AP Sports Digest

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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CAR--F1-DUTCH GP

DESCRIPTION: Qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix as the Formula 1 title fight continues between McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Includes coverage of third practice on merits.

UPCOMING: By 08/30/2025 10:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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TEN—US OPEN

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK — Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner try to reach Week 2 of the U.S. Open when they play matches on Saturday. By Howard Fendrich. 500 words. AP Photos.

UPCOMING: By 08/30/2025 11:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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TEN—US OPEN-SHAKE IT OFF

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK — There’s been a lot of talk about the unwritten rules of tennis during Week 1 of this U.S. Open, and a lot of attention paid to postmatch handshakes. By Howard Fendrich. 750 words. AP Photos.

UPCOMING: By 08/30/2025 11:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BKO--EUROBASKET ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Nikola Jokic’s Serbia plays co-host Latvia in EuroBasket, while Germany faces Lithuania in Finland as part o a full slate of a dozen games in four different countries.

UPCOMING: By 08/30/2025 11:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBC--T25-TEXAS-OHIO STATE

DESCRIPTION: COLUMBUS, Ohio -- For just the fourth time, a defending national champion faces the nation’s top ranked team in an opener as No. 3 Ohio State hosts top-ranked Texas and much-heralded quarterback Arch Manning. By Joe Reedy. 500 words, photos. Sidebars on merit. Game starts at noon EDT.

UPCOMING: By 08/30/2025 12:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo, DigitalPlans

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FBC--ESPN-GAMEDAY-CORSO’S FINAL PICK

DESCRIPTION: COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Lee Corso makes his 431st and final headgear pick inside Ohio Stadium before top-ranked Texas faces No. 3 Ohio State. Saturday is Corso’s final show on ESPN’s “College Gameday”, a show he has been a part of since it launched in 1987. By Joe Reedy. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 08/30/2025 1:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--GERMAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Bayern Munich heads to Augsburg in the Bundesliga, while Bayer Leverkusen takes on Werder Bremen as it seeks to recover from a loss in Erik ten Hag’s first game as Leverkusen coach. Eintracht Frankfurt visits Hoffenheim.

UPCOMING: By 08/30/2025 2:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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CAR--NASCAR-DARLINGTON PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: DARLINGTON, S.C. — NASCAR starts its cup series playoffs at Darlington Raceway this weekend, just a couple of days after the organization’s ongoing legal fight with two of its its teams, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, turned ugly with what came out at a hearing earlier this week. Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, of 23XI, are both in the playoff field while team owner Denny Hamlin is in the championship field for Joe Gibbs Racing. By Pete Iacobelli.

UPCOMING: By 08/30/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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CAR--INDYCAR-NASHVILLE

DESCRIPTION: LEBANON, Tenn. — Josef Newgarden, two-time IndyCar champion and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, wrote a children’s book about his first Indy victory titled “Josef’s Big Dream.” Midway through this miserable year he proposed a sequel: “Josef’s Bad Season.” Gallows humor, sure, but he’s not really laughing. If Newgarden doesn’t win Sunday’s season finale at Nashville Superspeedway, his home race, it will mark his first winless season since 2014.By AP Auto Racing Writer Jenna Fryer.

UPCOMING: By 08/30/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-MARSHALL-GEORGIA

DESCRIPTION: ATHENS, Ga. -- Led by first-year coach Tony Gibson, Marshall is a big underdog as it visits No. 5 Georgia in each team’s opening game on Saturday. By Charles Odum. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Game starts at 3:30 p.m. EDT

UPCOMING: By 08/30/2025 6:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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T25-FBC--NEW MEXICO-MICHIGAN

DESCRIPTION: ANN ARBOR, Mich. — No. 14 Michigan opens the season at home against New Mexico as Bryce Underwood is expected to be the fourth freshman quarterback to start for the Wolverines. By Larry Lage. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 08/30/2025 7:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-LSU-CLEMSON

DESCRIPTION: CLEMSON, S.C. — Heisman Trophy candidate Cade Klubnik and No. 4 Clemson face ninth-ranked LSU and rising star QB Garrett Nussmeier in a huge clash to open the season at Memorial Stadium. By Steve Reed. 450 words, more on merit. With photos.

UPCOMING: By 08/30/2025 7:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--LPGA TOUR

DESCRIPTION: NORTON, Mass. — Miranda Wang had the lead in the FM Championship with Nelly Korda and the other half of the field still to complete the second round Saturday before going to the third round at the TPC Boston. Upcoming: 500 words.

UPCOMING: By 08/30/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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RAC--PACIFIC CLASSIC

DESCRIPTION: DEL MAR, Calif. — Nysos, trained by Bob Baffert, is the slight 8-5 morning-line favorite for the $1 million Pacific Classic at Del Mar. He takes on Preakness and Haskell winner Journalism and Fierceness, last year’s Travers winner, in a field of eight running 1 1/4 miles at the seaside track north of San Diego. UPCOMING: 400 words, photos. Post time 9 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 08/30/2025 9:00 p.m. EDT, Text

FBC--ILLINOIS STATE-OKLAHOMA

DESCRIPTION: NORMAN, Okla. — No. 18 Oklahoma will host Illinois State in its season opener. BetMGM has the Sooners listed as a 36.5-point favorite. Oklahoma’s offense struggled last year, ranking 113th in the FBS with 331 yards per game. But they have high hopes with Washington State transfer John Mateer. Its defense was stronger, allowing 318.2 yards per game and ranking 19th nationally. Illinois State is coming off a 10-4 season that ended in the FCS playoffs. The Redbirds averaged 402.2 yards per game, ranking 33rd in the FCS. Their defense, however, allowed 423.4 yards per game, ranking 127th. By Cliff Brunt. UPCOMING: 500 words, with photos. Game starts at 6 p.m.. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 08/30/2025 9:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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FBC--T25-WESTERN ILLINOIS-ILLINOIS

Beatty returns punt for TD, breaks Grange’s nearly 102-year-old mark in No. 12 Illini’s opening rout

SUMMARY: Hank Beatty returned a punt 69 yards for a touchdown and broke Red Grange’s nearly 102-year-old Illinois record for yards on punt returns to help the No. 12 Illini rout Western Illinois 52-3 on Friday night to open the season. Beatty had four returns for 133 yards to break Grange’s mark of 125 set against Nebraska on Oct. 6, 1923. The third-quarter TD return was the Illini’s first since D’Angelo Bailey did it against Ohio State in 2013. Beatty also led Illinois in receiving with 108 yards on five catches, with a 59-yarder for a touchdown. Luke Altmyer was 17 of 21 with three touchdowns passes in an interception-free performance. Aidan Laughery ran for 109 yards on nine carries and two TDs.

WORDS: 578 - MOVED: 08/30/2025 12:44 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:219982ccdf00ac5f9cce86b87619802f&mediaType=text

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BBO--ATHLETICS-KURTZ

Athletics rookie slugger Nick Kurtz exits game with right oblique soreness

SUMMARY: Athletics rookie Nick Kurtz was removed from Friday night’s game against the Texas Rangers with what the team described as right oblique soreness. Kurtz was rounding third base and heading for home on teammate Brent Rooker’s double in the third inning when he apparently experienced the soreness. He scored but walked to the clubhouse with team medical staff. Kurtz is hitting .308 with 23 doubles, two triples and 29 home runs and 65 RBIs this season. He is one of just three players in the majors this season to hit four home runs in a game.

WORDS: 186 - MOVED: 08/30/2025 12:36 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a8f65578a0697fec7644a3bbaff348f0&mediaType=text

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TEN--US OPEN

Carlos Alcaraz’s brief knee problem at the US Open doesn’t slow him down in a win

SUMMARY: Carlos Alcaraz has dealt with a brief problem with his right knee and managed to easily advance to the fourth round at the U.S. Open. Alcaraz took a medical timeout in the second set of what became a 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 victory over No. 32 seed Luciano Darderi of Italy in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday. The No. 2-seeded Alcaraz won the first of his five Grand Slam titles at Flushing Meadows in 2022. He got broken for the first time in the tournament, then took a medical timeout and had his leg massaged by a trainer. Problem solved: Alcaraz rolled through the rest of the match, never dropping another game.

WORDS: 573 - MOVED: 08/30/2025 12:33 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:47975758383b73632c48a863ed99e7d3&mediaType=text

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TEN--US OPEN-SHELTON OUT

Ben Shelton out of the US Open after injuring shoulder against Mannarino

SUMMARY: Ben Shelton quit during his third-round match at the U.S. Open on Friday because of a left shoulder injury. The No. 6-seeded Shelton, a two-time major semifinalist, stopped right after dropping the fourth set against Adrian Mannarino to force a fifth. The injury was perhaps caused when he landed on his left arm after tracking down a ball in the corner on the final point to win the third set. But early in the fourth, the 2023 U.S. Open semifinalist began wincing and said to his coach’s box: “I did something to my shoulder. I don’t know what it is.”

WORDS: 774 - MOVED: 08/30/2025 12:17 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:27e9d5777bb089e5072b932665939084&mediaType=text

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TEN--US OPEN-DJOKOVIC

Novak Djokovic shakes off a back problem and reaches the 4th round of the US Open at 38

SUMMARY: Novak Djokovic shook off a back problem early in the match to beat Cam Norrie on Friday night and at 38 become the oldest man to reach the fourth round of the U.S. Open since Jimmy Connors was the same age in 1991. Djokovic pulled away to win 6-4, 6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-3, helped by hitting 18 aces. The 24-time Grand Slam needed medical attention near the end of the first set. But he recovered to reach the last 16 of a major for the 69th time, matching Roger Federer for most ever, and will next face German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff.

WORDS: 623 - MOVED: 08/30/2025 12:13 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c941b18205e2abcd140adf24161222b4&mediaType=text

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BBO--METS-TONG DEBUT

Tong pitches 5 memorable innings in anticipated Mets debut, earns another start

SUMMARY: Jonah Tong walked in from the bullpen to a loud ovation and took the mound to another boisterous reaction from the sellout crowd. Tong threw six pitches in three minutes and then sat for about 25 minutes. The Canadian threw 20 more in the second inning and his break lasted slightly longer. In his anticipated debut, Tong completed his first five innings as a major leaguer on a Friday night when the Mets set a team record for runs in a home game and earned another start in New York’s six-man rotation in the midst of a playoff race. The Mets hit two of their six homers in a five-run first inning, added another in a 28-minute seven-run second in a 19-9 victory over Miami.

WORDS: 387 - MOVED: 08/30/2025 12:07 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b34359e4630633caf53c47b10c54d36f&mediaType=text

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BBO--RED SOX-TOLLE’S DEBUT

Red Sox replace World Series star Buehler with prospect Payton Tolle and get a gem in his MLB debut

SUMMARY: Red Sox left-hander Payton Tolle made an impressive major league debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates. On Friday night, he took a one-hit shutout into the sixth inning, striking out eight. Tolle was called up earlier in the day and faced NL Cy Young Award favorite Paul Skenes at Fenway Park. Although the Pirates won 4-2, Tolle received a standing ovation when he left the game. Boston manager Alex Cora praised the performance as a step forward for the team. Tolle described the experience as the greatest of his life.

WORDS: 522 - MOVED: 08/29/2025 11:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7bfb4e4a15259c6023365140991bb53e&mediaType=text

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FBN--PACKERS-PARSONS’ ARRIVAL

Micah Parsons relishes fresh start in Green Bay after enduring ‘hardest four months of my life’

SUMMARY: Micah Parsons says he just went through the hardest four months of his life as he feared his contract stalemate with the Dallas Cowboys would stretch into the start of the season. The matter finally has been settled with a trade to the Green Bay Packers. Now the superstar pass rusher wants to create a legacy befitting one of the league’s most storied franchises. Parsons arrived in Green Bay one day after the Packers sent two first-round picks and three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark to Dallas in exchange for him. The Packers are making Parsons the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

WORDS: 833 - MOVED: 08/29/2025 9:49 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c11a5b4ee9453fee0f62cf54c9269f02&mediaType=text

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BBY--LITTLE-LEAGUE-BAT-FLIP-AUCTION

Suspended Little Leaguer’s bat sells for nearly $10,000 at auction

SUMMARY: The bat tossed in the air by a New Jersey Little Leaguer to celebrate a home run that earned him a suspension later lifted by a judge has sold for nearly $10,000 at auction. All proceeds from the sale of 12-year-old Marco Rocco’s signed bat will be donated to the program he plays for, Haddonfield Little League. The auction drew 68 bids. Marco’s bat flip on July 16 in the final of the Little League sectional tournament resulted in an ejection, a one-game suspension and a legal fight. But his father took Little League to court and won an emergency temporary restraining order that allowed Marco to play.

WORDS: 236 - MOVED: 08/29/2025 8:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:96f03fe4ba6331897e98b44af890d65f&mediaType=text

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GLF--LPGA TOUR

Miranda Wang waits a long time for a short birdie and leads rain-delayed LPGA by 2 shots

SUMMARY: Miranda Wang took nearly 10 hours to complete her second round in the FM Championship thanks to a series of rain delays. She had to wait two hours on her final shot. But she made the 8-foot birdie putt on the par-5 18th at the TPC Boston. That gave her a 67 and now she leads by two shots among those who finished. There were so many stops and starts that Jeeno Thitikul’s group jogged down the final hole to be sure to finish. Nelly Korda had an afternoon tee time. She played only four holes and made two birdies.

WORDS: 544 - MOVED: 08/29/2025 8:26 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b884a213d2f80c84a14eadccc1fe5c59&mediaType=text

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FBC--COLORADO-PRIME’S SIDELINE BATHROOM

Prime spot: Deion Sanders has a sideline bathroom at Colorado, sponsored by Depend undergarment

SUMMARY: Determined to be No. 1 on any front in this wild new world of marketing in college sports, Colorado introduced a branded sideline bathroom for Deion Sanders in its opening game against Georgia Tech. Friday night’s sponsor is Depend undergarment. This is not simply some silly bathroom joke. Colorado coach Deion Sanders was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer and needs to frequently use the restroom. The portable privacy tent is right next to the Buffaloes bench. Sanders spent time away from the team this summer as he went through treatment for bladder cancer. His doctor said he was cured. It was also revealed that a section of his intestine was reconstructed to function as a bladder.

WORDS: 327 - MOVED: 08/29/2025 8:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0b431f8246c0bde83a0b9496a8f11199&mediaType=text

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BKO--EUROBASKET ROUNDUP

Lauri Markkanen’s 43 points lead Finland to a 109-79 rout of Britain at EuroBasket

SUMMARY: Lauri Markkanen scored 29 of his 43 points in the first half to highlight Finland’s 109-79 rout of Britain at EuroBasket. The Utah Jazz forward matched his EuroBasket high for points. Dennis Schroder scored 23 points and had seven assists to lead world champion Germany to a 105-83 win over Sweden. Jonas Valanciunas scored 19 points to lead Lithuania to a 94-76 win over Montenegro. Alperen Sengun led Turkey past the Czech Republic 92-78. Nikola Jokic had 23 points and 10 rebounds and Nikola Jovic added 18 points and six boards as tournament favorite Serbia defeated Portugal 80-69.

WORDS: 781 - MOVED: 08/29/2025 8:08 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c7bd60fe83699c004858538970454238&mediaType=text

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US--OHTANI-SPORTS GAMBLING-BOOKMAKER

Bookmaker linked to baseball star Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter sentenced to just over a year

SUMMARY: A Southern California bookmaker who took thousands of sports bets from the former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani was sentenced to just over a year in prison. Mathew Bowyer pleaded guilty last year to running an illegal gambling business, money laundering and filing a false tax return. He was sentenced Friday to 12 months and one day in prison. He will later be subjected to two years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $1.6 million in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service, which his lawyer said he’s already paid.

WORDS: 813 - MOVED: 08/29/2025 7:08 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bfc3548ec358134826093bd28d0b73ed&mediaType=text

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FBN--COWBOYS-POST-PARSONS

Schottenheimer takes Parsons trade in stride and Cowboys newcomer Clark says watch his film

SUMMARY: Brian Schottenheimer will make his head coaching debut with the Dallas Cowboys a week after losing elite pass rusher Micah Parsons, probably his best player, in a trade with Green Bay. The longtime NFL assistant doesn’t seem inclined to blink. Not even in the face of the NFL opener in prime time against defending champ and NFC East rival Philadelphia on Thursday. Players didn’t gloss over the emotion of losing the popular and productive Parsons. They also got the message that it’s time to move on.

WORDS: 826 - MOVED: 08/29/2025 6:59 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f1000c583b05e28b1ccfa43c7c7f5cb6&mediaType=text

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FBC--ESPN-CORSO’S FINAL GAME

Lee Corso’s emotional farewell: His final ‘College GameDay’ at Ohio State holds special significance

SUMMARY: Lee Corso is set to retire from ESPN’s “College GameDay” on Saturday. Corso has been a part of the show since its inception in 1987. He has become famous for his entertaining headgear predictions. The show will air before No. 3 Ohio State hosts top-ranked Texas. Corso, who turned 90 in August, has received tributes throughout the year, including at the ESPY Awards. His colleague Kirk Herbstreit says the focus is on celebrating Corso’s contributions to the sport. Corso’s final headgear pick will be at Ohio Stadium, marking a full-circle moment for the beloved broadcaster.

WORDS: 996 - MOVED: 08/29/2025 6:38 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2c026c90b6d819f1d69a4a88a7883d48&mediaType=text

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FBN--LATE BLOOMER QBS

In his 3rd stop in 3 years, can Jets’ Justin Fields become the NFL’s next late-blooming quarterback?

SUMMARY: Justin Fields is on his third team in as many years, learning his third offensive system in that span and working with his fourth offensive coordinator in five NFL seasons. New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey expressed confidence in Fields’ progress during training camp. The Jets signed him to a two-year contract after parting with Aaron Rodgers and hope he will thrive like other late-bloomer quarterbacks such as Sam Darnold, Rich Gannon, Baker Mayfield, Geno Smith and Vinny Testaverde. Mougey said this week it could take some time, but he believes Fields can accomplish that feat.

WORDS: 1338 - MOVED: 08/29/2025 5:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4c39f9bbac3fb5685aae924a59541d83&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR LAWSUIT

NASCAR promises not to re-distribute charters amid heated antitrust suit with Michael Jordan’s team

SUMMARY: NASCAR has promised a federal court it won’t redistribute any charters amid an antitrust lawsuit by two race teams, including one owned by Michael Jordan. The filing on Friday follows a heated hearing where 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports argued for a preliminary injunction to restore six charters until a jury trial in December. NASCAR had planned to redistribute charters but agreed not to sell them, calming some urgency. The dispute highlights tensions between NASCAR and the teams, who accuse NASCAR of monopolizing the market. The playoffs begin Sunday, with drivers from the involved teams competing.

WORDS: 808 - MOVED: 08/29/2025 4:27 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8364f8bde0a15a7b9792b2f49f6905da&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL-REGULAR SEASON GUIDE

The NFL season begins in less than a week. Here’s a look at intriguing storylines and how to watch

SUMMARY: The NFL regular season kicks off Thursday night with the Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Dallas Cowboys. This season includes 272 games, with seven international matchups. The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers play the first international game in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Friday. Sunday features a full slate of games, including Aaron Rodgers leading the Steelers against the Jets. The Eagles face the Chiefs in a Super Bowl rematch on September 14. The Thanksgiving tripleheader includes the Packers, Chiefs, and Bengals. The Eagles and Ravens are top Super Bowl contenders, with the Browns and Saints as long shots.

WORDS: 550 - MOVED: 08/29/2025 4:27 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c9f6b7b5e5d49398feea15c19f07c9f3&mediaType=text

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TEN--US OPEN-RADUCANU-RYBAKINA

Emma Raducanu’s best US Open since her 2021 title ends with lopsided loss to Elena Rybakina

SUMMARY: Emma Raducanu’s best U.S. Open since her surprising 2021 title has ended in the third round with a 6-1, 6-2 loss to 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina. Friday’s match at Louis Armstrong Stadium lasted just 62 minutes. Rybakina reached Week 2 at Flushing Meadows for the first time. This is the only Grand Slam tournament where the No. 9 seed from Kazakhstan hasn’t made it to at least the quarterfinals. She was dominant against the unseeded Raducanu, who until this year hadn’t won a match in New York since becoming the first qualifier to win a major trophy four years ago.

WORDS: 371 - MOVED: 08/29/2025 3:25 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8537083c468344b1ca7204ee5915733a&mediaType=text

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FBC--NORTH CAROLINA-BELICHICK

Bill Belichick won big in the NFL. Can he do it as a rookie college coach at North Carolina?

SUMMARY: North Carolina is set for its football debut under Bill Belichick. The Tar Heels open the season Monday against TCU. That will mark the first game at the college level for Belichick after spending his entire coaching career in the NFL. Belichick led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles during a 24-year run there. Now he’s recruiting high school players and meeting with school donors. It’s all part of a bet by UNC that the 73-year-old college rookie can elevate its football program. That includes paying Belichick $10 million guaranteed for each of the next three years.

WORDS: 1318 - MOVED: 08/29/2025 3:23 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e196ce532e52ec5263c95f04f4d36e04&mediaType=text

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SOC--UEFA-GAMES ABROAD

Staging a La Liga game in Miami tests European soccer traditions and alliances

SUMMARY: At the Champions League draw in Monaco this week, UEFA hosted European soccer officials and marketing executives from the United States with a radical plan on their minds. A Spanish proposal for Barcelona and Villarreal to play a La Liga game in Miami on Dec. 20. It’s moving toward a UEFA decision in two weeks’ time and looks hard to stop. Breaking the seal on finally letting European clubs play domestic league games abroad is seen by fans as a betrayal of tradition. It’s also a lucrative opportunity for clubs and leagues to build their brands and fan bases globally.

WORDS: 882 - MOVED: 08/29/2025 3:18 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:371cc936d95816c521b2e42792b193ca&mediaType=text