Aronimink Golf Club. Rose had birdies, pars, bogeys, double-bogeys and, most importantly, the eagle left him at 3 over on a chilly, windy day. The 45-year-old Englishman was one of 82 golfers to secure weekend tee times. But, two-time U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau won’t be around after missing the cut at a major for the third time in four majors with a two-day total of 7 over.

WORDS: 593 - MOVED: 05/15/2026 9:00 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bc643043c99697b3ad7201e2f5c44fc0&mediaType=text

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GLF--PGA-ARONIMINK

Scheffler calls PGA Championship pin placements the hardest he’s ever seen

SUMMARY: The scoring at the PGA Championship is especially high, and a big reason is the greens at Aronimink. More specifically, it’s the diabolical pin positions. Scottie Scheffler says they are the hardest he’s ever seen. Chris Gotterup says some of them are so tough it doesn’t even look like they’re on the greens. Scheffler got off to a rough start with three bogeys in four holes. Then he faced a brutal pin on the long par-3 14th. He had to two-putt from 80 feet. Scheffler believes the undulating greens are so severe the PGA can make the score whatever it wants based on hole locations.

WORDS: 731 - MOVED: 05/15/2026 8:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f37241e41802e6b4086ccbc5b762c69b&mediaType=text

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CAR--INDY 500

Felix Rosenqvist, Scott McLaughlin reach the top of Indianapolis 500 speed charts on Fast Friday

SUMMARY: Felix Rosenqvist took advantage of the friendly, late afternoon weather conditions to reach the top of the Indianapolis 500 speed charts on Fast Friday. Scott McLaughlin needed just seven laps in the middle of the afternoon to send his message on Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s iconic 2.5-mile oval — Team Penske intends to reclaim the pole. Rosenqvist posted the fastest lap of the day, 233.372 mph though it came with a tow, and the fastest four-lap average, 232.828 in the final practice before qualifying. But it was McLaughlin who waited through the two-hour rain delay and two more hours of inactivity before turning heads with the fastest no-tow lap of the week, 232.674, and the second fastest four-lap average, 232.572.

WORDS: 872 - MOVED: 05/15/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4efb2c68da60ecbc55d21163bf2249f4&mediaType=text

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HKW--PWHL-EXPANSION-SAN JOSE

PWHL to choose San Jose as its 4th expansion market, AP sources say

SUMMARY: Two people with knowledge of the discussions tell The Associated Press that the PWHL is bringing women’s hockey to the Bay Area by choosing San Jose, California, as its fourth and final market during the league’s latest round of expansion. The people spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the league had not made an announcement. With the addition of San Jose, the PWHL increases to 12 teams, doubling the league’s size since it started in 2024 and broadening its geographical reach. The league is also adding franchises in Las Vegas, Detroit and Hamilton, Ontario.

WORDS: 228 - MOVED: 05/15/2026 7:58 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:af588d4848b1e1080713dae6782243eb&mediaType=text

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GLF--LPGA TOUR

Ko and Doherty lead in Cincinnati, with Korda 3 back in bid for 3rd straight win

SUMMARY: Jin Young Ko and Amanda Doherty each shot 4-under 66 on Friday to share the second-round lead in the Kroger Queen City Championship, with Nelly Korda three shots back in her bid for a third straight victory. Korda had two late birdies in a 67 in the morning session at Maketewah Country Club. She won The Chevron Championship for her third major, then followed with a victory in Mexico before taking last week off. Ko had a bogey-free round in the morning to reach 7-under 133 on the first-year venue. The 30-year-old South Korean player has 15 LPGA Tour victories, winning two majors in 2019. Doherty had five birdies and a bogey in the afternoon session, closing with a birdie on the par-3 18th.

WORDS: 354 - MOVED: 05/15/2026 7:38 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:646d8aaec2b6e5ddb68eb62782597767&mediaType=text

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BBO--RANGERS-JOSH SMITH

Rangers say second baseman Josh Smith will be hospitalized at least a week with viral meningitis

SUMMARY: Texas Rangers second baseman Josh Smith is expected to be hospitalized for at least a week to be treated for viral meningitis. The team says Smith will remain in a Dallas-area hospital until he has returned to full health. That’s expected to be within 7-10 days. A plan for return to play will be determined once Smith resumes physical activity. The Rangers say Smith went to a doctor Wednesday after feeling ill. Meningitis is a swelling of the protective lining of the brain and spinal cord that can be caused by a viral infection.

WORDS: 242 - MOVED: 05/15/2026 6:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bc5bef8a579f3f0a51d9a57de79e3aab&mediaType=text

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GLF--PGA CHAMPIONSHIP-FREE VIEWS

Backyard ladders and ‘sky decks’ turn Aronimink homes into free PGA Championship seats

SUMMARY: Golf fans are finding creative ways to enjoy the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. Pat Concannon and friends set up a ladder and truck bed for a free view of the action. Nearby homeowners are joining in, turning their yards into party spots with ladders and rented platforms. Jim Hageney, whose home overlooks the first hole, rented platforms for $2,000 to host friends. Despite some road closures, the atmosphere is lively, with a Bruce Springsteen cover band set to play. Homeowners are embracing the event, enjoying unobstructed views and avoiding long concession lines.

WORDS: 772 - MOVED: 05/15/2026 5:31 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:89ab6300359274ef7cf89f2c7825a4d1&mediaType=text

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HKO--WORLDS

Switzerland beats defending champion the US in ice hockey worlds opener

SUMMARY: Switzerland has begun its quest for a first ice hockey world championship title by defeating the United States 3-1. Sven Andrighetto and Pius Suter have each contributed two points. Goaltender Leonardo Genoni made 19 saves in Zurich. Alex Steeves scored for the U.S. in the final period. Switzerland was runner-up for the past two years and hopes to finally break through with home advantage. Canada has held off Sweden 5-3. Canada is the most successful nation with 28 titles but wants to rebound from last year’s fifth-place finish. Finland has beaten Germany 3-1 and the Czechs topped Denmark 4-1.

WORDS: 534 - MOVED: 05/15/2026 5:16 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f76b9a00c44ceba96b16ccd534ed106a&mediaType=text

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RAC--PREAKNESS STAKES PREVIEW

The Preakness at Laurel Park has a little bit of everything but the Kentucky Derby winner

SUMMARY: The 151st Preakness Stakes is set to offer excitement despite lacking a Kentucky Derby winner aiming for the Triple Crown. The race is at Laurel Park, a 115-year-old track hosting the event for the first time while Pimlico Race Course undergoes reconstruction. The Preakness will return to Pimlico next year. With no clear favorite, six horses have opened at odds of 8-1 or shorter. Brittany Russell aims to make history with hometown horse Taj Mahal. The Preakness airs on NBC and Peacock, with post time at 7:01 p.m. EDT. The event could reveal a new star in horse racing.

WORDS: 792 - MOVED: 05/15/2026 5:12 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3162114f15e1a52bfd25c73c2543cb09&mediaType=text

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MMA--ROUSEY-CARANO PREVIEW

Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano are ready to roll back the clock in a double MMA comeback for the ages

SUMMARY: Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano aren’t bothering to pretend to hate each other this week. These trailblazing fighters have been through too much and been away from mixed martial arts for too long to get caught up in their sport’s usual pre-fight posturing and preening. When they enter the cage at Intuit Dome in a double comeback for the ages Saturday, they’ll do it with a mutual respect borne from the similarities between their two remarkable journeys to this unlikely night. And then they’ll attack with all they’ve got left, perhaps for the very last time.

WORDS: 931 - MOVED: 05/15/2026 4:56 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1ece576230fa22027ab556a5ef45dcb8&mediaType=text

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BKN--KNICKS-BROWN

Mike Brown was hired to coach the Knicks for this moment. He has his team ready for it

SUMMARY: Mike Brown was hired for this moment. The New York Knicks already had a coach who could take them to the Eastern Conference finals — and they fired him immediately after. Whoever replaced Tom Thibodeau would do so knowing he was inheriting a seat that was already warm, taking an undeniable win-now job where the only way he could demonstrate he made the team better was by reaching the NBA Finals. Brown has them back in the conference finals after they were two losses from elimination in the first round. He changed some things, stuck with others, and now his team is rolling.

WORDS: 924 - MOVED: 05/15/2026 3:11 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a4ab38b7c948dfcf0b909283026172db&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL SCHEDULE

NFL: Chiefs’ early primetime games not tied to Patrick Mahomes’ knee recovery

SUMMARY: The NFL’s decision to put the Kansas City Chiefs in primetime windows the first two weeks of the season wasn’t meant to be a hint on how fast Patrick Mahomes will recover from knee surgery. Mahomes tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee on Dec. 14 and has said his goal is to be back in time for Week 1 when the Chiefs host Denver on “Monday Night Football.” They play Indianapolis at home on Sunday night in Week 2. NFL executive Hans Schroeder said the league didn’t have any inside information on Mahomes’ recovery, but is encouraged by what coach Andy Reid has said publicly.

WORDS: 1366 - MOVED: 05/15/2026 2:42 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b77885c784864837f77a02639b16c537&mediaType=text

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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-NFL SCHEDULE-NETWORKS

The NFL keeps the spotlight on Sunday broadcasts as it creates viewing options on other days

SUMMARY: The NFL schedule traditionally gets plenty of attention. However, there has been more scrutiny as the league has carved out games for streaming services. Of the 272 regular-season games next season, 22 will on a streaming service as the primary network, and 14 will be primarily on cable. That leaves 236 games that will be on CBS, Fox, NBC or ABC, meaning 87% of the schedule will be on broadcast television, the same percentage as last year. All games in a team’s home market air on a broadcast network.

WORDS: 1092 - MOVED: 05/15/2026 2:25 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d335bb19a17f3c1eb5be81e5656309d1&mediaType=text

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BKN--GRIZZLIES-CLARKE DEATH-WHAT TO KNOW

What to know about the investigation into Memphis forward Brandon Clarke’s death

SUMMARY: Brandon Clarke’s death raised countless questions. So far, there are few answers. And it’ll probably stay that way for a while. The Memphis Grizzlies forward was found dead inside a home near Los Angeles on Monday, and a person familiar with the terms of the investigation told The Associated Press on Tuesday that drug paraphernalia was found at the residence. The 29-year-old Clarke was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. An autopsy was performed, but the cause of death could take weeks to determine.

WORDS: 617 - MOVED: 05/15/2026 2:16 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:abb88c218ac0b941256d63ebfe7861a4&mediaType=text