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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BKN--MAVERICKS-IRVING’S RETURN

DESCRIPTION: DALLAS — Kyrie Irving addresses reporters for the first time since he last played nearly 19 months ago, when he injured a knee. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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GLF--PRESIDENTS CUP

DESCRIPTION: The Americans take a 3-2 lead into the second day of foursomes matches at the Presidents Cup. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Text, photos. With Presidents Cup-Capsules and Presidents Cup-Results.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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CAR--NASCAR-KANSAS-FIGHT

DESCRIPTION: Carson Hocevar and Ryan Blaney arrive at Kansas Speedway fresh off a pit-lane fisticuff following their on-track spat at Bristol. By Dave Skretta. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--NATIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: France takes on Turkey in Zinedine Zidane’s first game in charge while Roberto Mancini returns for rebuilding Italy when it faces Belgium in the Nations League. By Jerome Pugmire.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2026 6:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKL--WNBA PLAYOFF PREVIEW

Evenly matched WNBA playoffs has everyone believing they have legitimate title shot

SUMMARY: The race for WNBA playoff seeding went down to the wire, illustrating just how evenly matched the eight teams heading into the postseason are. It’s why every coach, player and fan base in the playoffs believe they have a legitimate shot to win the title. The Lynx will face the Liberty in the opening round — a rematch of the 2024 WNBA Finals. No. 2 Golden State will play seven-seed Dallas, third-seeded Las Vegas will play No. 6 Indiana and fourth-seed Atlanta will host No. 5 Washington as the playoffs get underway Sunday.

WORDS: 966 - MOVED: 09/25/2026 1:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5ca5b2c1f0d1c97899f19026333a12df&mediaType=text

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HKN--LET’S PLAY 84

Let’s play two more: NHL features an 84-game season for the first time in decades

SUMMARY: The NHL is going to an 84-game season for the first time since 1993-94. In addition to fewer exhibition games, that could have an effect on goalie tandems, stats and records. Players are embracing the change, which also comes with the earliest start in North America in league history. From Sept. 29 through April 10, there are just two days without a game with the exception of the Christmas break and the All-Star break. Washington’s Alex Ovechkin sits at 929 goals and gets extra chances to put the career mark out of reach for the next challenger.

WORDS: 1071 - MOVED: 09/25/2026 12:28 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c425452ad241069048a5275f8031322f&mediaType=text

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FBN--49ERS-PURDY

DESCRIPTION: Brock Purdy has produced at a high level ever since bursting on the scene as a seventh-round rookie in 2022 who went on a deep playoff run with the San Francisco 49ers. Through two weeks this season, Purdy has shown there might be even another level he can take his game. After throwing three touchdown passes in a season-opening win over the Super Bowl favorite Los Angeles Rams, Purdy was nearly flawless last week in a win against Miami. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 750 words, photos.

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SOC--SWITZERLAND-EMBOLO

Switzerland’s Embolo joins Xhaka out of Nations League squad over fake COVID-19 documents

SUMMARY: World Cup quarterfinalist Switzerland has lost a second player from its Nations League squad because of years-old cases of fake COVID-19 documents. Breel Embolo will not join the squad in Scotland as planned. The Swiss soccer federation cites fresh reporting in national media about his past case of obtaining forged test certificates in 2021. The federation says the team needs to be “fully focused on the next matches.” Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka withdrew from the squad after admitting he got fake vaccination certificates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Switzerland starts a four-game program Saturday at North Macedonia.

WORDS: 293 - MOVED: 09/25/2026 11:36 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e16f672db0c1d42898a2fa66b09bdff8&mediaType=text

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HKN--PUCK DROP-WHAT TO KNOW

DESCRIPTION: A look at the story lines around the NHL, including picks for who will make the playoffs, win major awards and, of course, the Stanley Cup. By Hockey Writers Stephen Whyno and John Wawrow. Text, photos.

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FBN--COMMANDERS-DANIELS

No surgery on the table as the Commanders talk about how to get Jayden Daniels back on the field

SUMMARY: Washington general manager Adam Peters says the Commanders have not discussed putting Jayden Daniels on injured reserve with the quarterback’s return from a dislocated left elbow apparently a possibility within the next month. Peters says on a radio show that surgery is not on the table as of now. The Commanders are focused on how they get their quarterback back on the field. Peters said Daniels returned late Thursday night and was meeting with the Commanders on Friday. Team officials have talked with medical officials around the country, and Peters called it a medical decision that Washington is working through.

WORDS: 255 - MOVED: 09/25/2026 11:20 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:43e1b3f7c4da9dee550c97b4e115ccd9&mediaType=text

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BBO--ROYALS-DENNY MATTHEWS

A Kansas City voice hits a stunning milestone: Denny Matthews to call his 8,000th Royals game

SUMMARY: Denny Matthews never thought he’d land the job broadcasting for the Kansas City Royals. In 1969, fresh out of Illinois Wesleyan, he applied almost on a whim. But despite limited experience, he got the job, and he has been a Royals staple ever since. On Friday night, Matthews will call his 8,000th game as the Royals play the Cleveland Guardians. He’s one of only four broadcasters in major league history to stay with the same team for at least 50 seasons. He doesn’t plan to call it quits, either, fully intending to come back next season for what would be his 59th with the club.

WORDS: 1166 - MOVED: 09/25/2026 11:05 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c541827d7659469d43b81ee626902683&mediaType=text

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BKN--76ERS-JAMES

LeBron James says friendship with Maxey, desire to help Embiid win a title led him to 76ers

SUMMARY: LeBron James says his friendship with Tyrese Maxey and a desire to help Joel Embiid win an NBA title influenced his decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers. He signed a two-year, $8 million contract in July. James discussed his decision on his podcast, revealing few details about the free-agency process. He plans to meet the press Monday at the team’s media day. James, a four-time NBA champion, initially thought he was done after his 23rd season with the Lakers. However, feeling strong in offseason workouts, he decided to keep playing and aims to bring a championship to Philadelphia.

WORDS: 785 - MOVED: 09/25/2026 11:05 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:acf6aa429ee5f7ee136567ca5a8131a6&mediaType=text

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BBO--MLB-POSTSEASON-GUIDE

Friday’s MLB clinching scenarios: AL Central and West, NL wild card still up for grabs

SUMMARY: Major League Baseball’s postseason is rapidly approaching, with the Los Angeles Dodgers seeking a third straight World Series title. The Philadelphia Phillies can lock up the final NL wild card with a win over the Rays and a D-backs loss to the Padres on Friday. The Guardians (83-76) have a narrow advantage over the White Sox (82-77) in the AL Central, but Chicago owns the head-to-head tiebreaker. The Rangers (79-80) and Astros (79-80) are fighting for the AL West, and Houston has the tiebreaker if the season ends in a tie.

WORDS: 944 - MOVED: 09/25/2026 11:01 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:caf4f50997be16bf6cf962726b6d9016&mediaType=text

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TEN--BILLIE JEAN KING CUP-FINALS

Star-studded Czechia reaches Billie Jean King Cup final as Wimbledon champ Noskova seals win

SUMMARY: Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova and Karolina Muchova won their singles matches to lead Czechia to a 2-0 win over Spain and a shot at the Billie Jean King Cup title. The Czechs will face either Ukraine or two-time defending champion Italy in Sunday’s final of the competition previously called Fed Cup. Muchova who lost to Noskova in the Wimbledon final got Friday’s semifinal started with a 7-5, 6-4 win over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. The No. 6-ranked Noskova then defeated Cristina Bucsa 7-6 (5), 6-2 to seal the team victory for the 11-time champion Czechs. The Italy-Ukraine semifinal is scheduled for Saturday.

WORDS: 125 - MOVED: 09/25/2026 10:19 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e15f83e6a809593ac74d3c8a517609a0&mediaType=text

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CAR--F1-AZERBAIJAN GP

Russell takes Azerbaijan GP pole after F1 leader Antonelli hits the wall

SUMMARY: George Russell took pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after Formula 1 standings leader Kimi Antonelli hit the wall in qualifying. With his teammate Antonelli out of the running, Russell showed why Mercedes is such a dominant favorite at the Baku track. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was .837 of a second off the pace in second and Oscar Piastri was third-fastest for McLaren, .001 further back. Isack Hadjar was fourth for Red Bull on his return from injury and no one else got within a second of Russell.

WORDS: 376 - MOVED: 09/25/2026 9:49 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8060310afa477630ac3c2a0825d77052&mediaType=text

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AS--ASIAN GAMES-SWIMMING

Chinese swimmer Zhang Zhanshuo completes sweep of seven gold medals at the Asian Games

SUMMARY: Chinese freestyle swimmer Zhang Zhanshuo completed his sweep of seven gold medals at the Asian Games, taking the 400-meter freestyle in 3 minutes, 41.28 seconds on the final day of swimming at the Asian Games. His time on Friday was not far off the world record held by Lukas Martens of Germany. Zhang also won the 1,500, 800 and 200 free and added gold in three relays. He celebrated at poolside by sitting on the lane divider and counting the golds with his fingers.

WORDS: 431 - MOVED: 09/25/2026 9:27 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ca96f58ff96c43ff706e03bf3a3ded25&mediaType=text

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SOC--EUROPEAN LEAGUES-INFANTINO

Europe’s top leagues add to pressure on Infantino by calling for FIFA reform

SUMMARY: The Premier League and three other top European leagues have called for governance reform of FIFA following Gianni Infantino’s failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup. A joint statement with leagues from Spain, Italy and Germany accused FIFA’s president of actively promoting “exploitative ideas rather than safeguarding against them.” The Premier League is soccer’s richest and most popular league. Its collaboration with Europe’s other leading leagues adds to the growing pressure on Infantino, who plans for stand for re-election despite losing the support of many national federation over his controversial plan to sell profits in the World Cup through a commercial subsidiary.

WORDS: 499 - MOVED: 09/25/2026 6:46 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5c5e484fcc49f5e674f231267325abb0&mediaType=text

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BKN--THUNDER-PRESTI

Thunder GM Sam Presti expects OKC to be ‘exceptional’ team even after major offseason moves

SUMMARY: Sam Presti knows there is no dancing around the fact the Thunder will have a different makeup this season though that doesn’t make OKC’s longtime general manager nervous. The Thunder won 64 games and took the San Antonio Spurs to seven games in the Western Conference finals, then traded longtime starter Lu Dort and key reserves Isaiah Joe and Arron Wiggins to shed salary needed to get below the second apron — a strict payroll threshold above the luxury tax that imposes severe roster-building and trade restrictions. Presti said Thursday that he believes “by season’s end, we could have a really exceptional basketball team, if we stay healthy.”

WORDS: 659 - MOVED: 09/25/2026 6:45 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8c778dfebccc22f401eeec08b7b12867&mediaType=text

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BKC--FLORIDA-GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Florida embraces championship expectations that come with Chinyelu, Condon and Haugh back

SUMMARY: Florida coach Todd Golden insists his team is ready for everything that comes with being the overwhelming favorite to win a second national championship. Pressure? No problem. Getting everyone’s best shot? Bring it. Needing to stay on edge for five months? That should be relatively easy given the way last season ended. Florida, which lost to ninth-seeded Iowa in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, returns four starters and is counting on guard Denzel Aberdeen getting a fifth year of eligibility through the judicial system. They are the betting favorite to win it all, mostly because All-SEC big men Rueben Chinyelu, Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh are back as seniors.

WORDS: 695 - MOVED: 09/25/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6e0b9a45ff0fa2e65919d2c62176a249&mediaType=text

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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-LAFLEUR

Matt LaFleur joins Todd Bowles and Shane Steichen on the early-season hot seat for NFL coaches

SUMMARY: Matt LaFleur joins Todd Bowles and Shane Steichen on the early-season hot seat for NFL coaches. The Green Bay Packers are off to a 1-2 start following a lackluster performance in a 35-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in their home opener at Lambeau Field. Since losing Micah Parsons to a torn ACL last December, the Packers are 1-7. The only victory came last week against the New York Jets, who helped give the game away. LaFleur’s offense has struggled without running back Josh Jacobs, who is on the commissioner’s exempt list. Jordan Love has been inconsistent behind a poor offensive line.

WORDS: 838 - MOVED: 09/25/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ac61202363812a52201f23ecffa45e6d&mediaType=text

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BKL--WINGS-PAIGE’S STAGE

Paige Bueckers steps onto WNBA playoff stage as next step in growth of Dallas Wings star

SUMMARY: Paige Bueckers is getting ready for her WNBA playoff debut with the Dallas Wings on Sunday against the Golden State Valkyries. It’s the next step for the star guard who won a national championship at UConn a few weeks before the Wings drafted her No. 1 overall last year. The reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year has gone from learning how to cope with losing in much larger doses to helping lead a contender through the ups and downs of a season. The Wings finished the regular season strong after Bueckers went to Berlin and helped the U.S. women win gold in her first major tournament with the senior national team.

WORDS: 951 - MOVED: 09/25/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e1a7e1bf6d75fb0ae4d834f3f9762737&mediaType=text

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FBN--UNDER CENTER

NFL offenses boost under-center snaps early this season, reversing the shotgun trend

SUMMARY: NFL offenses have been shifting from shotgun to under center at a high rate this season. Through two weeks, 13 of the 32 teams have increased their rate of plays from under center by more than 10 percentage points, according to Sportradar, with the league-wide rate going from 34.7% last season to 42.3% so far this season. That’s a 48% increase from 2023, when the percentage of under-center plays reached a nadir.

WORDS: 1283 - MOVED: 09/25/2026 5:59 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3ede5cd0a3dff8a2be485f37558df469&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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BKN--KNICKS-BRUNSON-SNL

Knicks guard Jalen Brunson hosts the season premiere of “Saturday Night Live,” the end of his first offseason as an NBA champion. The Knicks begin training camp next week. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds.

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FBC--T25-TEXAS-TENNESSEE

Top-ranked Texas visits No. 14 Tennessee with the Longhorns opening their Southeastern Conference schedule visiting Neyland Stadium for the first time. By Teresa M. Walker.

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CAR--F1-AZERBAIJAN GP

Coverage of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

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