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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FBN--NFL FIXER-UPPERS

DESCRIPTION: The New England Patriots and Chicago Bears both went from worst to first in their division in 2025, proving anew to NFL fans already looking ahead to next season that a quick fix to that fixer-upper is possible. By Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton. 1,600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/13/2026 6:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBN--RAVENS-BISCIOTTI SPEAKS

DESCRIPTION: A week after firing longtime coach John Harbaugh, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti holds a news conference with general manager Eric DeCosta. By Noah Trister. 650 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/13/2026 7:00 p.m. EST, Text

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BKN--SPURS-THUNDER

DESCRIPTION: The defending champion Thunder have lost all three matchups with the San Antonio Spurs this season. They have another shot at their budding rival at home in a matchup of the top two teams in the Western Conference standings. By Cliff Brunt. 300 words, photos. Game starts at 7 p.m. Central.

UPCOMING: By 01/13/2026 10:30 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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BKC--T25-UCONN-SETON HALL

DESCRIPTION: Third-ranked UConn (16-1. 6-0 Big East) visits No. 25 Seton Hall (14-2, 4-1) in a pivotal conference matchup, one day after the Pirates moved into the AP Top 25. 300 words.

UPCOMING: By 01/13/2026 10:30 p.m. EST, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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FBC--CFP-MARIO’S MASTERPIECE

Mario Cristobal’s path back to Miami was forged by family. He has Miami on the cusp of a CFP title

SUMMARY: Mario Cristobal, head coach at the University of Miami, has brought the Hurricanes back to the national spotlight. His approach mirrors the values instilled by his Cuban-American parents: hard work, toughness, and dedication. Cristobal returned to Miami four years ago, aiming to build a championship team. On Monday, his Hurricanes face undefeated Indiana in the College Football Playoff championship. Miami seeks its sixth national title, while Indiana aims for its first. Cristobal emphasizes family, hard work, and togetherness, and his leadership has transformed Miami into a contender once again.

WORDS: 1777 - MOVED: 01/13/2026 1:51 p.m. EST. An abridged version of 1,018 words also is available.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1871b4db519097c76e7d5928bab7f771&mediaType=text

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BBO--CARDINALS-DIAMONDBACKS-TRADE

Diamondbacks acquire 8-time All-Star 3B Nolan Arenado in a deal with the Cardinals

SUMMARY: The Arizona Diamondbacks have acquired eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado from St. Louis for minor league pitcher Jack Martinez in a trade in which the Cardinals also are including $31 million. A 10-time Gold Glove winner, Arenado has played for the Cardinals the past five seasons and was shopped extensively after the 2024 season by a rebuilding team. The 34-year-old isn’t the offensive force he used to be but will still provide a veteran presence at the position after the D-backs traded slugger Eugenio Suárez at last season’s trade deadline. Arenado batted. .237 with 12 homers and 52 RBIs last season.

WORDS: 320 - MOVED: 01/13/2026 1:45 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ec1e24d255497e19937e25d9c6545fd3&mediaType=text

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BKC--OBIT-COURTNEY

Temple assistant and former Cornell coach Bill Courtney dies at 55

SUMMARY: Temple assistant and former Cornell coach Bill Courtney has died. He was 55. The Owls called Courtney’s death a “sudden passing” and did not provide more details. Courtney joined Temple in June 2025, bringing more than 30 years of college coaching experience to Philadelphia. Before that, he spent five seasons at Miami and served as the Hurricanes’ interim coach for the final 19 games last year following Jim Larrañaga’s retirement. A native of Alexandria, Virginia, Courtney was a standout collegiate player at Bucknell. He served as Cornell’s coach between 2010 and 2016.

WORDS: 412 - MOVED: 01/13/2026 1:26 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a2afe3658e11df725bf25091412ace3d&mediaType=text

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FBO--FLAG FOOTBALL-SUPER BOWL

US and Mexico flag football teams will play a game during the Super Bowl week in an Olympic preview

SUMMARY: The week of the Super Bowl in San Francisco features two marquee flag football games. This is just another way to gain more exposure in the lead-up to flag football’s Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. First, NFL players will participate in a game on Feb. 3 during the Pro Bowl festivities. Then, Team USA faces Mexico in an exhibition match two days later. Both countries will be treating it like a Super Bowl after their gold-medal match at the IFAF Americas Continental Championship last September was scrubbed because of severe weather. USA Football, the national governing body for the sport, will select and train the men’s and women’s teams ahead of the Olympics.

WORDS: 495 - MOVED: 01/13/2026 1:04 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9682632e3d82a1bd77c3ec17099d67bb&mediaType=text

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FBN--PANTHERS-YOUNG

Panthers GM says team will pick up QB Bryce Young’s 5th year option, no timeline on extension

SUMMARY: Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan says the team plans to pick up the fifth-year option on quarterback Bryce Young’s contract. This move keeps Young under contract through the 2027 season. Morgan didn’t confirm if long-term extension talks will begin soon. He and executive vice president Brandt Tilis will decide whether to discuss extensions this offseason or wait until after the 2026 season. Young, who had a promising 2025 season, will cost the Panthers $12 million next season. Morgan praised Young’s performance but noted the team needs more consistency.

WORDS: 455 - MOVED: 01/13/2026 12:49 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:499d7aa751a3180bf690f6181fec9753&mediaType=text

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SKI--WCUP-WOMEN’S SLALOM

Mikaela Shiffrin and US teammate Paula Moltzan 1-2 after 1st run of Flachau night slalom

SUMMARY: Mikaela Shiffrin and American teammate Paula Moltzan stand 1-2 following the opening run of a World Cup slalom night race. Shiffrin has won five of the six slaloms in the Olympic season and she finished 0.19 seconds ahead of Moltzan. Moltzan is seeking her first career victory. Katharina Truppe of Austria stood third and Camille Rast stood fourth. There is only one more slalom before the Milan Cortina Winter Games open on Feb. 6. Shiffrin is seeking her record-extending 107th World Cup win and 70th in slalom. She can clinch the season-long slalom title if she wins and Rast finishes below 14th.

WORDS: 200 - MOVED: 01/13/2026 12:43 p.m. EST. Will be updated.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6e48380100d801034d4bf85e174b6d93&mediaType=text

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ENT--SNOOP DOGG-NBA ANALYST

Snoop Dogg’s NBA analyst role underscores why his on-air presence and global appeal keeps growing

SUMMARY: Snoop Dogg has made a splash as an NBA analyst, joining Reggie Miller and Terry Gannon during the second half of Peacock’s recent Warriors at Clippers broadcast. He also will be involved in NBCUniversal’s coverage of the upcoming Winter Olympics as his role with the broadcaster expands. An AP reporter trailed Snoop through Intuit Dome for an all-access, behind-the-scenes look at his preparation for the Jan. 5 broadcast, including production meetings and pregame interviews. Snoop says this wasn’t a cameo. He aims to bridge the gap between traditional broadcasting and new audiences much like he did at the Paris Olympics in 2024. He is eager to continue evolving as an entertainer and embracing opportunities in sports and beyond.

WORDS: 1081 - MOVED: 01/13/2026 12:39 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2f2841757d8c28ce78d64604b9d182c0&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-STEWART-DAYTONA

Tony Stewart returns to NASCAR in Ram Truck debut at Daytona International Raceway

SUMMARY: Tony Stewart is set to return to NASCAR for the first time since 2016. He will drive for Kaulig Racing in the debut of the Ram Truck at the season-opening race at Daytona International Raceway. Stewart, a three-time NASCAR champion, last raced a truck in 2005. He currently drives for Dodge in the NHRA drag racing series. The Ram “free agent program” aims to spotlight proven drivers and rising stars. Stewart’s participation is expected to generate excitement. Kaulig Racing, established in 2016, fields two Cup cars and is the anchor factory team for Ram’s return to NASCAR in 2026.

WORDS: 516 - MOVED: 01/13/2026 11:43 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fd39721192af590a15d3d51531bce835&mediaType=text

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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-KOEPKA

Brooks Koepka is back on the PGA Tour because it’s better than leaving him off

SUMMARY: The decision by the PGA Tour to allow Brooks Koepka to return from LIV Golf should have surprised no one. From the time Brian Rolapp took over as CEO, he’s made it clear his priority was to strengthen the PGA Tour. Whether Koepka does that depends on his performance. But the tour is better off with him playing than leaving him on the sideline. Koepka’s performance will be tied to the size of the financial repercussions he faces. Rolapp says there’s no promise of a path for other LIV players to return. That depends on whether they can help the tour.

WORDS: 965 - MOVED: 01/13/2026 10:10 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8067536af9470dd55bee62dacbb40096&mediaType=text

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US--SUPREME COURT-TRANSGENDER-ATHLETES

Supreme Court takes up culture war battle over transgender athletes in school sports

SUMMARY: The Supreme Court is hearing arguments over state laws barring transgender girls and women from playing on school athletic teams. The culture war cases being argued Tuesday come from Idaho and West Virginia, among the first of the more than two dozen Republican-led states that have banned transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s teams. The justices are evaluating claims of sex discrimination lodged by transgender people versus the need for fair competition for women and girls, the main argument made by the states. Lower courts ruled for the transgender athletes who challenged the state bans, but the conservative-dominated Supreme Court might not follow suit.

WORDS: 781 - MOVED: 01/13/2026 9:30 a.m. EST. Will be updated.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a0e50014fbf7f3ef5b1d1e9b5e8b662d&mediaType=text

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ENT--FANATICS STUDIO

From Olympics to Tom Brady, Fanatics expands into entertainment with new studio

SUMMARY: Fanatics, the sports merchandising giant best known for jerseys and collectibles, is moving deeper into entertainment by launching a studio that will produce films, documentaries, live events and digital series tied to sports and culture. The company announced Tuesday the launch of Fanatics Studios, a new content arm that debuts with projects that include producing the official Olympic film for the LA28 Games, a multipart documentary following seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady and joining ESPN as a producer of the 2026 ESPY Awards. Other partnerships will include ESPN, WWE, MLB and Fox Sports.

WORDS: 356 - MOVED: 01/13/2026 9:04 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fbe080f9c2c50e13b9cd3530673154d0&mediaType=text

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OLY--OBIT-HARTUNG

Jim Hartung, who helped lead U.S. men’s gymnastics team to 1984 Olympic gold, dies at 65

SUMMARY: Jim Hartung, a two-time U.S. Olympian who helped lead the Americans to their first and only gold medal in the men’s sport in 1984, has died. He was 65. The University of Nebraska announced Hartung died Saturday night. No cause of death was given. Hartung had been a Cornhuskers assistant coach for 19 years. Hartung was a member of the 1980 Olympic team but did not compete because of the boycott of the Moscow Games. In 1984 in Los Angeles he teamed with Bart Conner, Tim Daggett, Mitch Gaylord, Scott Johnson and Peter Vidmar to win gold.

WORDS: 304 - MOVED: 01/13/2026 8:58 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:518eaca828ff198e605870f2ac5a180f&mediaType=text

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SOC--AFRICA-WORLD CUP-TRAVEL BAN

Trump travel ban leaves Senegal, Ivory Coast fans in limbo for World Cup

SUMMARY: Senegal and Ivory Coast fans who want to support their teams at the World Cup this summer have had their plans upended because of a travel ban imposed by the Trump administration. The two west African countries were added in December to the list of countries with “partial restrictions” on entry to tournament co-host United States, barring those on tourist visas as the supporters would be if they were to follow their teams. Some fans suggested the U.S. – which is hosting the 48-team event with Canada and Mexico – should be stripped of the tournament if it doesn’t allow all participating teams their supporters. Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé is optimistic a solution will be found.

WORDS: 900 - MOVED: 01/13/2026 6:05 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:55b17623936b444fd93af60edafa825c&mediaType=text

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SOC--MAN UNITED-CARRICK

Michael Carrick poised to become Man United interim coach, AP source says

SUMMARY: Michael Carrick was poised to become Manchester United interim coach after the Premier League giant turned to its former player to salvage its imploding season. Carrick was pictured arriving at the club’s Carrington training ground Tuesday morning and was set to sign a contract until the end of the season, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because his appointment is yet to be formally completed. Carrick, who won five Premier League titles and the Champions League during a trophy-laden playing career at Old Trafford, comes in following the departure of Ruben Amorim last week. Former England assistant coach Steve Holland will be part of Carrick’s coaching team, the person said.

WORDS: 567 - MOVED: 01/13/2026 6:03 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:aee7574655dfd33276d5b351908e3045&mediaType=text

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BKN--AROUND THE NBA

It’s been a predictably tough year for Indiana, even with Pascal Siakam playing like an All-Star

SUMMARY: Indiana’s Pascal Siakam shines in a thrilling 98-96 victory over Boston. His game-winning shot on Monday night adds to the Pacers’ three-game winning streak, though their record remains the worst in the Eastern Conference. Siakam’s performance bolsters his case for another All-Star selection. Despite the team’s struggles, Indiana coach Rick Carlisle praises Siakam’s leadership and impact. The Pacers have faced challenges, including losing key players, but Siakam remains focused on daily progress. He acknowledges the emotional toll of the season but remains committed to winning and improving.

WORDS: 772 - MOVED: 01/13/2026 6:00 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:586e69ccbd795e25ac284c44473a70b5&mediaType=text

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OLY--IOC-RUSSIAN ATHLETES

Two more Russian athletes approved for Milan Cortina Olympics with neutral status

SUMMARY: Two more Russian athletes have been approved by the International Olympic Committee to compete at the Milan Cortina Winter Games next month with neutral status. The total is now five athletes with Russian passports and one from Belarus confirmed as eligible for the Olympics that open Feb. 6. They will not have their national identity of team colors, flag or anthem and cannot take part in the opening ceremony athlete parades. Short-track speed skaters Ivan Posashkov and Alena Krylova joined the list updated by the IOC late Monday. Neutral status athletes must not have actively supported the war on Ukraine.

WORDS: 304 - MOVED: 01/13/2026 3:31 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cadaa0f80b71f20d8fde867e61b3d1d9&mediaType=text

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TEN--VENUS WILLIAMS

Venus Williams loses in 1st round of Australian Open tuneup event in Hobart

SUMMARY: Venus Williams has lost 6-4, 6-3 to Tatjana Maria in the first round at the Hobart International, the week ahead of her appearance at the Australian Open. The 45-year-old Williams has a wild-card entry for the first Grand Slam tournament of the year. She also received a wild card to play in Hobart, where she lost Tuesday to sixth-seeded Maria in a match lasting almost 1 1/2 hours. Williams also lost her first-round match at Auckland, New Zealand last week. The Australian Open starts Sunday at Melbourne Park.

WORDS: 391 - MOVED: 01/13/2026 3:18 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7d22eac6b6ea7d94ce68406616612efc&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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TEN--AUSTRALIAN OPEN-DRAW

The draw for the Australian Open will be staged at Melbourne Park to determine brackets for the first tennis major of the year.

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OLY--SKI-ITALY’S ICONIC COURSES

The Milan Cortina Winter Games will feature Alpine ski racing on iconic courses steeped in the sport’s history.