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--NASCAR LAWSUIT

DESCRIPTION: CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Michael Jordan and Joe Gibbs’ daughter-in-law are both expected to testify Friday on the fifth day of the federal antitrust case the Basketball Hall of Famer filed against NASCAR over claims the series has acted as monopolistic bullies. By AP Auto Racing Writer Jenna Fryer. UPCOMING: 1,100 words, photos. Will be updated throughout the day. Court can go as late as 6 p.m. EST.

UPCOMING: By 12/05/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-TOMLIN’S FUTURE

DESCRIPTION: Mike Tomlin isn’t just hearing “Fire Tomlin” chants from Steelers fans. A couple of the franchise’s greatest players are saying Pittsburgh needs to make a coaching change. By AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi. UPCOMING: 630 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 12/05/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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SOC--MLS-UPSTART WHITECAPS

DESCRIPTION: Vancouver has already bettered Inter Miami in a big competition this year, so the Whitecaps feel there’s really no reason they can’t do it again in the MLS Cup final. Back in late April, the Whitecaps downed Lionel Messi & Co. 5-1 on aggregate in the two-legged CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals. By Anne M. Peterson. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 12/05/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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BKW--T25-SHAKY ACC

DESCRIPTION: DURHAM, N.C. — The Atlantic Coast Conference lost its annual series with the Southeastern Conference by a 13-3 margin. That comes as the league currently has no top-10 teams in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time since December 2001. By Aaron Beard. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 12/05/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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OLY--MILAN CORTINA-TORCH RELAY

DESCRIPTION: ROME — The torch relay for the Milan Cortina Olympics begins in the picturesque Stadio dei Marmi, which is lined with marble statues. UPCOMING: 350 words; photos; video.

UPCOMING: By 12/05/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Video, Text, Photo

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OLY--MILAN CORTINA-FLAME

DESCRIPTION: ROME — IOC President Kirsty Coventry accompanies the Olympic flame to Italy’s presidential palace in anticipation of the torch relay for the Feb. 6-22 Milan Cortina Games. By Andrew Dampf. UPCOMING: 300 words; photos; video.

UPCOMING: By 12/05/2025 8:30 a.m. EST, Video, Text, Photo

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SOC-WORLD CUP DRAW

FORMATS: AP 360, LiveVideo, Photo, Video, Text

WITH: SOC-WORLD CUP DRAW

DESCRIPTION: FIFA announces the matchups for the 48-team field participating in the 2026 World Cup and where they will be playing.

UPCOMING: By 12/05/2025 12:00 p.m. EST

WITH: SOC-WORLD CUP DRAW-PEACE PRIZE

DESCRIPTION: This new award is expected to be presented to President Trump

WITH: SOC-WORLD CUP DRAW-ANALYSIS

DESCRIPTION: A look at the toughest group, easiest path to the title, etc

WITH: SOC-WORLD CUP DRAW-IRAN

DESCRIPTION: Where do the Iranians open the tournament, political implications of the move.

WITH: SOC-WORLD CUP DRAW-GLANCE

DESCRIPTION: A look at the 16 sites that will host the World Cup

WITH: SOC-WORLD CUP DRAW-US PATH

DESCRIPTION: A look at the US path to winning the World Cup

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FBN--LIONS-ANALYSIS

DESCRIPTION: DETROIT — The Detroit Lions will get a break this weekend after earning a much-needed win before turning their attention to a road game against Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams. By Larry Lage. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 12/05/2025 3:00 p.m. EST, Text

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SKI--WCUP-MEN’S DOWNHILL

DESCRIPTION: BEAVER CREEK, Colo. — The first World Cup downhill of the season takes place Thursday along the demanding Birds of Prey course. Marco Odermatt of Switzerland won the overall downhill title the last two seasons. UPCOMING: 250 words, photos. Race scheduled to start at 1 p.m. EST.

UPCOMING: By 12/05/2025 4:00 p.m. EST, Text

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GLF--WORLD CHALLENGE

DESCRIPTION: NASSAU, Bahamas —- Scottie Scheffler and U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun are part of a five-way tie going into the second round of the Hero World Challenge. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 12/05/2025 5:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

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BKC--T25-GONZAGA-KENTUCKY

DESCRIPTION: NASHVILLE, Tenn. — No. 18 Kentucky plays 11th-ranked Gonzaga on Friday night at the home of the Southeastern Conference Tournament at Bridgestone Arena. By Teresa M. Walker. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 7 p.m. EST.

UPCOMING: By 12/05/2025 10:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

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FBC--T25-TROY-JAMES MADISON

DESCRIPTION: HARRISONBURG, Va. — No. 19 James Madison looks for a 12-1 record and to potentially be part of the College Football Playoff discussion when it hosts Troy on Friday in the Sun Belt championship game. By Mike Barber. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 7 p.m. EST.

UPCOMING: By 12/05/2025 10:40 p.m. EST, Text

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BKN--SUNS-ROCKETS

DESCRIPTION: HOUSTON — Houston’s Kevin Durant faces his former team when Dillon Brooks and the Phoenix Suns visit. Brooks was part of the blockbuster trade that brought Durant to the Rockets this summer. By Kristie Rieken. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 8 p.m. EST.

UPCOMING: By 12/05/2025 11:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

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FBC--T25-NORTH TEXAS-TULANE

DESCRIPTION: NEW ORLEANS — No. 21 Tulane hosts 20th-ranked North Texas in the American Conference championship game on Friday night. The winner could get a bid to the College Football Playoff. By Brett Martel. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 8 p.m. EST

UPCOMING: By 12/05/2025 11:45 p.m. EST, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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FBN--COWBOYS-LIONS

Jahmyr Gibbs rushes for 3 TDs and Lions get much-needed 44-30 win over Cowboys

SUMMARY: Jahmyr Gibbs and the Detroit Lions have beaten the Dallas Cowboys to help their playoff chances. Gibbs ran three touchdowns in Thursday night’s 44-30 win. Gibbs’ final score was a 13-yarder with 2:19 left that sealed a much-needed win for the Lions. Detroit avoided losing consecutive games for the first time in more than than three years. The Cowboys had surged into postseason contention with a three-game winning streak. But against the Lions, the NFL’s top-ranked offense had to lean on powerful kicker Brandon Aubrey too much, and Dallas’ revitalized defense was humbled.

WORDS: 675 - MOVED: 12/05/2025 12:53 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:154f307364ba37a42721a9a513f28252&mediaType=text

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FBC--KANSAS ST-KLEIN

Collin Klein hired as Kansas State coach after Chris Klieman’s retirement

SUMMARY: Kansas State has hired former quarterback and current Texas A&M offensive coordinator Collin Klein as its football coach. The move Thursday night comes one day after Chris Klieman’s abrupt retirement following seven seasons leading the Wildcats. Klein will continue working with the Aggies during the College Football Playoff if they are selected. At the same time, he’ll be building out his staff and laying the groundwork at Kansas State. Texas A&M was seventh in the CFP rankings released Tuesday night. Klein has never been a head coach, but Kansas State fans have been eager for him to return. He agreed to a five-year deal with an average salary of $4.3 million.

WORDS: 801 - MOVED: 12/05/2025 12:23 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2dcf59bf95718d5e176073dbf4e6164b&mediaType=text

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BKN--LAKERS-LEBRON’S STREAK

LeBron James’ 1,297-game double-digit scoring streak ends but he gets winning assist vs. Raptors

SUMMARY: LeBron James’ streak of 1,297 consecutive double-digit scoring games has ended. On Thursday night, the NBA’s career points leader scored only eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 123-120 win over the Toronto Raptors. James had a chance to extend the streak on the final possession but passed the ball to Rui Hachimura. Hachimura’s 3-pointer sealed the win as time expired. James threw his hands in the air in celebration. He said after the game that he had no thoughts about the streak ending because the Lakers won.

WORDS: 932 - MOVED: 12/04/2025 11:44 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4275946f4617a4b667d4ec7b2fe970a3&mediaType=text

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FBC--CALIFORNIA-LUPOI

Cal hires Tosh Lupoi as head coach, bringing former player back to lead the Bears

SUMMARY: California has hired Tosh Lupoi as the new head coach, bringing back the former Golden Bears player and assistant. Lupoi replaces Justin Wilcox, who was fired last month. General manager Ron Rivera expressed excitement about Lupoi’s return, highlighting his strong character and coaching skills. Lupoi, a Bay Area native, played and coached at Cal before moving to Washington, Alabama, and Oregon. He has been Oregon’s defensive coordinator for the past four seasons. Rivera’s first major hiring aims to restore Cal’s national prominence. Lupoi’s immediate task is retaining star freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele.

WORDS: 560 - MOVED: 12/04/2025 11:41 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cdb8ab0682cd0881060782faf67692a0&mediaType=text

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MMA--UFC 323 PREVIEW

Merab Dvalishvili aims to extend winning streak against Petr Yan in UFC 323

SUMMARY: Merab Dvalishvili is a substantial favorite to beat Petr Yan and retain his bantamweight belt in UFC 323 on Saturday night. The 34-year-old Dvalishvili enters on a 14-match winning streak and is 21-4. A victory over the 32-year-old Yan would move Dvalishvili into a tie with Kamaru Usman for the third-longest streak in UFC history. The record holders are Anderson Silva and Islam Makhachev with 16 each. Dvalishvili and Yan have a history of verbal sparring, but Yan has been mostly respectful in the lead-up to this fight.

WORDS: 650 - MOVED: 12/04/2025 11:07 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3eb4573b72dacf34ec7d165632dcd24e&mediaType=text

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BBO--MLBPA-MEETINGS

MLB players union gathers to prepare for potentially contentious labor negotiations in 2026

SUMMARY: The Major League Baseball Players’ Association has gathered Arizona to discuss the future of the game and look ahead to a possible lockout next December. Japanese stars headed by Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto have sparked record international interest, in-game attendance was up in 2025 for the third straight season, and a set of rule changes that began in 2023 season has produced a faster-paced game that’s been widely lauded. But MLB also has a widening payroll disparity that is a point of contention. The Dodgers have spent roughly $890 million building back-to-back World Series champions while the Athletics have spent less than $150 million over the same period.

WORDS: 749 - MOVED: 12/04/2025 10:26 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1ec53bd108276ba7f4f9171eef09fc12&mediaType=text

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SOC--MLS-RELEGATION

Garber doesn’t rule out relegation in MLS but makes clear it’s years or decades away

SUMMARY: Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber has not ruled out adopting relegation and promotion. However, he emphasizes that such a decision is years or decades away. MLS launched in 1996 with 10 teams and currently has 30 in a closed system. Garber says relegation doesn’t work for MLS due to the significant investments owners have made. The United Soccer League plans to start a top-tier league in 2027-28 with a promotion/relegation system. Garber, who turned 68 in October, has been commissioner since 1999. He agreed to a contract through the 2027 season and says he hasn’t thought about staying beyond that.

WORDS: 775 - MOVED: 12/04/2025 8:56 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3dd8fa33fa6ab76b9a401acbfba3946b&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR LAWSUIT

NASCAR chairman Jim France accused of stonewalling teams in antitrust case

SUMMARY: The attorney for two teams suing NASCAR has described series chairman Jim France as a “brick wall” in negotiations over a new revenue-sharing model. The case involves 23XI Racing, owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, and Front Row Motorsports. They are the only teams that refused to sign new charter agreements in September 2024. Charters guarantee a spot in races and a payout from NASCAR. The teams argue the deal lacked their requests and was presented as “take it or leave it.” NASCAR spent over two years in negotiations, but the teams claim the final offer was unsatisfactory.

WORDS: 1390 - MOVED: 12/04/2025 7:24 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:aa1b84152e9ade9b23fa369cbcc8758e&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL-PLAYING SURFACES

NFL mandates playing surfaces for all stadiums meet new standards by 2028 to enhance player safety

SUMMARY: The playing surfaces at every NFL stadium will have to meet new enhanced standards set through lab and field testing by the start of the 2028 season. NFL field director Nick Pappas detailed the plans for a program on Thursday that will provide each team “a library of approved and accredited NFL fields” before the start of next season. Any new field will immediately have to meet those standards and all teams will have two years to achieve the standards, whether they use a grass or synthetic surface or a hybrid. Most artificial surfaces are replaced every two or three years, Pappas said. Natural fields can be replaced several times a season.

WORDS: 598 - MOVED: 12/04/2025 5:51 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3f7fa5681e6d842c3b06f85b93899611&mediaType=text

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GLF--WORLD CHALLENGE

Scheffler returns from 2 months away and shares lead at the Hero World Challenge

SUMMARY: Scottie Scheffler is back in action and looks as good as ever. Scheffler shot 66 in the Hero World Challenge and shares the lead with four other players at Albany in the Bahamas. This is first time competing since the Ryder Cup the last weekend in September. Sepp Straka also hasn’t played since the Ryder Cup and shot 66. The others tied for the lead are Wyndham Clark, Akshay Bhatia and U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun. Only four players from the 20-man field failed to break par. One of them was Jordan Spieth at 72 playing for the first time in four months.

WORDS: 474 - MOVED: 12/04/2025 5:50 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:66b4020178f6b2e506aeea246cbb4f69&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP DRAW-PREVIEW

A supersized World Cup field begins taking shape at Friday’s draw

SUMMARY: The World Cup draw takes place Friday, featuring four debuting teams: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan. The tournament, expanded to 48 nations, will run from June 11 to July 19 across the U.S., Mexico and Canada. All top 11-ranked teams have qualified, with Italy among 22 nations in playoffs for the final spots. Led by Lionel Messi, Argentina aims for consecutive titles. Games will be held at 16 sites, with attendance expected to break records. FIFA announced ticket prices ranging from $60 to $6,730, sparking discussions about accessibility.

WORDS: 926 - MOVED: 12/04/2025 5:17 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:130a2058264e85d94e259d6fd3b20678&mediaType=text

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BBO--GIANTS-WASHINGTON

Former Angels, Rangers manager Ron Washington joining Giants as infield coach

SUMMARY: Former Angels and Rangers manager Ron Washington is returning to the Bay Area to become infield coach for the San Francisco Giants on new manager Tony Vitello’s staff. Washington tells The Associated Press the sides are still working out the final details. The 73-year-old took a leave of absence from the Angels this past season with his team at 36-38 to undergo quadruple-bypass heart surgery, and the club then moved forward at the end of the season by hiring Kurt Suzuki as its manager.

WORDS: 444 - MOVED: 12/04/2025 5:16 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9677dd4987810d50bded3d4c50500551&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA-CAVALIERS FINED

NBA fines Cavaliers $250,000 for resting All-Star Darius Garland in a nationally televised game

SUMMARY: The NBA has fined the Cleveland Cavaliers $250,000 for violating the league’s player participation policy. The team rested All-Star guard Darius Garland during a nationally televised game against the Toronto Raptors on November 24. This is the second time this season the Cavaliers have been fined for such a violation. They received a $100,000 fine on November 18 for resting Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley against the Miami Heat. The league confirmed Garland was able to play in one of the team’s back-to-back games. The Raptors extended their winning streak to eight games with a 110-99 victory.

WORDS: 184 - MOVED: 12/04/2025 4:33 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:089ab77fefa54d0641aeeeebe2553779&mediaType=text

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SKI--WCUP-MEN’S DOWNHILL

Swiss ski racer Marco Odermatt wins World Cup downhill opener, Ryan Cochran-Siegle takes 2nd

SUMMARY: Marco Odermatt of Switzerland has won the downhill season-opener, beating American Ryan Cochran-Siegle in a World Cup race on a tricky but shorter Birds of Prey course. Odermatt finished in 1 minute, 29.84 seconds to surpass Cochran-Siegle by .30 seconds. Norway’s Adrian Smiseth Sejersted took third. The finish line was moved up the hill due to a lack of snow to properly place the safety netting. Odermatt, who has won the last two overall World Cup downhill titles, attacked the steeper sections and carried enough speed through the flatter part to earn the win. Cochran-Siegle became the first U.S. ski racer to earn a World Cup downhill podium spot at Beaver Creek since 2014.

WORDS: 488 - MOVED: 12/04/2025 4:28 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9a21dff6c79940176022c8cbf65ef268&mediaType=text

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SOC--NWSL-RODMAN

Players’ union files grievance with NWSL over rejection of offer to Trinity Rodman

SUMMARY: The National Women’s Soccer League Players’ Association has filed a grievance with the league for rejecting a contract offer extended to Trinity Rodman by the Washington Spirit. The union is alleging the league violated the collective bargaining agreement when it denied the Spirit’s four-year, multimillion-dollar deal to re-sign Rodman. Rodman, who won a gold medal with the United States at the Paris Olympics, is now a free agent who has been drawing interest from deep-pocketed European teams. League Commissioner Jessica Berman has said that the league would fight for Rodman to remain in the NWSL.

WORDS: 593 - MOVED: 12/04/2025 3:25 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1aed4f6d88c6873953c269ce28abc6b4&mediaType=text

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SOC--WORLD CUP DRAW-TRUMP

Trump’s immigration message is colliding with his welcome to World Cup fans

SUMMARY: President Donald Trump will be taking center stage at the World Cup draw as he rolls out the welcome mat for teams and fans from around the globe. But Friday’s draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington comes at a time when the Republican president has hardened his rhetoric against immigrants. His administration is looking at expanding restrictions on travel to the U.S. for people from 19 countries. Critics say that messaging undercuts the message of unity that the World Cup represents. The U.S. says it’s working to ensure fans from other countries get expedited visas so they can attend next summer’s tournament.

WORDS: 1230 - MOVED: 12/04/2025 3:25 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9a50f48ae28fd61e5e8339a2dedca907&mediaType=text

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US--TRUMP-VISAS

US prioritizes visas for fans traveling for the World Cup, Olympics and other events

SUMMARY: The Trump administration has instructed U.S. embassies and consulates around the world to prioritize visa applications from foreigners wishing to visit the United States to either invest in America or attend the 2026 World Cup, 2028 Olympics and other major sporting events. The administration also has added new criteria for highly skilled foreign workers seeking a particular visa. The new rules would deny entry to applicants deemed to have directed or participated in the censorship of American citizens on social media through content moderation initiatives that have sprung up throughout Europe and elsewhere to combat extremist speech. The steps were outlined in cables sent this week to all U.S. diplomatic missions and obtained by The Associated Press.

WORDS: 859 - MOVED: 12/04/2025 2:48 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:632423c6cc6c75c4ceed6517bacde7df&mediaType=text