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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AP-CYC-TOUR DE FRANCE-BEHIND THE STORY

DESCRIPTION: On this episode of The Story Behind the AP Story, sports correspondent Gethin Coolbaugh explains how the Tour de France works, as well as some iconic moments, while AP photographers Thibault Camus and Mosa’ab El Shamy share the energy and mood on the ground at this year’s race.

UPCOMING: By 07/24/2025 9:15 a.m. EDT, Alternate Headlines, Video, Text, Photo, Audio

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FBC--ACC MEDIA DAYS

DESCRIPTION: CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina has Bill Belichick. Boston College has Bill O’Brien. Stanford is working under Frank Reich as an interim coach. That gives the Atlantic Coast Conference three former NFL coaches in its ranks, the most of any league. By Aaron Beard. UPCOMING: 800 words, photos.

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CYC--TOUR DE FRANCE

DESCRIPTION: COURCHEVEL COL DE LA LOZE, France — Riders tackle the first of two days of grueling climbing in the French Alps on stage 18. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/24/2025 1:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBN--WORST TO FIRST

DESCRIPTION: SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The NFL often sees teams rise from last place to division champions, thanks to easier schedules and high draft picks. Since 2002, 25 teams have achieved this feat, though none did last season. The San Francisco 49ers are the most likely to do it this season based on odds from BetMGM followed by New England and Chicago. By Josh Dubow. UPCOMING: 950 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/24/2025 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--GIANTS-NABERS-APPROVED OFFSEASON

DESCRIPTION: EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Like what the New York Giants did this offseason? Thank Malik Nabers. No, the wide receiver coming off an impressive rookie year didn’t add general manager to his responsibilities. But Nabers said coach Brian Daboll did consult him about moves specifically being made on offense after the unit was among the worst in the NFL last year. Among them were signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston and drafting Jackson Dart and Cam Skattebo and shoring up depth along the offensive line after. By Stephen Whyno. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/24/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--PICK 6-FIRST-TIME COACHES

DESCRIPTION: FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Aaron Glenn of the New York Jets is one of five first-time head coaches in the league, joining Jacksonville’s Liam Coen, Chicago’s Ben Johnson, New Orleans’ Kellen Moore and Dallas’ Brian Schottenheimer. All five are long-time assistants who now each face distinct challenges and must balance the responsibilities of managing an entire roster and staff instead of focusing on one particular side of the football. By Pro Football Writer Dennis Waszak Jr. UPCOMING: 550 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/24/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--FALCONS-CAMP OPENS

DESCRIPTION: FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and coach Raheem Morris are entering their second seasons in the spotlight as the Atlanta Falcons open training camp on Thursday looking for their first winning season since 2017. Penix started the final three games of an 8-9 finish last season after Kirk Cousins was benched. By Charles Odum. UPCOMING: 550 words.

UPCOMING: By 07/24/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKO--CANADA-SEXUAL-ASSAULT-TRIAL

DESCRIPTION: LONDON, Ontario — Justice Maria Carroccia is scheduled to announce her verdicts in the sexual assault case against five former players on Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team. UPCOMIMNG: Timing uncertain. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/24/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BBO--BLUE JAYS-TIGERS

DESCRIPTION: DETROIT — The AL East-leading Toronto Blue Jays play AL Central-leading Detroit at Comerica Park, where the Tigers hope a seven-game homestand helps them bounce back from their worst stretch of the season. By Larry Lage. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos. Game starts at 6:40 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 07/24/2025 9:40 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--3M OPEN

DESCRIPTION: BLAINE, Minn. — Jhonattan Vegas opens his title defense in the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities. UPCOMING: 350 words.

UPCOMING: By 07/24/2025 8:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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SOC--MLS-ALL STAR GAME

MLS, playing without Messi, beats Liga MX 3-1 in All-Star Game

SUMMARY: Sam Surridge, Tai Baribo and Brian White scored goals and Major League Soccer defeated Liga MX of Mexico 3-1 in the MLS All-Star Game. MLS has defeated Liga MX three times in four tries. Last year Liga MX won 4-1 in Columbus, Ohio. The MLS All-Stars won in 2022 and beat Liga MX on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw a year prior. Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammate, Jordi Alba, both face possible league suspensions for their team’s next match against Cincinnati on Saturday for missing the All-Star game.

WORDS: 529 - MOVED: 07/24/2025 12:51 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:77f0eb0924cefa5c9b1973dedef98fa4&mediaType=text

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BBY--LITTLE LEAGUE-BAT FLIP FUSS

New Jersey Little Leaguer suspended for bat flip, a celebration governing body promotes

SUMMARY: A 12-year-old Little Leaguer is “distraught” at the prospect of missing his team’s first state tournament game because he was suspended for flipping his bat after hitting a game-winning home run. But his father says Little League Baseball promotes bat-flipping celebrations on its social media accounts that don’t result in punishment. Now, Marco Rocco’s family has gone to court to seek an emergency temporary restraining order that will allow him to play in the New Jersey state tournament that starts on Thursday. The Haddonfield, New Jersey player was suspended after flipping his bat after hitting as winning home run in a game on July 16.

WORDS: 375 - MOVED: 07/23/2025 11:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2d5dc1962f1f9b01436b61c3dbe7fed4&mediaType=text

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SOC--MLS-ALL-STAR GAME-MESSI

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba of Inter Miami to miss MLS All-Star Game in Austin

SUMMARY: Lionel Messi will miss the Major League Soccer All-Star Game against Liga MX on Wednesday night. Messi’s teammate at Inter Miami, Jordi Alba, will also miss the game. An MLS spokesperson said Inter Miami informed league officials that the two players will not appear in the match at Q2 Stadium. Both could face a one-match suspension for missing the All-Star Game without a credible injury report. The league will speak with Inter Miami officials before providing an update on possible suspensions. MLS Commissioner Don Garber said before the match that no decision has been made about suspensions. Messi missed the All-Star Game last year with an injury.

WORDS: 181 - MOVED: 07/23/2025 10:56 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:47510fa6cb1b3e319b1ce741d3b4dc0f&mediaType=text

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SOC--MLS-STATE OF THE LEAGUE

MLS commissioner discusses season shift, Messi absence before All-Star game

SUMMARY: Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber says the league continues to look at shifting to a fall-to-spring season, saying he’d “rather get it right and take our time than get it wrong and do it quick.” Garber spoke before Wednesday night’s MLS All-Star game in Austin, Texas. He also spoke about the league’s Apple TV streaming deal and the sale of the Vancouver Whitecaps in his state of the league address before the annual All-Star game. Looming large over the match between MLS and Liga MX All-Stars was the absence of Inter Miami star Lionel Messi.

WORDS: 480 - MOVED: 07/23/2025 10:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:596c013c44ea9c7673894f6b59f37c33&mediaType=text

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TEN--VENUS WILLIAMS-FIANCE

Venus Williams says she is engaged to Andrea Preti after her first singles win in 16 months

SUMMARY: Venus Williams’ winning return to the professional tennis tour also came with a surprise announcement: She is engaged. After becoming the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match, Williams gave thanks to her fiance, who was in the stands at the DC Open. He is Andrea Preti, who is a Danish-born Italian model and actor, according to the website IMDB. The 45-year-old Williams hadn’t played in a tournament in 16 months until entering the event in Washington. She won a doubles match on Monday and a singles match on Tuesday, before losing in doubles on Wednesday She plays singles again Thursday.

WORDS: 135 - MOVED: 07/23/2025 9:25 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:14d23576afe2f6cf6746d2c41a91eb8b&mediaType=text

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SOC--EURO 2025-GERMANY-SPAIN

Bonmatí leads Spain past Germany 1-0, sets up Euro 2025 final against England

SUMMARY: Aitana Bonmatí has scored in extra time to guide Spain to its first Women’s European Championship final with a 1-0 win over Germany. Spain now needs just one more victory to add the European title to its collection after winning the World Cup and Nations League in the past two years. Montse Tomé’s team will face defending champion England in the Euro 2025 final on Sunday. It’ll be a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final, which Spain won 1-0. England also needed extra time to beat Italy 2-1 in the first of the semifinals.

WORDS: 660 - MOVED: 07/23/2025 8:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ab110c2ff01a705e2b1465eb1c715d61&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-OHTANI

Shohei Ohtani homers in fifth consecutive game, tying a Los Angeles Dodgers franchise record

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani homered for the fifth consecutive game on Wednesday, tying a Los Angeles Dodgers franchise record. Ohtani, who leads the National League with 37 home runs, homered in the first inning off Minnesota Twins starter Chris Paddack. He hit a slow curveball 441 feet to center. He carried the bat midway down the first-base line and then did a bat flip. This is the seventh time in Dodgers history that a player has homered in five consecutive games. Ohtani joins Max Muncy, Joc Pederson, Adrian Gonzalez, Matt Kemp, Shawn Green and Roy Campanella in that club.

WORDS: 539 - MOVED: 07/23/2025 8:12 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:68ad271c5180efd6877295d524431862&mediaType=text

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FBC--ACC MEDIA DAYS-NOTEBOOK

Florida State is coming off a brutal year. Coach Mike Norvell is moving forward with exuberance

SUMMARY: Florida State coach Mike Norvell can’t wait to move past last year’s struggles. FSU went from being the reigning champion and preseason favorite last summer to finishing last in the league with a two-win season. Norvell said Wednesday during the ACC’s preseason media days that everything hinges on the Seminoles’ response to last year’s stumble. Also on Wednesday, Georgia Tech announced an extension with its offensive coordinator while Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne says he’s prepared for a big workload under new coach Jake Dickert.

WORDS: 988 - MOVED: 07/23/2025 6:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bfd9e04bab4243cdb7392425a9f575fa&mediaType=text

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FBC--BIG TEN-MAKING PROMISES

NIL promises made to recruits, now coaches wait for key decision to learn whether they can keep them

SUMMARY: Next week, college football coaches can put the recruiting promises they’ve made to high school seniors on paper. Then, the question becomes whether they can keep them. Uncertainty over interpretations of a key element of the lawsuit settlement that’s reshaping college sports has placed recruiters on a tightrope. They need clarity about whether the third-party collectives that ruled name, image, likeness payments over the first four years of NIL can be treated as a workaround of the $20.5 million cap on what schools can now pay players directly or whether they’ll simply become a small cog in the new system.

WORDS: 881 - MOVED: 07/23/2025 5:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a95d2fddea06f797ad6a13e527f192d5&mediaType=text

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FBC--ACC MEDIA DAYS

Several ACC teams have turned to the transfer portal for high-level QBs in 2025

SUMMARY: Eight of the top 25 quarterbacks in the transfer portal have landed in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Carson Beck moved from Georgia to Miami, seeing himself as a fit for the Hurricanes’ offensive scheme. Miller Moss left USC for Louisville to work with coach Jeff Brohm. Tommy Castellanos transferred from Boston College to Florida State, aiming to upend Alabama in the season opener. Each quarterback has unique reasons for transferring, including NIL money and aspirations of NFL success. The ACC also boasts talented returning quarterbacks like Clemson’s Cade Klubnik. The conference is shaping up to be highly competitive this season.

WORDS: 998 - MOVED: 07/23/2025 5:11 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:14321690c8520ae9e2c97cfc36284006&mediaType=text

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BBO--GIANTS-VERLANDER-FIRST WIN

Verlander finds bottle of his favorite wine waiting at his locker after elusive 1st win with Giants

SUMMARY: Justin Verlander overcame the Atlanta Braves — and the rain — to end the longest winless streak in a season in Giants history. The 42-year-old Verlander had been winless in his first 16 starts with San Francisco before allowing only one hit in five scoreless innings to beat the Atlanta Braves 9-3 on Wednesday. His teammates helped the three-time Cy Young Award winner celebrate by leaving a bottle of wine at his locker. The win was more than a personal drought-breaker for Verlander. It gave the Giants the series win after Tuesday night’s 9-0 victory ended a six-game losing streak.

WORDS: 544 - MOVED: 07/23/2025 4:38 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:84ce207286eb898af02ca57d95fda685&mediaType=text

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FBN--DOLPHINS-MATOS

Miami Dolphins’ Bayron Matos airlifted to hospital after training camp injury

SUMMARY: Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Bayron Matos suffered an undisclosed injury at the end of Wednesday’s practice and was flown to a hospital on a helicopter. The injury happened in the final minutes of Day 1 of the Dolphins’ training camp. The team said Matos was airlifted in stable condition. It did not release information on the injury. The 24-year-old Matos is in his second year in the NFL. He went undrafted in 2024 but signed with the Dolphins as a free agent through the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. He has only been playing football since 2022 when he walked on at South Florida.

WORDS: 201 - MOVED: 07/23/2025 4:11 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d6a016dfd505f97c4e4300909601c0f1&mediaType=text

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FBN--EAGLES-CAMP BEGINS

Be like Mike? Jalen Hurts gets championship tip from Michael Jordan on how to win another Super Bowl

SUMMARY: Jalen Hurts considers Michael Jordan a friend, and he values his advice. Jordan, who won six NBA titles, shared wisdom with Hurts after the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl win. On Wednesday, during the first day of training camp, Hurts said Jordan used every word but “repeat” when discussing the upcoming season. The Eagles, including coach Nick Sirianni and offensive lineman Jordan Mailata, are focused on resetting for 2025. Hurts, who won Super Bowl MVP, said the season is a blank canvas. He hasn’t been seen wearing his Super Bowl ring, emphasizing his focus on the future.

WORDS: 864 - MOVED: 07/23/2025 3:50 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bd773fd4ace274907cfaa134525f5166&mediaType=text

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FBN--GIANTS CAMP-QUARTERBACKS

Giants open camp with Jaxson Dart in the spotlight but Russell Wilson still starting quarterback

SUMMARY: So much of the attention going into New York Giants training camp is on first-round pick and quarterback of the future Jaxson Dart. But coach Brian Daboll made it clear the plan hasn’t changed and that Russell Wilson is the starter. Wilson took all of the first-team snaps in the first practice of camp, with Dart and journeyman Jameis Winston rotating second and third. Daboll won’t say whether the backup job to Wilson is up for grabs this preseason. General manager Joe Schoen deferred to the coaching staff to determine when it might be time to turn to Dart.

WORDS: 862 - MOVED: 07/23/2025 2:27 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e55a4cc24c54d610f54f296c7ab23166&mediaType=text