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

——————————

BKL--WNBA ALL-STAR GAME PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: INDIANAPOLIS -- The WNBA will have its annual All-Star Game on Saturday night although it will be missing Indiana’s phenomenal young guard Caitlin Clark, who is sidelined with a groin injury. By Alyce Brown. Upcoming: 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/18/2025 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

BKL--WNBA-ALL-STAR-CLARK’S INFLUENCE

DESCRIPTION: INDIANAPOLIS -- Caitlin Clark injured right groin will keep her out of Saturday night’s WNBA All-Star Game. She’ll still be making an impact. From the larger-than-life image on Indianapolis’ J.W. Marriott Hotel to the “draft” selections she made for Team Clark right down to the coaching role she’s now embracing, Clark will be there every step of the way in her adopted hometown. By Michael Marot. 700 words, with photos by 4 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 07/18/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

US ATHLETE HOME BURGLARIES

DESCRIPTION: A New York pawnshop owner linked to the burglary at NFL quarterback Joe Burrow’s home is expected to plead guilty Friday in federal court in New York.

UPCOMING: By 07/18/2025 4:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

BBO--MARINERS-RALEIGH

DESCRIPTION: SEATTLE -- Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is in the midst of a historic season, and is fresh off a sensational stretch at the All-Star game and other festivities. By Andrew Destin. 600 words, photo.

UPCOMING: By 07/18/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

BBO--RED SOX-CUBS

DESCRIPTION: CHICAGO — The Boston Red Sox go for their 11th consecutive victory when they visit the Chicago Cubs for the opener of a three-game series at Wrigley Field. Lucas Giolito starts for Boston, and Colin Rea pitches for Chicago. By Baseball Writer Jay Cohen. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos. Game starts 2:20 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 07/18/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

SOC--MARTA’S RETURN

DESCRIPTION: It was just a year ago when Marta left the Olympic final with tears in her eyes, vowing that it was the end of her storied career with the Brazilian national team. Turns out, the six-time world player of the year wasn’t quite finished yet.The 39-year-old is un-retired playing for favorites Brazil in the Copa America Femenina tournament in Ecuador. By Anne M. Peterson. Upcoming: 600 words,photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/18/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT

___

BBO--HALL OF FAME-ICHIRO

DESCRIPTION: Ichiro Suzuki speaks about his upcoming Hall of Fame induction alongside Billy Wagner and CC Sabathia. By Janie McCauley. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos by 4 p.m. PDT.

UPCOMING: By 07/18/2025 7:07 p.m. EDT, Text

___

FBN--TOP 5-INTERIOR OL

DESCRIPTION: The Associated Press reveals its top five interior offensive linemen headed into the 2025 NFL season. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/18/2025 8:10 p.m. EDT, Text

___

FBN--TOP 5-INTERIOR DL

DESCRIPTION: The Associated Press reveals its top five interior defensive linemen headed into the 2025 NFL season. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/18/2025 8:15 p.m. EDT, Text

___

BKL--WNBA ALL-STAR-3-POINT CONTEST

DESCRIPTION: INDIANAPOLIS __ There’s still a lot of star power left in the WNBA All-Star 3-point competition even with Caitlin Clark out with an injury. Sabrina Ionescu will be competing in it for the first time in two years after setting a record by hitting 25 of her 27 shots in the finals. Allisha Gray will be looking to defend her championship. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg. 500 words by 10 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 07/18/2025 10:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

BBO--REDS-METS

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- Pete Alonso and the New York Mets host Elly De La Cruz and the Cincinnati Reds in the opener of a three-game series.

UPCOMING: By 07/18/2025 10:10 p.m. EDT, Text

___

GLF--BARRACUDA CHAMPIONSHIP

DESCRIPTION: TRUCKEE, Calif. — Ben Martin took a two-point lead into the second round of the Barracuda Championship, the only PGA Tour event that uses the modified Stableford scoring system. UPCOMING: 400 words.

UPCOMING: By 07/18/2025 10:30 p.m. EDT, Text

___

——————————

NEW AND DEVELOPING

——————————

BBW--WPBL-MONE DAVIS

Former Little League star Mo’ne Davis to try out for new women’s pro baseball league

SUMMARY: Mo’ne Davis is not done playing baseball. The former Little League phenom who at 13 became the first girl to pitch a victory — and a shutout — in the Little League World Series, will be one of more than 600 players to try out for the Women’s Professional Baseball League set to launch next year, the league said. Davis will join other women’s baseball stars like Kelsie Whitmore, the first woman to sign a professional contract with an MLB-partnered league, at the tryouts, which will be held in Washington, D.C., from Aug. 22-25.

WORDS: 280 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 1:31 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3caf9758c03c6567ece7d5d4cabc00e8&mediaType=text

___

CYC--TOUR DE FRANCE

Pogačar crushes rivals in brutal uphill time trial and solidifies Tour lead

SUMMARY: Tour de France leader Tadej Pogačar has posted a commanding win in the uphill time trial in the Pyrenees. The grueling climb to Peyragudes on Friday saw Pogačar extend his overall lead to more than four minutes. He finished 36 seconds ahead of Jonas Vingegaard with Primoz Roglic third. Remco Evenepoel struggled on the climb, losing time and being overtaken by Vingegaard. Pogačar, already in the yellow jersey, solidified his lead during Thursday’s mountain stage. With his current form, he remains the clear favorite to win the Tour. Saturday’s stage features four major climbs, promising more challenges ahead.

WORDS: 617 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 12:53 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e1a156d8fd99615feb40b29594faad7a&mediaType=text

___

GLF--BRITISH OPEN-DECHAMBEAU ON TRUMP

Trump’s Turnberry course is ‘worthy’ of hosting the British Open, says DeChambeau

SUMMARY: American golfer Bryson DeChambeau is all for President Donald Trump’s Turnberry course in Scotland hosting a British Open for the first time since 2009. Turnberry is still on the R&A’s 10-venue British Open rotation but isn’t playing an active role because of logistical issues. DeChambeau says he believes Trump would make Turnberry a special Open venue again. DeChambeau says “it’s one of the best golf courses in the world” and “it’s worthy” of staging the Open. DeChambeau appears to have a good relationship with Trump. They once played a golf round together that has been watched more than 15 million times on YouTube.

WORDS: 488 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 12:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:312c12266062ffe863566c10e9049dff&mediaType=text

___

GLF--BRITISH OPEN

Brian Harman hunts down another British Open title with early lead at Royal Portrush

SUMMARY: Brian Harman is hunting down another British Open title. Harman won the claret jug two years ago at Royal Liverpool. He shot a 64 without a bogey on his card in the second round at Royal Portrush. He was among the early finishers and Scottie Scheffler might have the final say in who winds up the 36-hole lead. Harman had a three-shot lead over Rasmus Hojgaard, Tyrrell Hatton and Harris English. Scheffler was among those playing in the afternoon. Rory McIlroy was reasonably happy with his 69. But he went from three shots behind to now at least five back.

WORDS: 733 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 12:18 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6e8438d3a8e17743278a9db051124fb9&mediaType=text

___

GLF--BRITISH OPEN-HATTON

‘It’s just how I am’: Hatton chunters and curses his way into contention at the British Open

SUMMARY: Tyrrell Hatton is a combustible English golfer who can divide opinion with his on-course conduct. He curses out loud, he slams his clubs, he castigates himself and his ball. Few can argue about the quality of his game however. This week at Royal Portrush he’s making another run at a major championship. Hatton shot 2-under 69 in the second round of the British Open and was three strokes off the clubhouse lead held by Brian Harman. Hatton says “although from the outside it looks like I’m completely gone, in my own mind I still know where I’m at.”

WORDS: 621 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 11:12 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1fe0aa5f1248987d2a2917da21f4784e&mediaType=text

___

FBC--OBIT-ANDERSON

Former Clemson player, assistant coach Willie Anderson dies at 72

SUMMARY: Former Clemson player and coach Willie Anderson has died. He was 72. Anderson was the only person in Clemson football history to earn first-time All-ACC honors as a player and serve as a full-time assistant coach on a national championship team for the Tigers. Clemson says Anderson passed away on Wednesday. No cause of death was provided. He was a standout player from 1972 to 1974, earning first-team All-ACC honors as a middle guard and linebacker. Anderson also made 21 tackles in a memorable 1974 game against South Carolina. He was named first-team All-ACC and later was an assistant coach on Clemson’s first national championship team in 1982.

WORDS: 199 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 10:43 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4c2f707e644e44ff9a563bdcc8385d94&mediaType=text

___

BKN--TRAIL BLAZERS-LILLARD RETURNS

Damian Lillard returns to the Trail Blazers on a 3-year deal worth $42 million, AP source says

SUMMARY: Damian Lillard is back where he started. Lillard signed a three-year deal worth $42 million to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Thursday. The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not been officially announced. Lillard was the sixth pick in the 2012 NBA draft by the Trail Blazers and spent 11 seasons with Portland before he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks just before the 2023-24 season.

WORDS: 469 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 9:14 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:34d08bcb8f2500a9956b3392680b0937&mediaType=text

___

FBN--NFLPA-HOWELL RESIGNS

Lloyd Howell steps down as executive director of NFL Players Association

SUMMARY: Lloyd Howell has resigned as executive director of the NFL Players Association, citing distractions his leadership has caused in recent weeks. Howell has come under scrutiny since ESPN reported he has maintained a part-time consulting job with the Carlyle Group, a private equity firm that holds league approval to seek minority ownership in NFL franchises. That followed the revelation that the NFLPA and the league had a confidentiality agreement to keep quiet an arbitrator’s ruling about possible collusion by owners over quarterback salaries. The latest issue was an ESPN report Thursday that revealed two player representatives who voted for Howell were not aware that he was sued in 2011 for sexual discrimination and retaliation while he was a senior executive at Booz Allen.

WORDS: 345 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 9:13 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f9081bd6f645c4d0a0e41c9f3a71b685&mediaType=text

___

US--PHILANTHROPY-GIANTS-OF-AFRICA

Ex-Raptors exec Masai Ujiri remains focused on humanitarian work as Giants of Africa Festival nears

SUMMARY: Masai Ujiri is staying focused on his upcoming Giants of Africa Festival even as the longtime NBA executive navigates his recent departure from the Toronto Raptors. Ujiri says “the focus will always be” Giants of Africa, the foundation he started in 2003 to host youth basketball clinics, teach life skills and build basketball courts across the continent. Its second ever festival returns to Kigali, Rwanda on July 26 with appearances from Nigerian pop singer Ayra Starr, WNBA great Candace Parker and two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. In a Q&A with The Associated Press, Ujiri says “I owe it to the youth of the continent.”

WORDS: 1069 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 8:31 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9417250b051ee971445ce4e7e7303759&mediaType=text

___

GLF--RYDER CUP-SPAIN

2031 Ryder Cup to be hosted in Girona, Spain, says Catalan golf federation

SUMMARY: The president of the Catalan golf federation has told The Associated Press that the 2031 Ryder Cup will be held in northeastern Spain. Ramon Nogué, president of the Catalan golf federation, told the AP by phone Friday that “next week it will be official” that Girona will be announced as the host of the golfing event between the best male players of Europe and the United States. The choice of Girona was first reported by Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia. Ryder Cup Europe says any annoucements of host cities will be made “in due course.”

WORDS: 281 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 8:17 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:90e4a115d32f9094197cc69decd16af5&mediaType=text

___

AF--LIBERIA-KICKBALL

In Liberia’s version of baseball, there are no bats and no men

SUMMARY: Kickball is beloved among women in Liberia, where many sporting activities are male-dominated. The sport in Liberia has the rules of baseball but there are no bats, and players kick a soccer ball instead of the larger, lightweight ball used in other places. And there are no male players involved. It was introduced to Liberia in the 1960s by a Peace Corps volunteer who was teaching in an all-girls school in the capital Monrovia. Kickball has since grown to become Liberia’s second most-popular sport and is played all over the country from schoolyards to public squares and dirt fields.

WORDS: 697 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 6:28 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bcc8258a169b27559bba44bebdcbc2cb&mediaType=text

___

SOC--US-DEMPSEY

Clint Dempsey says success on the field will help build pro-American crowds at World Cup

SUMMARY: Clint Dempsey says the U.S. needs positive results in upcoming friendlies to energize pro-American crowds for the World Cup next year. Fans heavily favored opponents during the latter stages of this year’s Gold Cup. The U.S. has 10 friendlies scheduled before its World Cup opener on June 12 in Inglewood, California. Dempsey emphasized the importance of blending grit with quality to inspire belief in the team. He also highlighted the need for competition within the squad to improve performance. As a co-host, the U.S. has a favorable path in the tournament, avoiding top 10 opponents in the group stage.

WORDS: 810 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:25072afcfec5d93d41f13981172d8f34&mediaType=text

___

BBM--BALLERS-HELMIG’S HERITAGE

Ballers outfielder Lou Helmig represents deep baseball history in Germany

SUMMARY: Lou Helmig carries a deep family history with every swing, and every catch, with every sprint around the basepaths. He has carried it at every level, in every new place he plays, on whatever continent it happens to be in a given moment. The larger-than-life right fielder for the independent Oakland Ballers is a third-generation German professional player trying to leave his mark, just like his grandfather, great-uncle, and Helmig’s own dad, Martin, before him.

WORDS: 1053 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dceff3e458e2aa66b6806fd352251837&mediaType=text

——————————

MOVING TOMORROW

——————————

GLF--BRITISH OPEN

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — Coverage of the third round of the British Open at Royal Portrush. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson.

___

BKL--WNBA ALL-STAR GAME

INDIANAPOLIS — The WNBA’s best will play in the annual All-Star Game which pits Caitlin Clark’s team against Napheesa Collier’s. Clark, unfortunately, won’t be able to play because she’s recovering from a groin injury. Game starts at 8:30 p.m.

___

BOX--PACQUIAO-BARRIOS

LAS VEGAS — Manny Pacquiao returns after a four-year absence to take on WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

___