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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BBO--ALCS-RAYS-GUARDIANS

DESCRIPTION: CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Guardians host the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 4 of the AL Championship Series. There is a chance the game could get postponed due to the threat of rain in Cleveland. By Joe Reedy. 700 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 5 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKL--DREAM-VALKYRIES PREVIEW

FORMATS: Text, FilePhoto

1. WITH: BKL--WNBA FINALS PREVIEW

2. DESCRIPTION: It did not take Golden State long to make its presence felt in the WNBA. The second-year franchise will host the Atlanta Dream Saturday in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals with both teams looking to make league history. By Doug Feinberg.

3. UPCOMING: By 10/16/2026 4:00 a.m. EDT

4. WITH: BKL--WNBA FINALS-BETTING ODDS

5. DESCRIPTION: The Atlanta Dream-Golden State Valkyries matchup doesn’t appear to be garnering much betting interest, especially compared to what a Las Vegas Aces-New York Liberty WNBA Finals might have drawn.

6. UPCOMING: By 10/16/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

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FBC--T25-NOTRE DAME-TEST

DESCRIPTION: CJ Carr and the Notre Dame offense face their biggest test so far when they visit BYU on Saturday. The Cougars have one of the nation’s top defenses. 600 words, with photos by 1 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2026 5:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--LPGA SHANGHAI

DESCRIPTION: Second round of the Buick LPGA Shanghai tournament, the first of four LPGA tournaments in four weeks on the so-called Asian swing.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2026 5:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--SUNFLOWER SHOWDOWN

DESCRIPTION: Kansas and Kansas State are gearing up for their annual football rivalry, the Sunflower Showdown. Both teams face a sense of urgency on Saturday. By Dave Skretta.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2026 7:48 a.m. EDT, Text

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CATHOLIC COLLEGE BASKETBALL

FORMATS: Text, FilePhoto

7. WITH: CATHOLIC COLLEGE BASKETBALL

8. DESCRIPTION: 1,200 words. With sidebar listing Catholic NCAA champions

9. UPCOMING: By 10/16/2026 9:00 a.m. EDT

10. WITH: CATHOLIC NCAA BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS

11. DESCRIPTION: sidebar listing Catholic colleges which have won NCAA men’s titles

12. UPCOMING: By 10/16/2026 9:00 a.m. EDT

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BKN—KNICKS-BRUNSON

DESCRIPTION: Jalen Brunson isn’t built like LeBron James or Giannis Antetokounmpo, who with their size and strength have the look of an NBA superstar. Brunson is smaller and slower, yet he’s the player those guys were talking about when training camps opened. Brunson is the one wearing the target now after leading the New York Knicks to the title, and while he appreciates the respect he’s now earned in the league, he knows if he spends too much time celebrating it that he won’t be on top for long. By Basketball Writer Brian Mahoney

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

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BKN--NBA-BREAKTHROUGH TEAMS

DESCRIPTION: Minnesota has been to the playoffs in each of the last five years, with no titles to show for it. Toronto just got Kawhi Leonard back, Orlando brings back basically its entire roster and Portland hasn’t been out of the first round since 2019. Every season sees a breakthrough team in the NBA; those might be the top candidates this season. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. Photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2026 11:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBN-JAGUARS-LONDON

DESCRIPTION: Jaguars hold practice ahead of Sunday’s game vs Texans in London. Story on merits.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBN--TEXANS-LONDON

DESCRIPTION: Houston Texans hold practice ahead of their game vs. Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BBO--SMALL-MARKET WORLD SERIES

DESCRIPTION: Two teams in the bottom half of payroll will meet in the World Series for the first time since 1991, a matchup occurring at a time baseball owners insist a salary cap is needed to help small-markets compete with the big spenders. By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum. 600 words, photos, by 5 p.m. EDT

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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TEN--WUHAN OPEN

DESCRIPTION: Tennis action at the Wuhan Open, a WTA Tour 1000-level event.

UPCOMING: By 10/16/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBO--NLCS-BREWERS-DODGERS

Brewers sweep the Dodgers in the NLCS to reach the World Series for the first time since 1982

SUMMARY: Garrett Mitchell hit a go-ahead homer in the sixth inning, leading the Milwaukee Brewers to a 6-4 comeback win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series. The victory sends the Brewers to their first World Series since 1982. David Hamilton added a solo shot in the ninth. Shohei Ohtani’s early home run helped put the Dodgers ahead 4-0, but the Brewers rallied to complete a four-game sweep of the two-time defending World Series champions. Milwaukee’s bullpen shut down multiple late threats. The Brewers lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in their only other World Series appearance when Milwaukee played in the American League.

WORDS: 1020 - MOVED: 10/16/2026 1:36 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cfd30befcec42a035cbea5cae3bf746c&mediaType=text

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SOC--ASIAN CUP-SECURITY CONCERNS

Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia stays on track as safety fears grow amid Middle East conflict

SUMMARY: Asian Cup organizers have confirmed that plans for the continental soccer tournament in Saudi Arabia remain on track despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Saudi organizing committee issued a statement Friday saying preparations are progressing according to schedule for the tournament set to kick off in January. Concerns have been raised by South Korea’s Professional Footballers’ Association following attacks on Saudi Arabia by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. At least 19 people have been killed in recent attacks. South Korea is set to open against Yemen on January 10, but safety concerns remain. The Asian Football Confederation president said the tournament could be postponed by a year if necessary.

WORDS: 433 - MOVED: 10/16/2026 1:13 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6e84ad35e25582f3b9f45e598fc1e4e7&mediaType=text

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FBN--SEAHAWKS-BRONCOS

Broncos beat the Seahawks 17-14 in OT on Ja’Quan McMillian’s pick, Wil Lutz’s 53-yarder

SUMMARY: Ja’Quan McMillian intercepted Sam Darnold’s pass in overtime and Wil Lutz kicked a 53-yard field goal that gave the Denver Broncos a 17-14 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. The Broncos emerged from a tough six-week season-opening stretch with a 4-2 record despite an injury-riddled roster and a shaky offense, and the Seahawks lost for the second time in five days to fall to 3-3. They also matched their loss total from last season, when they won their second Super Bowl title. Darnold threw for 278 yards with two picks. That was better than Bo Nix, who threw for just 107 yards.

WORDS: 851 - MOVED: 10/16/2026 12:52 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0eefe33f29d958dbac881017f3ea0622&mediaType=text

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BBO--NLCS-DODGERS-OHTANI

Ohtani hits early 3-run homer but comes up empty late as Dodgers get swept by Brewers in NLCS

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani hit a three-run homer to give the Los Angeles Dodgers an early lead in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series. But it wasn’t enough to prevent the Milwaukee Brewers from reaching their first World Series in 44 years with a sweep of the two-time defending champions. Ohtani went 1 for 4 with three strikeouts — including a big one in the seventh inning with the potential tying run at third base and one out. His 428-foot shot in the second inning was the Dodgers’ first homer of the series. Manager Dave Roberts says he respects Ohtani for wanting to help his team despite dealing with nagging injuries to his arm and leg for the last few months.

WORDS: 691 - MOVED: 10/16/2026 12:48 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9bb45118a463d1ec2d79c20a83cc2feb&mediaType=text

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BKN--SPURS-WEMBANYAMA

Monks one year, rugby scrums the next. Wemby will stop at nothing in quest to lead Spurs to a title

SUMMARY: Last year, Victor Wembanyama spent part of his offseason in the peaceful company of Chinese monks with hopes of growing both mentally and spiritually. This year, he got roughed up by a rugby team. His rationale seems obvious. Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs got near the top of the NBA mountain last season, then fell in five games to the New York Knicks — wasting big leads in all four of their losses. Wembanyama decided he needed to get tougher, so he enlisted rugby players in the south of France to push, shove and toss him around.

WORDS: 820 - MOVED: 10/16/2026 12:15 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:973f929cf8e979dbbcea1fb12dde9d70&mediaType=text

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HKN--PANTHERS-BRADY TKACHUK

Brady Tkachuk becomes 3rd Florida player with back-to-back hat tricks

SUMMARY: Brady Tkachuk has given Florida a thrilling overtime win against the Vancouver Canucks. He scored his second consecutive hat trick, joining a select group of Panthers players with back-to-back three-goal games. Tkachuk’s performance helped Florida secure a 3-2 comeback victory Thursday night. He’s now the first in his family to score six goals in two games, surpassing his father, Keith Tkachuk, and brother, Matthew Tkachuk. Brady joined the Panthers this offseason in a trade from Ottawa. Despite a slow start, he’s quickly making a significant impact on the team.

WORDS: 626 - MOVED: 10/15/2026 11:02 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d90295a09df536b15b604969dda8af72&mediaType=text

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HKN--CANUCKS-PANTHERS

Brady Tkachuk completes his 2nd straight natural hat trick in OT as Panthers stun Canucks

SUMMARY: Brady Tkachuk completed his second straight natural hat trick with a nifty move up the middle in overtime to give the Florida Panthers a 3-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night. Tkachuk also scored three straight goals Tuesday night in Columbus in the second period of a 7-3 victory. With goalie Akira Schmid off for an extra attacker, Tkachuk tied it with 13 seconds left in regulation with a one-timer from the right faceoff circle. He started the run with 8:49 to go, firing a shot from the top of the right circle past goalie Leevi Merilainen. Merilainen made 36 saves, and Liam Ohgren and defenseman Elias Pettersson scored first-period goals for Vancouver. The Canucks have lost six straight. Schmid stopped 15 shots.

WORDS: 275 - MOVED: 10/15/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0ee45c4169df708244126d45187aa2a8&mediaType=text

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FBN--EAGLES-HURTS OUT

Jalen Hurts sidelined by a blood clot, the latest bad news in a rough season for the Eagles

SUMMARY: The Philadelphia Eagles have ruled out quarterback Jalen Hurts for Sunday’s game against Carolina because of a superficial blood clot. Hurts was injured two weeks ago against the Los Angeles Rams when he took a cleat to his calf. He traveled with the team to London for their game against Jacksonville and was cleared to play against the Jaguars. Hurts received treatment Monday and Tuesday this week when he returned to Philadelphia and was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice. An ultrasound on Wednesday revealed movement in the clot. The Eagles said they would determine the appropriate course of treatment.

WORDS: 975 - MOVED: 10/15/2026 9:39 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b0b2348505060fa1ee3c8b322232a7d2&mediaType=text

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BBO--ALCS-RAYS-GUARDIANS

Halpin’s go-ahead homer flips Game 3 as Guardians beat Rays 3-2 for 2-1 AL Championship Series lead

SUMMARY: Petey Halpin hit a go-ahead, two-run homer, Gavin Williams struck out nine over five innings and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 in Game 3 to take a 2-1 lead in the AL Championship Series. Game 4 in the best-of-seven matchup is scheduled for Friday, though rain is forecast. José Ramírez had two hits and Nathaniel Lowe added an RBI for the Guardians, who have won five of their last six playoff games since trailing the Chicago White Sox 2-0 in their AL Division Series. Williams allowed two runs in five innings with one walk.

WORDS: 998 - MOVED: 10/15/2026 7:16 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1fed45ef6847da6e09e2cd38255d2dec&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA-GM SURVEY

NBA GM survey: Wembanyama will win MVP and defensive player of year, Spurs will win title

SUMMARY: NBA general managers are expecting big things from Victor Wembanyama this season. They predict the San Antonio star will win his first MVP award, repeat as Defensive Player of the Year, and lead the Spurs to their sixth NBA championship. The annual poll conducted for NBA.com shows Wembanyama received 23 of 29 votes for MVP and all 29 votes for best defender. The Spurs narrowly beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in the balloting for the NBA title. Philadelphia was recognized for making the best offseason moves, while Miami’s Erik Spoelstra was named best coach. Golden State’s Stephen Curry was nearly unanimously picked as the best shooter.

WORDS: 513 - MOVED: 10/15/2026 6:56 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:70718dbd71abf5dc48b6b672a618cb5a&mediaType=text

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US--SOC--WANDER-INDICTED

US businessman whose firm invested in European soccer clubs pleads guilty to fraud

SUMMARY: An American businessman whose firm invested in several European soccer clubs that struggled under its ownership has pleaded guilty to fraud charges in New York. Josh Wander co-founded the Miami-based investment firm 777 Partners. He entered the guilty plea to wire fraud and securities fraud charges in Manhattan federal court Thursday. Judge J. Paul Oetken set sentencing for March 1. Wander could face up to 40 years in prison. Wander’s firm moved heavily into soccer in 2021. It bought stakes in financially distressed clubs recovering from playing in empty stadiums during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, Wander and 777 failed to buy nine-time English champion Everton as investors raised questions about the firm.

WORDS: 342 - MOVED: 10/15/2026 4:32 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4c379173faf770c816d51561afdc662e&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA-CHANGING COACHES

NBA season to begin with 6 coaches in new places, including 3 first-time sideline bosses

SUMMARY: Dusty May is set to start as head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. He has already experienced big games in NBA arenas, thanks to his success at the college level with Florida Atlantic and Michigan. May believes he’s ready for the NBA challenge, focusing entirely on the game once it starts. He’s one of three first-time NBA coaches this season, alongside Orlando’s Sean Sweeney and Portland’s Micah Nori. Other teams also have new coaches, like Taylor Jenkins in Milwaukee, Tiago Splitter in Chicago and Jamahl Mosley in New Orleans.

WORDS: 772 - MOVED: 10/15/2026 3:48 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:824719744cc3c33e5d923a4caf6843d2&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA FINALS-VALKYRIES’ RISE

Owner Joe Lacob believed in Valkyries from Day 1, but reaching WNBA Finals in second year remarkable

SUMMARY: The women’s basketball franchise Joe Lacob always envisioned while owning the Golden State Warriors has come together in all the right ways and in short order – from relatable players other teams overlooked to leadership from the top down and smart branding with a raven “bestie” Violet who flew through the arena earlier this season. Just don’t call her a mascot. On Saturday, Lacob will be there cheering from courtside as his Golden State Valkyries begin their quest for a WNBA championship in just Year 2 of existence. And whatever happens, Lacob is immensely proud.

WORDS: 1077 - MOVED: 10/15/2026 3:29 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:390ff5fc32df50a84e17607632e81892&mediaType=text

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FBN--PACKERS-JACOBS

Packers running back Josh Jacobs sues to have evidence in his battery case permanently sealed

SUMMARY: Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has filed a lawsuit in an attempt to have evidence in his battery case permanently sealed. Jacobs filed the lawsuit against the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department in Brown County Circuit Court. Jacobs pleaded no contest last month to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property stemming from a May altercation with his then-girlfriend. The criminal complaint against him noted that a surveillance video from the camera system in their garage corroborated the woman’s statement.

WORDS: 536 - MOVED: 10/15/2026 2:48 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:de53272a5ee983bd39745ac7c97f1609&mediaType=text

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BKW--COLUMBIA-GRIFFITH

Columbia suspends coach Megan Griffith for 3 games after review of coaching behavior

SUMMARY: Columbia has suspended women’s basketball coach Megan Griffith for the first three games of the upcoming season after a review determined she had coaching interactions with the team that didn’t align with expectations. The review was conducted after the university received a complaint about Griffith’s coaching behavior during practices from a previous season. She’ll miss the school’s opening game on Nov. 2 against Davidson as well a tournament in Nashville with games against Rhode Island and Belmont. Griffith graduated from the school and is the winningest coach in Columbia history. She is also a three-time Ivy League Coach of the Year.

WORDS: 408 - MOVED: 10/15/2026 2:48 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:af30775d8812fe0bd8564c8f3be1e604&mediaType=text

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SOC--FIFA-COUNCIL

At showdown FIFA meeting, Infantino apologizes for World Cup furor but leaves critics unhappy

SUMMARY: Gianni Infantino has given an apology to his toughest critics at a showdown meeting in Zurich but no new details or documents on FIFA issues that most concern them. No documents about the $4.2 billion World Cup sell-off plan he launched and dropped in July. No details about the Folarin Balogun red-card case at the World Cup or how U.S. President Donald Trump intervened. FIFA vice president from England Debbie Hewitt says Infantino must answer questions or “he is not fit to be the FIFA president.” FIFA will review the future of the peace prize it created to give to Trump last December.

WORDS: 1056 - MOVED: 10/15/2026 2:26 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:03f294aeb44d5229c4911080d164b820&mediaType=text

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