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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FBC--CFP CHAMPIONSHIP-ACC

DESCRIPTION: MIAMI -- Once they took it out of the meeting room and put it on the field, the Atlantic Coast Conference turned out to be just fine this season. The proof is in Miami, which is playing for the national title even though the ACC’s champion, Duke, failed to make the playoffs on a contentious selection day that left some sports leaders crying foul. By Eddie Pells. AP Photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/16/2026 4:00 p.m. EST, Text

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SOC--GERMAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Werder Bremen plays Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.

UPCOMING: By 01/16/2026 4:30 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

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FIG--EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

DESCRIPTION: The European figure skating championships are a key final test before the Olympics. The championships continue with the women’s free skate and the start of the ice dance competition.

UPCOMING: By 01/16/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

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BBO--CUBS CONVENTION

DESCRIPTION: CHICAGO — Optimism abounds with the Chicago Cubs after they signed Alex Bregman in free agency and acquired right-hander Edward Cabrera in a trade. Bregman is one of the biggest attractions as the Cubs hold their annual fan convention this weekend. By Baseball Writer Jay Cohen. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos by 9 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 01/16/2026 9:00 p.m. EST, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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CAR--NASCAR-PLANE CRASH-MEMORIAL

NASCAR community mourns driver Greg Biffle, 6 others killed in plane crash at memorial service

SUMMARY: Hundreds from the NASCAR community gathered at Charlotte’s Bojangles Coliseum for a memorial service honoring former driver Greg Biffle, his family, and others killed in a plane crash last month. Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their children were among the seven victims. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Garrett Mitchell, a close friend, spoke at the service, urging people to “be like Biff” by taking opportunities and helping others. Biffle’s niece, Jordyn, also shared heartfelt memories. The crash left the NASCAR community shaken, adding to a difficult offseason.

WORDS: 898 - MOVED: 01/16/2026 1:42 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:644c7ef0cc92899134694707d6a7f870&mediaType=text

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HKN--SURGING SABRES

DESCRIPTION: Perhaps, it’s time to start taking the Buffalo Sabres seriously. For a team dismissed as after-thoughts to open the season, and questioned further after changing general managers in December, Buffalo is suddenly on a convincing run in having won 15 of 17 inj a run that has the Sabres poised to snap their NHL-record 15 year playoff drought. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. 750 words, photos.

SENT: By 01/16/2026 4:30 p.m. EST, Text

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FBN--TEXANS-PASS RUSH

Texans’ fearsome foursome fuels Houston’s pass rush

SUMMARY: Asked how he’d describe Houston’s pass rush to someone who hadn’t seen the Texans play before, coach DeMeco Ryans took a few seconds before landing on an answer. “It’s like four Tasmanian devils just wrecking everything that’s in front of them,” he said. After a stellar performance in a win over the Steelers in the wild-card round, the Texans are looking for this fearsome foursome to lead them again when they visit the Patriots on Sunday, when a win will put them in the AFC championship for the first time in franchise history.

WORDS: 1083 - MOVED: 01/16/2026 1:22 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ffa379918136fb6fc7f9fd09f2fcbd36&mediaType=text

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BBO--METS-BICHETTE

Bo Bichette and the New York Mets agree to a $126 million, 3-year contract, AP source says

SUMMARY: Bo Bichette and the New York Mets have agreed to a $126 million, three-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was subject to a successful physical and had not been announced. Bichette, a two-time All-Star at shortstop with the Toronto Blue Jays, will move to third base with the Mets, who have Francisco Lindor at shortstop. Bichette has never played a professional game at the hot corner. Bichette can opt out of the deal after the first or second season to become a free agent again. He would receive $47 million for one year and $89 million for two years, the person said.

WORDS: 437 - MOVED: 01/16/2026 1:16 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f379b84d43f9394cd8ccc1ab19d32252&mediaType=text

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FBC--CFP CHAMPIONSHIP-HOOSIERS RISE

No. 1 Indiana looking for a storybook ending to complete this real-life Hollywood script at Miami

SUMMARY: Long before Angelo Pizzo penned the scripts for two of America’s most iconic sports movies, he and his father would make the one-block walk from their home to Indiana’s football stadium. The strolls home usually seemed to take a bit longer because even then, in 1955, losses were the norm. Eventually, the man who introduced the world to such motivational flicks as “Hoosiers” and “Rudy” accepted the reality that Indiana’s program may be permanently stuck in mediocrity. On Monday night, he plans to be in Miami for what could be the final chapter in this storybook rise when top-ranked Indiana faces the 10th-ranked Hurricanes for the national championship.

WORDS: 1798 - MOVED: 01/16/2026 12:17 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c2944fdc76d752993d9286a4471760ea&mediaType=text

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BBO--REDS-RAYS-ANGELS TRADE

Josh Lowe to Angels, Gavin Lux to Rays and Brock Burke to Reds in 3-team trade

SUMMARY: The Tampa Bay Rays have sent outfielder Josh Lowe to the Angels in a three-team trade. Left-handed reliever Brock Burke moves from Los Angeles to Cincinnati, while infielder Gavin Lux goes from the Reds to Tampa Bay. Minor league right-hander Chris Clark joins the Rays from the Angels. Lowe, who turns 28 in February, had a challenging season with a .220 average. Lux, also 28, hit .269 with the Reds last year. The 29-year-old Burke had a strong season with a 3.36 ERA for the Angels. The 24-year-old Clark was a fifth-round draft pick in 2023.

WORDS: 326 - MOVED: 01/16/2026 11:56 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:19ad83e71760061607e88aa68b41672b&mediaType=text

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FBC--TRANSFER PORTAL WINNERS

Indiana lands star-studded group from transfer portal while preparing for national championship game

SUMMARY: Indiana and Mississippi had rather busy schedules the last couple of weeks as they competed in the College Football Playoff while the transfer portal window was open. But it apparently didn’t bother their 2026 roster construction efforts too much. Indiana has put together arguably the nation’s best collection of transfers for its 2026 roster as the Hoosiers get ready to face Miami in the national championship game. Ole Miss’ transfer class isn’t that far behind heading into Friday’s closing of the portal window.

WORDS: 1141 - MOVED: 01/16/2026 11:31 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7d47152e62bd905ff9444cb688a4c4e0&mediaType=text

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OLY-FIG-PAPADAKIS-NBC

Ice dance champ Papadakis says she lost Olympic commentary role for NBC over dispute with ex-partner

SUMMARY: Olympic ice dance champion Gabriella Papadakis says she lost her commentary role with NBC at the upcoming Winter Olympics because of her former skating partner’s response to revelations in her new book. In an interview with sports daily L’Équipe, the retired French skater says the decision was taken after Guillaume Cizeron publicly contested what she wrote in “So as Not to Disappear,” released this week. Cizeron asked his lawyers on Tuesday to formally put all parties involved on notice to cease the “dissemination of defamatory statements” about him. Papadakis says NBC considered that “my neutrality was compromised and that I could not commentate on the Olympic Games.”

WORDS: 552 - MOVED: 01/16/2026 11:12 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1864ab50837e00558f989f4914832696&mediaType=text

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FBN--SEAHAWKS-SMITH-NJIGBA

All-Pro WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba a leader on and off the field for the Seahawks amid record season

SUMMARY: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba set the Seahawks’ franchise records for receiving yards and receptions in the 2025 season. But Smith-Njigba is more than just a talented wide receiver. He has a background in baseball, a love of chess and a cool, calm demeanor that has endeared him to his teammates. Now, the Seahawks hope Smith-Njigba’s magical season will continue into the playoffs, starting with Saturday evening’s NFC divisional playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers. Teammate Rashid Shaheed says “he doesn’t care if he gets zero catches or 13 catches. He knows he helps the team just by him being on the field.”

WORDS: 772 - MOVED: 01/16/2026 11:00 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fbabe62c16d324d4a0b8b71ec99d0f2c&mediaType=text

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OLY--SLIDING ROUNDUP

Britain’s Matt Weston, Belgium’s Kim Meylemans clinch World Cup skeleton season titles

SUMMARY: Britain’s Matt Weston has become the World Cup men’s skeleton overall champion again, while Belgium’s Kim Meylemans has claimed the women’s title for the first time. They secured their season-long titles Friday in the final races at Altenberg, Germany. Meylemans finished third in the women’s race, ensuring her top spot in the standings. Britain’s Marcus Wyatt won the men’s race, with Weston tying for second. The U.S. skeleton team is expected to announce its Olympic team Monday, with Kelly Curtis and Mystique Ro likely heading to the Milan Cortina Games for the women’s event.

WORDS: 343 - MOVED: 01/16/2026 9:58 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0156f5fc3aa2de9daeb3271dddcfebb7&mediaType=text

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FBC--CFP-MIAMI-THE U

The road back to title contention was long for Miami. The Hurricanes have finally broken through

SUMMARY: Miami has made a remarkable comeback in college football. The Hurricanes, once struggling, are now playing for the national championship against Indiana. This turnaround follows a tough period with multiple coaches and no major wins. Coach Mario Cristobal has transformed the team’s culture, emphasizing hard work and accountability. Miami has achieved back-to-back seasons with double-digit wins. Players like Rueben Bain Jr. and CJ Daniels have also contributed to community efforts, reflecting the team’s new values. Cristobal believes in the team’s progress but acknowledges there’s more work to do. The dark days for Miami seem to be over.

WORDS: 988 - MOVED: 01/16/2026 9:21 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9f2e8bafb53b2975ca891d0e2cf48697&mediaType=text

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OLY--RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR-OLYMPICS

Ukraine’s young skiers practice in a bombed-out Olympic training base

WORDS: 829 - MOVED: 01/16/2026 9:05 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:38ee8581c48a729d0a3e304fc11752dd&mediaType=text

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SKI--WCUP-MEN’S SUPER-G

Giovanni Franzoni’s win in Wengen super-G makes him an Olympic contender for host Italy

SUMMARY: Host Italy has a new contender in Alpine skiing with the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics three weeks away. Giovanni Franzoni claimed his first World Cup victory on the famed Lauberhorn course in a super-G in Wengen, Switzerland. The 24-year-old Franzoni is a former world junior champion in super-G, downhill and Alpine combined. He was the first racer on course and took advantage of the No. 1 bib to deliver a near-perfect run. Franzoni finished 0.35 seconds ahead of Stefan Babinsky of Austria and 0.37 ahead of downhill world champion Franjo von Allmen of Switzerland. Swiss standout Marco Odermatt placed fourth, 0.53 behind.

WORDS: 426 - MOVED: 01/16/2026 8:51 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b7d710cbbcfd8284e3b2514d73ff272b&mediaType=text

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OLY--FIG-SKATING INNOVATION

Has figure skating reached the limits of human performance?

WORDS: 1035 - MOVED: 01/16/2026 7:35 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:03161624d221db4382ab6bf2618cfa21&mediaType=text

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OLY--RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-OLYMPICS-PHOTO GALLERY

Photos show Ukraine’s historic center in ruins but children, athletes still train ahead of Olympics

WORDS: 60 - MOVED: 01/16/2026 6:24 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:94710de136a996591bf13cff06dfc029&mediaType=text

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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-SECOND ACTS

John Harbaugh’s mentor, Andy Reid, had a better second act than his first

SUMMARY: John Harbaugh is heading to Broadway, aiming to make his second act even better than his first. Harbaugh didn’t have to wait long after the Baltimore Ravens fired him following 18 seasons last week. He had plenty of options and chose the New York Giants. His contract was still being finalized, according to three people with knowledge of his decision who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn’t been signed. The 62-year-old Harbaugh led the Ravens to the playoffs 12 times and won the Super Bowl following the 2012 season. He’s tasked with making the Giants relevant again.

WORDS: 625 - MOVED: 01/16/2026 6:00 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c6b6ab3f82cea8f8aa2b5a88bd1037e4&mediaType=text

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TEN--AUSTRALIAN OPEN-1 POINT SLAM

Point made. Tennis stars like Sinner, Swiatek and Coco Gauff loved the 1-point Australian Open prep

SUMMARY: The 1 Point Slam isn’t likely to be a one-hit wonder. It was still a big topic of the day for tennis stars ahead of the season-opening Australian Open starting Sunday. Jannik Sinner joked about the pressure of the instant success-or-failure format. The sold-out event at Rod Laver Arena, featuring pros against amateurs, was won by local amateur Jordan Smith. Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Amanda Anisimova enjoyed the unique challenge. Swiatek, fresh from Poland’s United Cup win, found it refreshing. The event’s success has players talking about expanding it to all four majors.

WORDS: 752 - MOVED: 01/16/2026 5:07 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:56e046e30ace8f0ef8291106c7003062&mediaType=text

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TEN--AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Madison Keys pictures herself as a champion again at the Australian Open

SUMMARY: Madison Keys plans to go quietly into the player tunnel at Rod Laver Arena before the season-opening major to take a photo of her name among the Australian Open champions and send it home to her mom. Almost 12 months after beating Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s final, Keys is excited to be returning and trying to defend a Grand Slam title for the first time. She has reflected on the journey, recalling the challenges she faced. Keys became the oldest first-time women’s champion at the Australian Open at 29. Despite a mixed year following her win, she’s embracing the experience.

WORDS: 637 - MOVED: 01/16/2026 4:54 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5ec7b9be0ea2292beab9bdaea4d10ceb&mediaType=text

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BKN--WARRIORS-KUMINGA

Warriors coach Steve Kerr chatted with Jonathan Kuminga about his uncertain situation

SUMMARY: Coach Steve Kerr spoke with Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga during the morning shootaround Thursday about the player’s situation being out of the rotation for more than a month now with expectations he will be traded before the deadline next month. Kerr discounted any issues between them as being reason Kuminga has reportedly requested a trade from the team after not being used in the last 13 games since Dec. 18 and 16 of 17— though he has been listed as injured for nine games this season.

WORDS: 658 - MOVED: 01/16/2026 1:46 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:03f4696131d42b5f904bab44835b4a2f&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW ___

—NFL Playoffs Divisional Round (Bills-Broncos, 49ers-Seahawks)

—FBC--College Football Playoff (media day)

—FBC--CFP-Season Of Chaos

—TEN--Australian Open

—TEN--Australian Open-What To Know

—FIG--European Championships