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--POSTSEASON

FORMATS: Text

1. WITH: BBO--BLUE JAYS-SPRINGER’S HOMER

2. DESCRIPTION: George Springer’s go-ahead homer for Toronto in Monday’s AL Championship Series Game 7 may go down as one of the most consequential non-World Series swings in MLB history. By Baseball Writer Noah Trister.

3. UPCOMING: By 10/21/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT

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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-TUESDAY TAKEAWAYS

DESCRIPTION: Through seven weeks, two teams that finished last in 2024 are leading their division. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi

UPCOMING: By 10/21/2025 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--BIG 12-CLOSE RACE

DESCRIPTION: TEMPE, Ariz. — No. 24 Arizona State’s win over No. 14 Texas Tech not only put the Sun Devils in the same position they were on the way to winning the Big 12 title, it’s tightened up the conference race with five weeks left in the regular season. By John Marshall. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos by 1 p.m. PT.

UPCOMING: By 10/21/2025 4:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--WORLD SERIES-OHTANI’S TOP MOMENTS

DESCRIPTION: Shohei Ohtani’s career has been filled with awe-inspiring moments at the plate and on the mound. Here’s a look at some of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar’s biggest ones ahead of his second consecutive World Series appearance. By Beth Harris. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/21/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKN--NBA-INSIDE THE NUMBERS

DESCRIPTION: A look at some numbers to watch this season, including LeBron James’ continued rewriting of the record books. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. UPCOMING: 800 words, photos, by 6 a.m.

UPCOMING: By 10/21/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN--NFL OWNERS MEETINGS

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- NFL owners convene for their annual fall meeting, where safety and security matters are among the topics expected to be discussed. By Stephen Whyno. 500 words, photos. Meeting begins at 1 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/21/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKN--ROCKETS-THUNDER

DESCRIPTION: The Houston Rockets visit the Oklahoma City Thunder. 150 words, more on merit.

UPCOMING: By 10/21/2025 7:30 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKN--NBC-JORDAN

DESCRIPTION: Michael Jordan will share what NBC is calling his “Insights to Excellence” throughout this season, with the first installment coming at halftime of Tuesday night’s season-opening game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. UPCOMING: 400 words, photos. Story expected by 9:30 p.m. Eastern.

UPCOMING: By 10/21/2025 9:30 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKN--WARRIORS-LAKERS

DESCRIPTION: LOS ANGELES — Stephen Curry begins his 17th NBA season when the Golden State Warriors visit Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers for their openers. LeBron James won’t be in uniform to begin his record 23rd NBA season due to sciatica. By Greg Beacham. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/21/2025 11:59 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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FBC--T25-INDIANA-RECEIVERS

DESCRIPTION: Everywhere Indiana receiver Elijah Sarratt goes, he excels. He’s earned all-conference honors each of the past three seasons in three different leagues and this year he leads in the FBS in touchdown receptions. And this time, he’s not alone. Omar Cooper Jr. and E.J. Williams Jr. have emerged as top receivers as well, and it’s big reason the second-ranked Hoosiers are a perfect 7-0 and ranked a school record No. 2. By Michael Marot. SENT: 700 words, with photos.

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US--FBN-DOUG-MARTIN-DEATH

Former NFL player who died in police custody battled injuries and mental health challenges

SUMMARY: Many questions are unanswered about the death of former NFL running back Doug Martin. He died over the weekend in the custody of Oakland, California, police, who said Martin was involved in a “brief struggle” with officers who took him into custody early Saturday. Martin’s former agent issued a statement that said Martin felt overwhelmed and disoriented and fled his home before entering a neighbor’s home two doors down, where police confronted him. The former agent said the 36-year-old Martin privately battled mental health challenges that impacted his personal and professional life.

WORDS: 675 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 1:13 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a3f842872d22a7c7a2f40ea2103064ab&mediaType=text

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BKN--SPURS-WEMBANYAMA

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has the NBA playoffs in mind. It’ll be a tall order

SUMMARY: Victor Wembanyama is back in action after recovering from deep vein thrombosis. He starts his third season with the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks. Wembanyama, who was the top pick in 2023, aims for a playoff spot in the loaded Western Conference. He wants the Spurs to secure at least the sixth seed to avoid the play-in tournament. Last season, he was a frontrunner for defensive player of the year before his health issue. Now, he’s added bulk and continues to impress with his skills. His height remains a topic of fascination, but he finds it amusing.

WORDS: 722 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 12:26 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7b580f44327ef4efb2609445e1f20b0a&mediaType=text

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BBO--BLUE JAYS-CANADA-US

The Toronto Blue Jays take aim at America’s pastime as Canada-US relations remain broken

SUMMARY: The Toronto Blue Jays have advanced to the World Series and have a chance of claiming the championship of America’s pastime at a time when U.S.-Canada relations remain near historic lows. Canada’s only major league team will have an entire country behind them when play the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 on Friday night in Toronto. The once-in-a-generation Major League Baseball playoff run comes as Canadians are feeling an undeniable sense of betrayal after U.S. President Donald Trump has talked about making the country the 51st state.

WORDS: 780 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 12:18 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b8d8006f75bbae155ab93b891b5c0e95&mediaType=text

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FBN--HALL OF FAME-COACHES

Bill Belichick among final 12 coaches for Pro Football Hall of Fame 2026 class

SUMMARY: Six-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick advanced to the final 12 candidates for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. This is his first year of eligibility after rule changes now require coaches to be out of the NFL for only one season before consideration. Other contenders include Tom Coughlin, Mike Shanahan, George Seifert, and Mike Holmgren. A committee will narrow the field to nine semifinalists next month. Belichick led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles and is now coaching in college. The Hall of Fame will induct one to three finalists based on committee votes.

WORDS: 718 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 12:12 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b5cc31f7ff348888e9d9728a28363cfd&mediaType=text

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BKW--PRESEASON WOMEN’S ALL-AMERICA

Hidalgo, Betts, Booker headline AP All-America preseason women’s college basketball team

SUMMARY: Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame, Lauren Betts of UCLA, and Madison Booker of Texas headline The Associated Press All-America women’s college basketball team. The team was released Tuesday. They were first-team All-Americans last spring. UConn’s Sarah Strong and South Carolina’s Ta’Niya Latson join them on the preseason team. Hidalgo averaged 23.8 points for Notre Dame last season. Betts helped UCLA reach No. 1 in the AP Top 25. Strong had a standout freshman season for UConn. Latson led the country in scoring at Florida State. Booker helped Texas reach the Final Four.

WORDS: 605 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 12:02 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:386c37a4a694c3af8a82dc1f61a00a5f&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA-THINGS TO KNOW

NBA rosters feature a record 135 international players. And more things to know entering season

SUMMARY: The NBA season opens Tuesday with a record 135 players born outside the U.S. They come from 43 countries, with 71 players from Europe. The NBA is in talks with FIBA to develop a new league in Europe, possibly by 2027. All 30 teams have at least one international player. The NBA is also expected to finalize a new All-Star Game format featuring U.S. players against international players. Meanwhile, LeBron James is set to break several records this season, including becoming the player with the most seasons in NBA history.

WORDS: 1169 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 10:24 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a7300c8ca99d910cfa263e394172453c&mediaType=text

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US--SKAGGS-DEATH-TRIAL

Angels outfielder Mike Trout expected to testify in pitcher’s wrongful death trial

SUMMARY: Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout is expected to testify Tuesday in a trial over whether the MLB team should be held responsible for the drug overdose death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs. The three-time American League most valuable player is expected to take the stand in a California court on Tuesday. He could discuss his friendship with Skaggs and what he knew of drug use by team communication director Eric Kay. Kay was convicted of providing a fentanyl-laced pill that led to Skaggs’ fatal overdose in 2019. Skaggs’ family has sued alleging the Angels should be held responsible, while the team says the pitcher took the pill in the privacy of his hotel room.

WORDS: 466 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 10:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:010fa75b11a528c3641fa24accda304b&mediaType=text

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BKN--THUNDER-RING CEREMONY

DESCRIPTION: OKLAHOMA CITY -- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder receive their championship rings on Tuesday night as they prepare to chase the next ones. By Cliff Brunt. SENT: 200 words, 500 upcoming with photos by 8 p.m.

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BKL--WNBA-SILVER

Adam Silver says he expects big raises for WNBA players in new CBA, and that they ‘deserve it’

SUMMARY: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has expressed confidence that WNBA players and the league will agree on a new collective bargaining agreement. The current agreement is set to expire on October 31. Silver emphasized that WNBA players will receive significant raises. Speaking on NBC’s “Today,” he addressed whether players should receive a larger share of the league’s revenues. Silver suggested focusing on absolute numbers rather than shares, promising a substantial increase in pay. WNBA players have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with current salaries, advocating for higher pay and better benefits. Negotiations are ongoing, with both sides seeking a transformative deal.

WORDS: 392 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 9:35 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7323f47f6543e7b044e91bc7d0260ad5&mediaType=text

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SOC--ASTON VILLA-ISRAELI FANS

Maccabi Tel Aviv declines tickets for Aston Villa game, citing safety concerns

SUMMARY: Maccabi Tel Aviv has announced it will decline tickets for a Europa League game against Aston Villa next month regardless of growing calls for the English city of Birmingham to reverse a ban it imposed on the Israeli club’s fans. The ban has faced criticism, including from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Maccabi Tel Aviv emphasized the safety of its fans in a statement on Tuesday. The British government has been working to resolve the Europa League issue amid heightened concerns about antisemitism. Maccabi Tel Aviv says it hopes for a future where it can play in Birmingham without controversy.

WORDS: 847 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 7:20 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:00616ea0fbcef57c80fcecb100bbdbd6&mediaType=text

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FBN--INSIDE THE BLUE MEDICAL TENT

A peek inside the blue medical tent that has become a fixture on NFL sidelines

SUMMARY: The blue medical tent has become synonymous with football injuries since the NFL first added it to sidelines in 2017. Fans in the stands and watching on television immediately know a player is injured when the tent gets pulled up and he goes inside with trainers. It got New York Giants coach Brian Daboll in hot water recently when he poked his head in to ask when rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart would be cleared from his concussion evaluation. That led to a league investigation into how protocol was followed.

WORDS: 895 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:632fa35eef740c21fb23c54e9320db9b&mediaType=text

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FBN--BEHIND THE CALL

Broncos’ historic comeback leaves Giants reeling and reflecting on missed opportunities

SUMMARY: Denver’s thrilling 33-32 comeback against the New York Giants has left both teams reflecting on their performances. Denver’s offense struggled for three quarters before Bo Nix made history by running and throwing for multiple touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Despite the victory, coach Sean Payton acknowledges the team’s mistakes and slow start. Meanwhile, the Giants are grappling with missed opportunities and errors, including kicker Jude McAtamney’s missed extra points. Giants coach Brian Daboll isn’t considering drastic changes but admits they need to improve. Denver’s win marks just the second time since 1970 a team has overcome an 18-point deficit in the final six minutes.

WORDS: 1099 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1bdb0d6e49f5ceb8b8dd40251a6ce27f&mediaType=text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP

PSG, Barcelona, Man City and Arsenal all in action in the Champions League

SUMMARY: Defending champion Paris Saint-Germain plays Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. The French giant has made a 100% start to the competition this season and has Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele available again after injury. Also in action is a resurgent Manchester City — powered by the red-hot form of Erling Haaland. The Norway striker has scored 23 goals in 13 appearances for club and country this season — including three in two games in the Champions League.

WORDS: 160 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 4:22 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8c416058a2decc2243b81f697640c9f1&mediaType=text

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FBN--TEXANS-SEAHAWKS

Smith-Njigba, defense show out again for Seahawks in 27-19 win against Texans

SUMMARY: Jaxon Smith-Njigba had his NFL-leading fifth 100-yard receiving game of the season as the Seattle Seahawks beat the Houston Texans 27-19. Smith-Njigba, who entered the game leading the league in yards receiving, gave Seattle a 14-0 lead late in the first quarter when he caught an 11-yard TD pass from Sam Darnold. Smith-Njigba celebrated his fourth touchdown catch of the season by dunking on the crossbar of the goalposts, drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the process. In total, Smith-Njigba caught eight passes for 123 receiving yards. He became the second player in franchise history to record three straight 100-yard games, and his five 100-yard games this season are tied for the second-most in a year by any Seahawks player.

WORDS: 1153 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 3:44 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:15c262418b652939494ad36ec27bd7df&mediaType=text

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BBO--ALCS-MARINERS MISS OUT

Eight outs from AL pennant, Mariners waste lead and remain only team without a World Series trip

SUMMARY: The Seattle Mariners fell just short of reaching the World Series for the first time, losing to the Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. Eduard Bazardo gave up a go-ahead, three-run homer to George Springer in the seventh inning. Seattle had been only eight outs from its first World Series appearance. Mariners star Cal Raleigh called the season a failure as the team had high hopes after winning its first AL West title since 2001. Manager Dan Wilson expressed disappointment but praised the team’s hard work.

WORDS: 557 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 1:54 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:15ac05fc5995829f3f02393eca4726d1&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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—Mark Sanchez pretrial hearing (on merits)

—FBN--Trade Deadline-History

—GLF--LPGA-International Crown

—FBC--T25-College Football Picks