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
——————————
BKN--ON BASKETBALL-OPENING TAKEAWAYS
DESCRIPTION: Takeaways from Day 1 of the NBA season. It is way, way too early to make any conclusions. But there were some things that jumped out after the first three games of the 1,230-game marathon of a regular season: By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text
___
FBN--INSIDE THE NUMBERS
DESCRIPTION: The NFC East has traditionally been the marquee division in the NFL with established big brands with histories of success. The divison that features Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington and the New York Giants is the only in the league with all four teams having won a Super Bowl with the 14 combined titles being four more than the next best division. But no division has ever had a two-week run as bad as the NFC East which became the first division ever to have every team play in back-to-back weeks with none winning. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 1,000 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text
___
FBN--SAINTS-PARIS LINKS
DESCRIPTION: French connection: New Orleans and Paris’ shared history in spotlight before Saints-Steelers game. By Ken Maguire. 700 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text
___
FBC--T25-WHAT TO WATCH
DESCRIPTION: College football fans should get a chance to catch their breath Saturday. Week 8 doesn’t set up to be nearly as crazy as Week 7. By College Football Writer Eric Olson. 800 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 6:10 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text
___
BKO--ROME TIP-OFF
DESCRIPTION: ROME — Villanova and Notre Dame’s men’s and women’s teams are set to play a college basketball doubleheader in Rome on Nov. 1, an event that highlights the intersection of faith, sport and culture. By Andrew Dampf.
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 11:00 a.m. EDT, Text, FilePhoto
___
BKC--ALL-AMERICA TEAM
DESCRIPTION: The AP releases its preseason All-America team for men’s college basketball. By John Marshall. Text, photos, agate list at noon Eastern.
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, DigitalPlans, Text
___
FBC--T25-REBOUNDING HOOSIERS
DESCRIPTION: The Indiana Hoosiers started this week like every other one two years — breaking down game tape from last weekend, making corrections and moving on to the next opponent. It’s just that this time is different. For the first time in 23 games, the Hoosiers are trying to rebound from a loss. By Michael Marot. 700 words, with photos by 1 p.m. ET.
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT, Text
___
FBN--SAINTS-PARIS
DESCRIPTION: New Orleans Saints hold practice and press conferences in Paris ahead of game vs Pittsburgh Steelers
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
___
BBO-WORLD SERIES-RAYS-SNYDER
DESCRIPTION: Under pitching coach Kyle Snyder’s direction since 2018, the Rays have consistently had one of the best pitching staffs in the majors. That stellar staff helped the Rays become American League champions for the third time in the franchise’s 29 seasons. By Rob Maaddi
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT, Text
___
FBC--SEC-FINAL STRIKE
DESCRIPTION: FBC—SEC-Final Strike – In the crucible that is the Southeastern Conference, there are five teams with two losses each that are still ranked in the AP Top 25. It’s a sign of the talent and the reality that most if not all of them can still reach the league title game and the College Football Playoff. By Steve Reed.
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text
___
GYM--WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the women’s team final at the 2026 world gymnastics championships. The United States women’s gymnastics team will try to win its eighth straight title at the world championships on Wednesday. 400 words.
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 3:30 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
___
FBC--T25-COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS
DESCRIPTION: AP College Football Writer Eric Olson makes his picks for Week 8 games involving Top 25 teams. 850 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
___
FBN--PRO PICKS-WEEK 7
DESCRIPTION: Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III returns to Seattle to face the Seahawks with the undefeated Chiefs in the best matchup in Week 7. By Rob Maaddi.
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text
___
BKO--BIG 12 MEDIA DAYS
DESCRIPTION: The second of two Big 12 media days takes place for men’s and women’s college basketball teams at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. By Dave Skretta. 700 words, photos. The first of two Big 12 media days takes place for men’s and women’s college basketball teams at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. By Dave Skretta. 700 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text
___
HKN--PANTHERS-SENATORS
DESCRIPTION: The Florida Panthers visit the Senators in Brady Tkachuk’s return to Ottawa. after the longtime team captain was traded. 150 words, more on merit.
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 10:30 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
___
BKL--WNBA FINALS
DESCRIPTION: ATLANTA — The WNBA Finals shift to Atlanta for Game 3 as Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream host the Golden State Valkyries after splitting the first two games. Game starts at 8 p.m. EDT. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg. With separates on merit
UPCOMING: By 10/21/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
————————————————————
NEW AND DEVELOPING
————————————————————
BKN-THUNDER-SPURS
Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder roll past Spurs 116-104 in first matchup since conference finals defeat
SUMMARY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 32 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their season with a 116-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, the team that ended their dreams of a title defense last season. San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama had 12 points but was 1 for 13 from the field. It was his fewest field goals since going 2 for 5 against Minnesota on May 10. Wembanyama’s lone field goal came on an alley-oop pass from De’Aaron Fox as time expired in the third quarter. Wembanyama missed his first 12 shots, including having an alley-oop attempt blocked by 7-foot-3 rookie Aday Mara. Jared McCain added 20 points on 6-for-8 shooting on 3-pointers as Oklahoma City led for all but the opening five minutes of the game.
WORDS: 371 - MOVED: 10/21/2026 12:36 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9608df4201c2f4322adc3a27e8248723&mediaType=text
___
BKN--76ERS-LEBRON’S DEBUT
LeBron James talks smack with Knicks fans, drops 14 points in victorious 76ers debut
SUMMARY: Knicks fans enjoyed giving LeBron James a hard time in his 76ers debut. James gave it right back on the court with a nice debut for the Sixers. James had 14 points and nine rebounds, and the Sixers ruined the Knicks’ championship party with a 106-100 win on Tuesday night. Philadelphia rolled out a potent lineup, including James and newcomer Jaylen Brown alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Fans are eager to see how the stars will coexist. Philly is buzzing with excitement ahead of James’ home debut on Thursday against Cleveland.
WORDS: 826 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 11:36 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b6c9211be53c93ddca644533dae75ce7&mediaType=text
___
BKN--KNICKS-CHAMPIONSHIP RINGS
NBA champion Knicks celebrate 2 titles on a banner night in Madison Square Garden
SUMMARY: The New York Knicks celebrated their NBA championship Tuesday with a banner night — two of them — before losing to LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers in their season opener. Wearing white uniforms with gold trim for the occasion, the Knicks received their NBA championship rings from Hall of Famer Walt Frazier and then watched as the blue banner reading “2025-26 World Champions” rose to the rafters. Before raising the title banner, the NBA champions hung one at Madison Square Garden to celebrate the NBA Cup title they won last season.
WORDS: 712 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 11:19 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:202a0ee0177e7cebb4305d2502339d36&mediaType=text
___
BKN--76ERS-KNICKS
76ers win opening game with LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, beating NBA champion Knicks 106-100
SUMMARY: The Philadelphia 76ers sent an opening-night message they’ll be a contender for the New York Knicks’ NBA title after adding LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, rallying for a 106-100 victory Tuesday night. Tyrese Maxey scored 28 points and Brown had 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists in his first game since being acquired from Boston. James began his NBA-record 24th season by finishing with 14 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Jalen Brunson scored 21 points but the NBA Finals MVP shot just 6-for-19 from the field.
WORDS: 489 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 10:18 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:516e86ad2bc08b55e11f0ddfe63c400b&mediaType=text
___
FBC--T25-OHIO STATE-QUARTERBACKS
Ohio State QB Julian Sayin out indefinitely after injuring throwing arm
SUMMARY: Ohio State coach Ryan Day says quarterback Julian Sayin is out indefinitely after injuring his throwing arm against Indiana. Day is preparing for the possibility that Sayin might miss the rest of the season. The Buckeyes are on a bye week after their 19-15 victory over Indiana. Day and his staff are evaluating whether Luke Fahey or Tavien St. Clair will start against Southern California on October 31. Fahey has been ahead recently, but both will get more practice reps. Day emphasizes the need for the team to adapt and step up, recalling past successes with backup quarterbacks.
WORDS: 725 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 8:58 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:060cc2fc528b52e62073acd5db3733ca&mediaType=text
___
FBN--EAGLES-HURTS-NFL
NFL defends Eagles’ handling of Jalen Hurts’ blood clots while union calls for an investigation
SUMMARY: The Philadelphia Eagles are not being punished for how they handled quarterback Jalen Hurts’ blood clots, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills offered a passionate defense of how the Eagles treated Hurts at the NFL owners’ meetings on Tuesday. That followed a statement from the league that said officials had been in contact with Philadelphia’s medical personnel and the Cleveland Clinic in London throughout the process. Hurts is expected to miss the rest of the season after a blood clot traveled from his left calf to his lungs. The players’ union has called for an investigation of the situation.
WORDS: 733 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 8:35 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bab3a577071323ab1f22451ab5fb408d&mediaType=text
___
BKN--CELTICS-PISTONS
NBA season tips off with Pistons rallying to beat Celtics 121-113, spoiling Paul George’s debut
SUMMARY: Javonte Green scored 19 points after not playing in the first half and Cade Cunningham finished with 22 points and eight assists, helping the Detroit Pistons come back and beat the Boston Celtics 121-113. The NBA picked Tuesday’s matinee matchup to tip off the season and it delivered plenty of entertainment. Paul George scored 38 points, the most by a Celtic in his debut. The nine-time All-Star, in his 17th season, showed he’s still got it in his first game with Boston since it acquired him from Philadelphia in exchange for 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown. But the Celtics’ Jayson Tatum missed 17 of 23 shots.
WORDS: 310 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 7:29 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:edfe0c99806f6397d9d58ba61339d197&mediaType=text
___
HKN--PENGUINS-KINDEL
Penguins forward Ben Kindel hospitalized in Utah after having medical emergency on team flight
SUMMARY: Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel is being evaluated at a Salt Lake City hospital after having a medical emergency on the team’s flight home from a four-game trip. The club said the 19-year-old Kindel had an unspecified issue shortly after the team’s plane took off from the Salt Lake City airport on Tuesday. The plane returned to the airport while Kindel was tended to on the flight by the team’s medical staff. He was taken by ambulance to the University of Utah hospital. The team said Kindel was conscious, alert and stable. Kindel was the 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft.
WORDS: 157 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 7:10 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:15d85dd84fb2acfe109ca9fbd3589767&mediaType=text
___
BBO--RAYS-HOW THEY WERE BUILT
AL champion Rays were mainly built by wise trades and low-cost signings
SUMMARY: The Tampa Bay Rays were built into American League champions through savvy trades, budget-friendly signings and an organizational strength in identifying, developing and maximizing talent. They’re four wins from the franchise’s first World Series title thanks to smart decisions by president of baseball operations Erik Neander, manager Kevin Cash and their scouting and coaching staffs. The Rays face the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 on Friday night. Only three players on Tampa Bay’s 26-man roster in the AL Championship Series were drafted by the team, and Jonathan Aranda was an international signing. Speedy outfielder Chandler Simpson and left-hander Ian Seymour were second-round picks, and shortstop Taylor Walls was a third-round selection.
WORDS: 893 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 7:01 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5ee7802a6b145c9d2d196fa4ee7dd35e&mediaType=text
___
BBO--WORLD SERIES-BREWERS-TICKET PROMOTION
Brewers promised a ticket to any future game for $1,000. Some fans unhappy with World Series seats
SUMMARY: The Milwaukee Brewers ran a promotion over a decade ago offering fans a “Timeless Ticket” granting them admission to any game in the future if they paid $1,000. Now that the Brewers are in the World Series for the first time since 1982, fans who took that deal are eager to redeem those tickets they bought in 2015. That has led to some complications. Some fans say they weren’t offered the good seats they were promised for the World Series. Brewers president of business operations Rick Schlesinger says the team made mistakes in its “internal communications on the logistics of fulfilling the requests.”
WORDS: 590 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 6:33 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fe377e7b0c67dd70e84bc64aad77e45b&mediaType=text
___
BKW--T25-WOMENS POLL
South Carolina is No. 1 in women’s preseason AP Top 25, followed by UConn and USC
SUMMARY: South Carolina is ranked No. 1 in The Associated Press preseason Top 25 women’s basketball poll. The Gamecocks received 23 first-place votes from a 31-member national media panel. UConn, Southern California, Duke and Michigan round out the top five. This marks the fifth time in seven years that Staley’s team has been ranked No. 1 in the preseason. South Carolina will face five ranked teams in the first month, including UConn, USC and Duke. UConn, which lost to South Carolina in the Final Four last season, garnered six first-place votes. USC picked up the other two.
WORDS: 731 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 6:25 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:03d95695b9ea06f8bde1b88c32cef9c0&mediaType=text
___
SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP
PSG beats Barcelona in Champions League thriller as Liverpool completes rousing comeback
SUMMARY: Paris Saint-Germain has been too powerful for even Lamine Yamal’s magic as it ended Barcelona’s 11-game winning run to top the Champions League table. PSG is joined by Liverpool as the only teams with three wins after Alexis Mac Allister led a rousing 4-3 comeback win over Villarreal. Injuries to stars Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia took some of the shine off the win for PSG, which could now face having to cope without two of its biggest difference-makers in attack.
WORDS: 731 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 6:20 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ae7a72eb28ace53d2f9ebbf47f41d988&mediaType=text
___
BKN--TIMBERWOLVES-MCDANIELS
Timberwolves agree to 1-year, $40M contract extension with two-way standout Jaden McDaniels
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Timberwolves and forward Jaden McDaniels have agreed to a one-year, $40 million contract extension through the 2029-30 season. The deal furthers the Timberwolves’ commitment to keeping the two-way standout as part of their long-term core. The 6-foot-9 McDaniels had a career-best season in 2025-26, with an average of 14.8 points per game and 41.2% shooting from 3-point range. McDaniels also has long been the team’s best perimeter defender after being drafted with the 28th pick in 2020 out of Washington. He was an NBA All-Defensive second-team selection in 2023-24.
WORDS: 630 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 5:40 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4b308827e4e353ed0e6a198c8e752c71&mediaType=text
___
FBN--NFL OWNERS MEETING
NFL says heightened security measures will be in place for the Steelers-Saints game in Paris
SUMMARY: The NFL says security will be heightened for the game in Paris between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints on Sunday after protests engulfed the French capital last weekend. Executive VP of club business, international and league events Peter O’Reilly says the league’s security team has been on the ground and that officials are working closely with Parisian police. O’Reilly says there was never a point that the game was in danger of not being played at Stade de France.
WORDS: 674 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 4:21 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2234abd90d27367e0644325825f8330f&mediaType=text
___
BKL--WNBA FINALS-REESE TAKEOVER
Angel Reese determined to lead something special for Atlanta Dream starting on big WNBA Finals stage
SUMMARY: Angel Reese fully realized her team couldn’t afford to fall behind by two games to the Golden State Valkyries in the best-of-seven WNBA Finals as the series shifts to Atlanta, so she led the charge on both ends and grabbed back some momentum for the Dream as they evened the series at one game apiece. The Dream won Game 2 79-65 as Reese delivered 30 points and 16 rebounds and Rhyne Howard set a WNBA Finals single-game record with six steals. That smothering defense flustered the Valkyries into committing 19 turnovers that led to 24 points for Atlanta. Game 3 is on Wednesday night.
WORDS: 788 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 3:51 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d00267d6effe8ea9b7593c95715958a8&mediaType=text
___
SOC--INFANTINO-IN JAPAN
Infantino set to take his FIFA reelection campaign to Japan to court Asian soccer federations
SUMMARY: Gianni Infantino’s campaign for reelection as FIFA president moves this week to Japan and a meeting with the Asian Football Confederation. Wednesday’s meeting comes after Infantino apologized last week in Zurich, Switzerland, to FIFA’s 37-member ruling council — which he chairs — for “mistakes” he made in assembling a now-scrapped $4.2 billion sell-off plan for the World Cup. The meeting with Asian football leaders is set to be held in an upscale hotel in Tokyo.
WORDS: 471 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 1:47 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f4dedc95e220d1d97b2000bf0ac1e8f6&mediaType=text
