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; graphics, ext. 7636.

——————————

UPCOMING

——————————

FBN--COMING OUT OF RETIREMENT-HISTORY

DESCRIPTION: Aaron Donald’s decision to come off the retirement couch and get back on the field after a two-year absence may be unusual but it’s far from unprecedented. Donald joins a list of athletes who had called it quits after putting together Hall of Fame-caliber careers only to get the itch and decide to come back to play from Michael Jordan to Reggie White to Gordie Howe. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 900 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

___

FBN--DRAFTED KICKERS-STRUGGLES

DESCRIPTION: There’s perhaps no other position with less of a correlation between a player’s draft status and his long-term success. Just three of the 16 kickers drafted from 2016-23 stayed with their original teams for at least three full seasons. By Steve Megargee. 1,000 words, with photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

FBC--FCS-NO GUARANTEES

DESCRIPTION: Overmatched FCS teams going into FBS stadiums to take a beating and leave a half-million dollars richer is an annual rite of September, and there’s no sign of a slowdown in the scheduling of so-called money games as the prospect of an expanded College Football Playoff looms. By College Football Writer Eric Olson. 750 words, photo.

UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 7:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

FBN--AFC NORTH-PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: It was an offseason of change in the AFC North, with every team but Cincinnati changing coaches. That means Baltimore and Pittsburgh move on without John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin for the first time in nearly two decades. 900 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 8:00 a.m. EDT, Text

___

FBN--NFC WEST-PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: The battle at the top of the NFC West is a fierce one with the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks being challenged by the 2026 Super Bowl favorite Los Angeles Rams. The San Francisco 49ers are close behind after going 12-5 in an injury plagued 2025 season. Bringing up the rear figures to be the rebuilding Arizona Cardinals. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 900 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

FBC-- HBCUS-NO GUARANTEES

DESCRIPTION: As the College Football Playoff era places greater emphasis on strength of schedule, changes to the long-standing model of guarantee games could hit Historically Black Colleges and Universities hard. By Alanis Thames. Text, photos by 3 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

FBN--COLTS-ROSTER

DESCRIPTION: Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard is expected to address why the team made the roster decisions it did to reach the 53-man roster limit -- and the future of receiver Keenan Allen. The six-time Pro Bowler was arrested last weekend for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. By Michael Marot. 700 words, with photos by 3 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

___

TEN--US OPEN COVERAGE

FORMATS: Text, Photo

WITH: TEN--US OPEN COVERAGE

DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the US Open in New York

UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

WITH: TEN--US OPEN

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- Coco Gauff and French Open champions Alexander Zverev and Mirra Andreeva are in action on the third and final day of the first round of the U.S. Open.

UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

___

BKL--SPARKS FUTURE

DESCRIPTION: The LA Sparks look to the future as their sixth straight losing season nears an end.

UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

FBC--T25-MICHIGAN-WHITTINGHAM

DESCRIPTION: ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Kyle Whittingham appears to be a man of discipline and he’s leading a Michigan football program in desperate need of the characteristic. By Larry Lage. 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 4:30 p.m. EDT, Text

___

FBN--AFC EAST PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: It’s like old times again for the New England Patriots, who are being pursued by everyone else in the AFC East. A playoff run all the way to the Super Bowl last season has raised expectations for the Patriots and provided the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets and Miami Dolphins a clear target. By Pro Football Writer Dennis Waszak Jr.

UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

FBN--AFC SOUTH-PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: The Houston Texans are the only NFL team never to have played in a conference championship game and one of only four still waiting for that first Super Bowl berth. That makes the goal easier starting with trying to win the AFC South for the third time in four years.

UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

FBN-NFC SOUTH PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: Tampa, Fla. — The Panthers ended Tampa Bay’s run of division titles last year but finishied with a losing record. Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers are aiming to get back on top. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.

UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

CYC--SPANISH VUELTA

DESCRIPTION: The Spanish Vuelta, the final Grand Tour event of the year, continues with Tadej Pogacar trying to win the race for the first time.

UPCOMING: By 09/01/2026 6:49 a.m. EDT, Text

——————————

NEW AND DEVELOPING

——————————

TEN--US OPEN

Carlos Alcaraz returns to the US Open with a victory, Aryna Sabalenka also wins her first match

SUMMARY: Carlos Alcaraz returned to the U.S. Open and looked healthy enough for a run at a repeat. Alcaraz beat Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, showing no problems with the right wrist injury that had sidelined the 23-year-old Spaniard since April. Following fellow two-time U.S. Open champion Aryna Sabalenka onto Arthur Ashe Stadium, the No. 2-seeded Alcaraz delivered the all-around game that has made him a fan favorite. The seven-time Grand Slam champion may quickly become a huge betting favorite with top-ranked Jannik Sinner sidelined by a knee injury and No. 4 Novak Djokovic losing in the first round.

WORDS: 1104 - MOVED: 09/01/2026 12:55 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dab9269cab26c62320f96000f3362e6f&mediaType=text

___

SOC--BALOGUN TRANSFER

Reports: U.S. striker Folarin Balogun is headed on transfer to Premier League club Everton

SUMMARY: United States soccer striker Folarin Balogun is reportedly headed to Premier League team Everton on a transfer from Monaco. The move was widely reported on Monday by British media. The British Press Association says the transfer fee offered by Everton is reported to be in the range of 40 million pounds ($54 million) on a four-year deal. It says personal terms had yet to be worked out before the deal could be completed prior to Tuesday’s transfer deadline. Balogun was the top scorer for the U.S. team at the World Cup. He also made headlines after having a one-game suspension deferred by FIFA after U.S. President Donald Trump intervened so he could play in the round of 16.

WORDS: 259 - MOVED: 09/01/2026 12:18 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:700d179113051ead321c0e8b27f23f52&mediaType=text

___

BBO--BREWERS-CUBS

Alex Bregman hits 3 home runs and Cubs set team record with 9 in 17-3 rout of Brewers

SUMMARY: Alex Bregman hit three of Chicago’s franchise-record nine home runs and the Cubs punctuated their August power display with a 17-3 blowout of the Milwaukee Brewers. Clay Holmes pitched six scoreless innings for the Cubs, who launched five homers off Milwaukee starter Kyle Harrison in the first four innings and three more against position player Andrew Vaughn late in the game. Chicago went back-to-back twice, in the first inning and the fourth. The nine longballs matched the second-most by one team in a major league game, according to Sportradar. Toronto hit 10 during an 18-3 victory over Baltimore in September 1987. Chicago finished August with 62 homers, second-most by a big league club in a calendar month behind the 74 hit by the New York Yankees in August 2019.

WORDS: 436 - MOVED: 08/31/2026 11:13 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:12441d0eaf30f19ee28b00210aac59e8&mediaType=text

___

BBO--DIAMONDBACKS-MARTE

Ketel Marte booed at home in return to Diamondbacks’ lineup, 2 weeks after no-show in Boston

SUMMARY: Ketel Marte is back in the lineup for the Arizona Diamondbacks after a two-week absence. Marte apologized to manager Torey Lovullo for not showing up for a game in Boston. He explained that he was in pain and made the decision himself. Marte, who is set to bat cleanup against Philadelphia, aims to boost the Diamondbacks as they fight for a playoff spot. Arizona was leading the San Diego Padres by a half-game for the final NL wild card. Marte plans to address his teammates before Monday’s game. He was initially put on the restricted list but later moved to the injured list due to knee inflammation.

WORDS: 600 - MOVED: 08/31/2026 10:21 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7e052b310d604c5981dc6d81d690fe10&mediaType=text

___

TEN--US OPEN-SERENA’S BODY DOUBLE

Thea Frodin was Serena Williams’ body double in ‘King Richard.’ Now she’s playing in the US Open

SUMMARY: Thea Frodin is playing her first U.S. Open singles match against the No. 2 player in women’s tennis. It’s a big task for the 17-year-old, but Frodin hits the ball like Serena Williams. Well, like Serena Williams in the movies, anyway. In the 2021 film “King Richard,” Frodin was the body double for actor Demi Singleton, who played the younger Williams. Now, Frodin will play tennis on camera as herself on Wednesday when she faces Elena Rybakina. Frodin won the USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 18s National Championships to earn a wild card into the field. She was a junior player in California when she was asked to audition for the movie.

WORDS: 576 - MOVED: 08/31/2026 9:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b63d0fe43897bd6dd372b6c08ad77752&mediaType=text

___

SOC--ARGENTINA-MESSI RETIRES

Argentina star Lionel Messi retires from international soccer with World Cup title and 125 goals

SUMMARY: Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international soccer after 21 years representing Argentina. “It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deeply — but I understand that the time has come,” the 39-year-old Messi says on his Instagram account Monday. Messi played in a record-tying six World Cups, won it in 2022 in Qatar and led Argentina to this year’s final, losing to Spain in extra time in New Jersey. He concludes his international career as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals, 21 of which were in World Cups.

WORDS: 957 - MOVED: 08/31/2026 8:25 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8df27ab2059a740ea5bc97dbc6a49725&mediaType=text

___

FBN--KAEPERNICK’S LEGACY

A decade after Colin Kaepernick took a knee that led to his exile, the ripple effects continue

SUMMARY: Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the national anthem in 2016 sparked a cultural conversation. He aimed to highlight social issues like racial injustice and police brutality. However, the focus shifted to the nature of his protest, with critics labeling it disrespectful. This controversy, fueled by political figures and public backlash, overshadowed his football career, leading to his departure from the NFL. Despite this, Kaepernick remains committed to activism, inspiring others and creating initiatives to promote social justice. Supporters say his legacy endures as a symbol of standing up for one’s beliefs, even at great personal cost.

WORDS: 2601 - MOVED: 08/31/2026 8:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:808a100d32c0fec506f28c001bbd4a1c&mediaType=text

___

US--UCLA-ATHLETIC DIRECTOR FIRED

UCLA ousts athletic director Martin Jarmond, taps former Lakers executive Tim Harris to replace him

SUMMARY: UCLA has fired athletic director Martin Jarmond after six years and is replacing him with former Los Angeles Lakers executive Tim Harris. The change was announced in a letter from Chancellor Julio Frenk on Monday. Jarmond leaves immediately. The Bruins won three NCAA championships last season, including the first by the women’s basketball team. Harris will have the title of CEO and athletic director while working on a pro bono basis. Harris graduated from UCLA in 1989 with a sociology degree and played goalkeeper for the men’s soccer team. He left the Lakers in February after over 35 years with the NBA franchise.

WORDS: 429 - MOVED: 08/31/2026 8:04 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fcf9532789fa18b97f04a8bacf6a785a&mediaType=text

___

FBN--49ERS-INJURIES

The 49ers begin final stretch of practice before the opener with Nick Bosa still sidelined

SUMMARY: The San Francisco 49ers started their final set of practices before leaving to play the season opener in Australia with defensive end Nick Bosa still sidelined and tight end George Kittle ramping up to play. Coach Kyle Shanahan said before the team took the field Monday for the first of three practices before the team leaves the country that the plan was for both Kittle and Bosa to get on the field for team drills this week to prepare for the opener against the Los Angeles Rams. But Bosa wasn’t on the field at all for the open portion of practice, while Kittle was participating.

WORDS: 891 - MOVED: 08/31/2026 6:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3ce81516e006f70d1da9b6191d0fe9a6&mediaType=text

___

HKN--AVALANCHE-MAKAR

Cale Makar embraces the pressure of extension with Avs that makes him league’s highest paid player

SUMMARY: Defenseman Cale Makar is now the highest-paid player in NHL history after signing a $163.2 million, eight-year extension with the Colorado Avalanche. The two-time Norris Trophy winner embraces the pressure that comes with the deal. Makar is the first NHL player to sign for more than $20 million a season. He acknowledges the figure won’t stand for long. The Avalanche are in a championship window with Makar and Nathan MacKinnon on the roster. Joe Sakic, the Hall of Fame forward turned front-office executive, downplayed the notion this could make the Avalanche too top heavy. He says, “you can’t win without superstars.”

WORDS: 762 - MOVED: 08/31/2026 6:16 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e30e12d03af0514bda0cd0dae2ef1da7&mediaType=text

___

FBC--NCAA ELIGIBILITY

No. 11 LSU enters game week vs. Clemson with an ex-NFL player practicing and maybe more to come

SUMMARY: Former Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright joined LSU’s practice under first-year coach Lane Kiffin on Monday. The 11th-ranked Tigers are preparing for Saturday’s season opener against Clemson. Wright and other former NFL players like Zxavian Harris and Blake Cotton may not end up playing depending on how court challenges go. Kiffin supports bringing in former pros, saying it benefits the team and declaring “this is how the real world works.” Nearly 400 athletes are suing the NCAA for additional eligibility.

WORDS: 893 - MOVED: 08/31/2026 5:57 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:24ddfdf00352c2453a21ee26a46a1b6e&mediaType=text

___

FBN--NFL PREVIEW

Seattle’s biggest obstacle to repeating starts in a tough NFC West with the stacked Rams

SUMMARY: A steady Sam Darnold and a stellar defense helped the Seattle Seahawks win the Super Bowl last season. Can they repeat? They’re not even favored to win their own division. The Seahawks have a tough challenge trying to stay on top in the NFC West, let alone the entire NFL. They have to go through the stacked Los Angeles Rams, who just added Aaron Donald, and talented San Francisco 49ers. Seattle raises its championship banner and kicks off the NFL season against New England in a Super Bowl rematch on Sept. 9. It’ll be just the second time the league opens the season on a Wednesday.

WORDS: 1370 - MOVED: 08/31/2026 5:45 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6e9e5b4a055769e2582c1697b8d9fac9&mediaType=text

___

TEN--US OPEN-TSITSIPAS-KYRGIOS

Stefanos Tsitsipas says Nick Kyrgios’ cocaine suspension was ‘pretty much expected’

SUMMARY: Stefanos Tsitsipas was not surprised that Nick Kyrgios was suspended from tennis for drugs. Tsitsipas says it was “pretty much expected, to be honest.” He added that he was “surprised it came so late, though.” Kyrgios was banned earlier this month after he revealed he tested positive for cocaine in June when he was in Spain to play at an event. The Australian could be suspended for four years, though a lighter punishment is expected. Tsitsipas was asked about Kyrgios on Monday after upsetting No. 10-seeded Arthur Fils in the first round of the U.S. Open. Tsitsipas and Kyrgios played a fiery match at Wimbledon in 2022.

WORDS: 322 - MOVED: 08/31/2026 5:39 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9d23212cc518610502b8ed3f56cfecbd&mediaType=text

___

BKL--AROUND THE WNBA

New York Liberty lead the WNBA with 7 players headed to the FIBA World Cup

SUMMARY: As the WNBA goes on its FIBA World Cup break, no team has more players headed to Germany then the New York Liberty. Like the city they play in, the Liberty are an international smorgasbord with players from France, Nigeria, China, Germany, Australia, Spain, the Bahamas and the U.S. New York will have seven of them playing in the tournament that begins Sept. 4 in Berlin. The Liberty would have an eighth, but Satou Sabally is still recovering from a concussion so can’t play for Germany.

WORDS: 470 - MOVED: 08/31/2026 1:52 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5bc476ff5a3a542aa406902a7cf25280&mediaType=text

___