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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FBC--CFP EXPANSION-FINANCES

DESCRIPTION: RANCHOS PALOS VERDES, Calif. -- As momentum builds toward backing the Big Ten’s idea of expanding the College Football Playoff to 24 teams, two critical questions remain: Who wants to televise it, and how much would they pay? By Eddie Pells. 900 words, file photo.

UPCOMING: By 05/20/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--TEXAS TECH-SORSBY-GAMBLING

DESCRIPTION: An NCAA enforcement expert says Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s attempt to have his eligibility reinstated is a long shot. By College Football Writer Eric Olson. 700 words, photo.

UPCOMING: By 05/20/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN--SUPER BOWL-NASHVILLE

DESCRIPTION: The Tennessee Titans and local officials take a bit of a victory lap at a news conference after Nashville landed its first Super Bowl, with a downtown party planned Wednesday night complete with a drone show.

UPCOMING: By 05/20/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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HKN--NHL PLAYOFFS COVERAGE

FORMATS: Photo, Text

1. WITH: HKN--CANADIENS-HURRICANES PREVIEW

2. DESCRIPTION: The Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens are set to meet in the Eastern Conference Final, which has become a familiar roadblock for the Hurricanes. By Aaron Beard. 750 words, photos.

3. SENT: By 05/20/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: FBN--SABRES

5. DESCRIPTION: Buffalo Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen and coach Lindy Ruff are scheduled to address reporters two days after the team was eliminated in Game 7 of its second-round playoff series against Montreal. Loss aside, the Sabres accomplished plenty in a year the team won its first Atlantic Division title and ended a 14-season playoff drought. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. 650 words, photos on merits.

6. ON MERITS: By 05/20/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

7. WITH: HKN--GOLDEN KNIGHTS-AVALANCHE

8. DESCRIPTION: The Western Conference Final between the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights starts Wednesday night. The Avalanche last won the Stanley Cup in 2022 and the Golden Knights in 2023. By Pat Graham. 500 words, photos. Game starts at 8 p.m. EDT.

9. UPCOMING: By 05/20/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

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BKN--NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE

FORMATS: Photo, Text

10. WITH: BKN--PLAYOFFS-SEEKING QUIET

11. DESCRIPTION: Spurs coach Mitch Johnson going to do a lot of screaming on Wednesday night in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals at Oklahoma City, win or lose. It’s inevitable, provided that he wants his team to have a chance of hearing anything that he says. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. 750 words, photos.

12. SENT: By 05/20/2026 11:30 p.m. EDT

13. WITH: BKN--ON BASKETBALL-GAME 1 MAGIC

14. DESCRIPTION: What a wild pair of Game 1s there were in the NBA’s conference finals. A pair of overtime games, a pair of frantic finishes, and these were just the series openers for the Spurs-Thunder and Knicks-Cavaliers matchups. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. 630 words, photos.

15. SENT: By 05/20/2026 11:30 p.m. EDT

16. WITH: BKN--SPURS-THUNDER

17. DESCRIPTION: The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder try to avoid a 2-0 series hole in the Western Conference finals when they take on Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. Text, photos. Game starts at 8:30 p.m. EDT.

18. UPCOMING: By 05/20/2026 11:30 p.m. EDT

19. WITH: BKN--CAVALIERS CHALLENGE

20. DESCRIPTION: Jalen Brunson vs. Donovan Mitchell was the hype before the Eastern Conference finals. Unfortunately for Cleveland, Game 1 turned into Brunson vs. James Harden. The Cavaliers traded for one of the most accomplished offensive players in history hoping he was the final piece to their championship puzzle, but after Brunson’s scoring on Harden sparked the Knicks’ rally from 22 points down, they might have to wonder if his defense is what could keep them out of the NBA Finals. By Basketball Writer Brian Mahoney. Text, photos.

21. UPCOMING: By 05/20/2026 11:30 p.m. EDT

22. WITH: BKN--CAVALIERS-KNICKS-COMEBACK

23. DESCRIPTION: Call it a comeback. Or chalk it up as a choke. Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals was both. The Knicks wouldn’t have been able to charge all the way back without Cleveland collapsing. By Basketball Writer Brian Mahoney. 740 words, photos.

24. SENT: By 05/20/2026 11:30 p.m. EDT

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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HKN--AVALANCHE-MAKAR OUT

Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar to miss Game 1 of Western Conference Final against Vegas

SUMMARY: Colorado defenseman Cale Makar will miss Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against Vegas with an upper-body injury. Coach Jared Bednar announced Makar was out after the morning practice and listed him as day to day. Makar left the ice holding his right arm following a collision late in Game 5 against Minnesota last Wednesday but returned in the overtime win. Forward Artturi Lehkonen is expected to be in the lineup Wednesday night after missing the last two games of the Minnesota series with an upper-body injury.

WORDS: 446 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 1:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4eae8667eb75edffd35ca13398f29f46&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-CONGO-EBOLA

Congo cancels 3-day World Cup training camp and fan farewell in Kinshasa over Ebola fears

SUMMARY: Congo’s soccer team has canceled a three-day World Cup preparation training camp and a planned farewell to fans in the capital Kinshasa because of an outbreak of Ebola in the east of the country. Preparations will take place elsewhere after an outbreak of a rare type of Ebola known as Bundibugyo, which is thought to have killed more than 130 people and caused nearly 600 suspected cases. Congo is scheduled to play World Cup-warmup games against Denmark in Liege, Belgium on June 3 and Chile in southern Spain on June 9. Both matches are going ahead as planned, team spokesman Jerry Kalemo has told The Associated Press. Congo faces Portugal in its first World Cup match in Houston on June 17.

WORDS: 589 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 1:17 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:08222c2df62b37b7c1ab31d8e8f84fc8&mediaType=text

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BKN--MAVERICKS-UJIRI

Mavericks president Masai Ujiri says it was his decision to remove Jason Kidd as coach

SUMMARY: Dallas Mavericks president Masai Ujiri says it was a difficult decision, and his alone, to remove Jason Kidd as the team’s coach after five seasons. A day after the Mavericks announced Kidd’s departure, Ujiri said Wednesday he felt like the organization needed a clean slate. The former Toronto Raptors executive took over as team president and governor of the Mavs two weeks ago. He says the decision to move on from Kidd had nothing to do with the February 2025 trade of Luka Doncic or anyone connected to that deal.

WORDS: 297 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 12:56 p.m. EDT. Will be updated.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7554df508ff22ef69f8c438a5a85dcc7&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA-EUROPE

Wembanyama and Spurs to play regular-season games vs. Pelicans in Paris and Manchester next season

SUMMARY: Victor Wembanyama is heading back to France next season with the San Antonio Spurs. They’ll play the New Orleans Pelicans in Paris on Jan. 14 and in Manchester, England, on Jan. 17. The NBA and FIBA, the sport’s global governing body, are planning a new league in Europe, possibly starting in 2027. Paris and Manchester are expected to have teams. The Spurs have been active in France since drafting Wembanyama, hosting events like “Spurs Week Paris.” This trip will include youth clinics and fan events. The NBA plans more European games, reflecting growing interest in basketball across the continent.

WORDS: 609 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 11:42 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:86740688fcfcadf0043f35089073a4bf&mediaType=text

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BKN--ON BASKETBALL-GAME 1 MAGIC

Game 1s in the NBA’s conference finals were beyond belief

SUMMARY: If the NBA had screenwriters, not even they could come up with a start this good to the conference finals. Victor Wembanyama has 41 points and 24 rebounds. San Antonio goes into Oklahoma City and beats the defending champion Thunder. New York trails by 22 points with about eight minutes left in regulation, then beats Cleveland. Both games go to overtime, in a conference finals first. And the score at the end of regulation in both games was 101-101. The best player on the winning team took over in crunch time: Wembanyama for the Spurs and Jalen Brunson for the Knicks.

WORDS: 695 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 10:35 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fbede6a5a5744878700d20d3dc8136e1&mediaType=text

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TEN--FRENCH OPEN-PLAYERS PROTEST

French Open players plan media protest over prize-money share

SUMMARY: Players at the French Open are planning a media protest over prize money. They claim their share of revenue has dropped to 14.3% compared to 22% at other events. Top players like Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff have threatened a boycott if compensation doesn’t improve. L’Equipe has reported that players plan to limit media interactions on Friday. The French tennis federation regrets the protest but is open to discussions. Players want better representation and benefits. The French Open starts Sunday, with prize money increased by about 10%, but players say it’s still insufficient.

WORDS: 615 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 10:34 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cd7afae5694304eef2ea66b7a2130a76&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-BOSTON-THINGS TO KNOW

World Cup host Boston has lobster rolls, American history and Fenway Park: Things to know

SUMMARY: After more than 30 years, the World Cup is back in Boston. Or at least, it’s nearby. World Cup games will be hosted in the small town of Foxborough — about 30 miles south of “Beantown” — for the first time since 1994, when the now-demolished Foxboro Stadium hosted eventual runner-up Italy’s 2-1 win over Spain in the quarterfinals. Massachusetts was one of the original 13 colonies for what would become the United States. So, Boston is rich in American history. Top tourist spots include American Revolution-themed sites like the Boston Tea Party ships, as well as the Old North Church and Paul Revere’s house. Sports venues like Fenway Park and TD Garden are also popular.

WORDS: 461 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 9:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0f5c2678bb59bca6e396e89eccfdabaf&mediaType=text

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SOC--ARSENAL CELEBRATES

British PM Starmer congratulates Arsenal as title celebrations go deep into the night

SUMMARY: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has taken time out from dealing with his own sticky political situation to congratulate his favorite soccer team Arsenal on winning the Premier League. Starmer posted on X soon after the title was clinched: “22 long years for the Arsenal. But finally, we’re back where we belong. Champions!” Starmer is a lifelong Arsenal fan. The victory was rare good news at a time when he is clinging to power after woeful results for his Labour Party in local and regional elections on May 7. The new champions celebrated into the night, with midfielder Eberechi Eze posting pictures on his Instagram account up to 5 a.m. local time.

WORDS: 519 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 7:51 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:64e1a27a453f43ab869ceeed0c9bb669&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL-ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

Former Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich gets an opportunity in NFL’s revamped accelerator program

SUMMARY: Jeff Ulbrich hopes his brief tenure as interim head coach of the New York Jets doesn’t prevent him from leading his own team. Daronte Jones is making sure he’s ready for the opportunity for a promotion. Both defensive coordinators were among 34 participants in the NFL’s revamped coaching and front-office accelerator program that was held Monday and Tuesday. The league created the accelerator program in 2022 as an extension of the Rooney Rule to increase diversity among coaches and front office executives. It was paused last year and now includes nonminority participants. More than half of this year’s group were white men, including Ulbrich.

WORDS: 890 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e814878c5efdea06c8adccf25b1e0acc&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-LOCAL BUSINESSES

Kansas City small businesses whipping up World Cup flavors and merch for fans this summer

SUMMARY: The World Cup may be a multibillion-dollar global endeavor, but small, locally owned businesses across the country are hoping to make a buck as well as the U.S., Mexico and Canada jointly host one of the world’s biggest sporting events. There may be no better example than Kansas City, the smallest of the U.S. host cities. Betty Rae’s is offering unique flavors of ice cream inspired by teams playing in the Heartland. Other companies are selling apparel tied to the event. Multiple businesses are seizing on the opportunity to join in — and profit from — the World Cup festivities.

WORDS: 808 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c7eb9f149991611c27c89e0efa330af3&mediaType=text

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SOC--EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL

Europa League final gives Unai Emery chance to extend remarkable record in competition

SUMMARY: Europa League specialist Unai Emery is aiming to win the trophy for a record-extending fifth time and with a third different team. His Aston Villa team faces Freiburg in Istanbul where he can further enhance his remarkable record in the competition. Having won Europe’s secondary trophy three years running with Sevilla from 2014-16, he then lifted it again with Villarreal in 2021.

WORDS: 323 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 4:30 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e94e0f38d86346cd3f9273a9d66487cb&mediaType=text

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TEN--FRENCH OPEN-GAUFF

FRENCH OPEN ’26: Coco Gauff has a new mindset for title defense and more confidence on her serve

SUMMARY: Coco Gauff has a new approach for her second time around attempting to defend a Grand Slam title. The American’s strategy heading into the French Open that starts Sunday goes something like this: Don’t think about it as defending something. Gauff says “I realize that the ‘defending’ means nothing in a way” and adds “I don’t really look at it as defending anymore.” Gauff’s first Grand Slam title defense at the U.S. Open two years ago ended in the fourth round with 19 double faults. She says “at the U.S. Open I was like, ‘I need to defend, defend.’” And she adds “that’s why I just say now it’s just another tournament.”

WORDS: 875 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 4:22 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:71247d03f5b8aac05495730ba313b939&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-BEATING THE REAPER

Andy Pages bests Mason Miller after an epic 9-pitch at-bat in 9th inning of Dodgers’ win over Padres

SUMMARY: Andy Pages dug in against Mason Miller and refused to give in. The Dodgers’ young slugger fouled off three triple-digit fastballs and three 87 mph sliders from San Diego’s peerless closer in an epic at-bat. Pages finally connected on the ninth pitch from Miller, driving the 101.5 mph fastball just far enough to score Los Angeles’ tiebreaking run in the ninth inning of a stirring 5-4 victory over the Padres. That was much more than just a sacrifice fly to the Dodgers, who handed Miller his first loss in a San Diego uniform.

WORDS: 753 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 2:18 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:da79ed729a503cfdc1d758e1955c9e5b&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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BKN--NBA POSTSEASON COVERAGE

Coverage of the NBA postseason.

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HKN--NHL POSTSEASON COVERAGE

Coverage of the NHL postseason.

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SOC--WCUP-EXPANSION EFFECT

A supersized World Cup with more teams, more matches and even more host nations than ever before leaves a burning question hanging over the biggest sporting show on earth. How much is too much? By James Robson.