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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OLY--FIG-WASHINGTON MIDAIR COLLISION-SKATERS

DESCRIPTION: ST. LOUIS — Maxim Naumov reflects on his journey to the Milan Cortina Olympics, carrying the memory of his parents, former world champion skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. They were among 67 people killed when American Airlines Flight 5342 crashed into a military helicopter on Jan. 29, 2025. By Dave Skretta. 1200 words, photos by 12:01 a.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 01/28/2026 3:05 a.m. EST, Text

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FBN--INSIDE THE NUMBERS

DESCRIPTION: Two years ago, the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots made the decision to move from Super Bowl-winning coaches Pete Carroll and Bill Belichick. Those decisions have been validated now that Mike Macdonald and Mike Vrabel have engineered quick turnarounds to get those two franchises back to the Super Bowl with Macdonald doing it in his second season in Seattle and Vrabel in his first in New England. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 1000 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/28/2026 6:00 a.m. EST

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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-BELICHICK

DESCRIPTION: Bill Belichick won six Lombardi Trophies as a head coach with the Patriots, two as an assistant with the Giants and has more Super Bowl rings than anyone in NFL history. Yet, somehow he’s not a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.

UPCOMING: By 01/28/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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SOC--WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS CUP

DESCRIPTION: Gotham FC faces South American champion Corinthians in the semifinals of the first Women’s Champions Cup, before European champion Arsenal plays ASFAR of Rabat, Morocco in the other semifinal.

UPCOMING: By 01/28/2026 6:42 a.m. EST, Text, Photo

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BKH--GIRLS BASKETBALL DECLINE

FORMATS: Graphic, Text, Photo

1. WITH: BKH--GIRLS BASKETBALL DECLINE

2. DESCRIPTION: High school girls basketball participation is declining even in Caitlin Clark’s home state of Iowa. Tiny Newell-Fonda in northwest Iowa truly is an outlier.

3. UPCOMING: By 01/28/2026 8:00 a.m. EST

4. WITH: BKH--GIRLS BASKETBALL DECLINE-ABRIDGED

5. DESCRIPTION: Abridged version.

6. UPCOMING: By 01/28/2026 8:00 a.m. EST

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OLY--HKW-GAME OF QUEENS

DESCRIPTION: Team USA’s Hilary Knight and Canada’s Marie-Philip Poulin have gone at it for nearly 17 years and over 100 games on the international stage in an intense but friendly rivalry involving two of women’s hockey’s most accomplished players. And it will be in Milan next month when the two meet for a fifth and potentially final time at the Winter Games. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/28/2026 2:00 p.m. EST, Text

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SKI--WCUP-MEN’S SLALOM

DESCRIPTION: Lucas Pinheiro Braathen enters the last World Cup slalom before the Olympics as the leader in the discipline standings ahead of 2022 Olympic champion Clément Noël. UPCOMING: 400 words, photos by 2100 GMT.

UPCOMING: By 01/28/2026 4:00 p.m. EST, Text

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GLF--FARMERS INSURANCE OPEN

DESCRIPTION: SAN DIEGO -- Brooks Koepka looks forward to getting this week behind him with all the attention on his return from LIV Golf. Xander Schauffele, who hasn’t played in three months since winning in Japan, can’t wait to get started. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/28/2026 4:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

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FBN--SUPER BOWL-FIELD

DESCRIPTION: Nick Pappas’ process of preparing the Super Bowl field started long before the teams started getting ready for the 2025 season. The NFL’s turf guru picked the sod farm that started growing three grass fields for consideration for the game about 16 months ago, then picked the winning field and started a monthlong installation and preparation process to make sure that the story of the game is about the teams and not the grass. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 850 words, photos, video.

UPCOMING: By 01/28/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

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BBO--MARINERS-RIZZS

DESCRIPTION: SEATTLE -- Longtime Seattle Mariners play-by-play broadcaster Rick Rizzs has announced he will retire after the 2026 season, which will be his 41st behind the microphone for the franchise. He is slated to discuss his retirement on Wednesday a few weeks before Seattle heads to Phoenix for spring training. By Andrew Destin. 650 words. Photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/28/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: The final standings in the Champions League opening phase are decided when all 36 teams play in 18 games simultaneously. The top eight teams advance direct to the round of 16 in March, and teams placed ninth to 24th must enter a knockout playoffs round in February. By Graham Dunbar UPCOMING: 650 words, photos EXPECTED: 2330 gmt

UPCOMING: By 01/28/2026 5:30 p.m. EST, Text

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BBO--YANKEES-BELLINGER

DESCRIPTION: Cody Bellinger discusses his decision to re-sign with the New York Yankees as a free agent. 550 words, with photo.

UPCOMING: By 01/28/2026 7:30 p.m. EST, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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TEN--AUSTRALIAN OPEN-WOMEN’S SEMIFINALS

A powerful rivalry: Sabalenka and Svitolina set for Australian Open semifinal showdown

WORDS: 809 - MOVED: 01/28/2026 1:21 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:afb5611acf536468f26de241c6ae1c31&mediaType=text

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BKC--T25-INDIANA-CROWD

Indiana adds to celebration as football champs take victory lap and basketball team beats Purdue

SUMMARY: Indiana Hoosiers fans got their dream doubleheader Tuesday night. First, they watched college football’s new national champions take one more victory lap. Then they saw Indiana’s basketball team take its cue by keeping the momentum rolling and holding off its top rival, No. 12 Purdue, for the squad’s biggest win of the season. For first-year coach Darian DeVries, it was his first glimpse of the rivalry and Assembly Hall at full throttle. And he credited those raucous fans with playing a key role in the latest chapter of Bloomington’s storybook sports year.

WORDS: 533 - MOVED: 01/28/2026 12:52 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9b30edc2e66edc08a3efa438359b430c&mediaType=text

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TEN--AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Pegula beats fellow American Anisimova to reach the Australian Open semifinals

SUMMARY: Jessica Pegula defeated fellow American Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 7-6 (1) to reach the semifinals of the Australian Open. Pegula also beat Madison Keys, another American and the defending champion, in her previous match to advance to the quarterfinals. In Wednesday’s other quarterfinal at Rod Laver Arena, Elena Rybakina defeated Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-1 to prevent the Polish player from completing a career Grand Slam of singles titles.

WORDS: 612 - MOVED: 01/28/2026 12:50 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9868b09476245cca5f2d05b63b61d1aa&mediaType=text

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TEN--AUSTRALIAN OPEN-CAMERAS ROLLING

Are tennis players being treated like zoo animals? Iga Swiatek thinks so

SUMMARY: Iga Swiatek is echoing Coco Gauff’s concerns about the constant camera gaze at tennis tournaments. Gauff highlighted the lack of privacy after her racket-smashing frustration at the Australian Open went viral. She believes a conversation is needed about the lack of private spaces for players off the court. Swiatek, after her quarterfinal loss to Elena Rybakina, expressed similar feelings on Wednesday. She questioned whether players are being treated like “animals in the zoo.” Swiatek says she understands the need to keep the public entertained but feels some moments should remain private.

WORDS: 684 - MOVED: 01/28/2026 12:14 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:26e2cefe12e25f2a51f3f4f6c34ad671&mediaType=text

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FBC--MIAMI-MENSAH

QB Darian Mensah joins Miami Hurricanes after legal battle with Duke

SUMMARY: Darian Mensah has enrolled at Miami, boosting the Hurricanes with another standout transfer quarterback. Mensah transferred from Duke after resolving a legal battle over his eligibility to sign elsewhere. On Tuesday, Mensah and wide receiver Cooper Barkate toured Miami’s campus. Mensah is joining his third team in three years, having led Duke to a conference title last season. Miami hopes he continues its success with transfer quarterbacks. The Hurricanes return key offensive players, including star wide receiver Malachi Toney. Miami opens the 2026 season at Stanford on September 4.

WORDS: 512 - MOVED: 01/28/2026 12:11 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:39c7107e4fc033305c58d89980f36bd1&mediaType=text

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HKN--RED WINGS-KANE

Red Wings’ Kane ties Stars’ Modano as highest-scoring American-born players in NHL history

SUMMARY: Patrick Kane of the Detroit Red Wings has tied Dallas’ Mike Modano as the highest-scoring U.S.-born players in NHL history. Kane matched Mike Modano by recording his 1,374th point on an assist on a goal by Alex DeBrincat late in Detroit’s 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night. He got there a couple of months after turning 37, while Modano was 40 when he scored a goal to register point No. 1,374.

WORDS: 343 - MOVED: 01/27/2026 10:45 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:87f228f9822d3b3c532c936cc8110393&mediaType=text

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HKN--DEVILS-ISLANDERS PALAT TRADE

Devils trade Ondrej Palat and picks to the Islanders for Maxim Tsyplakov

SUMMARY: The New Jersey Devils have traded veteran winger Ondrej Palat to the division-rival New York Islanders. The Devils sent a third-round pick in the draft this year and 2027 sixth-rounder with Palat for 27-year-old Maxim Tsyplakov. The Islanders took on Palat’s entire $6 million salary cap hit for this season and next. It’s their second acquisition from a nearby team in 24 hours after getting depth defenseman Carson Soucy from the Rangers on Monday night. New Jersey had been looking for several months to trade Palat in an effort to clear cap space.

WORDS: 668 - MOVED: 01/27/2026 10:43 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:25ed1c053a28377a3083b87986f58717&mediaType=text

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BKC--T25-NEBRASKA-STREAK ENDS

No. 5 Nebraska’s run of 24 wins in a row is over. It was the nation’s longest streak since 2014-15

SUMMARY: Major college basketball’s longest winning streak in more than a decade ended at 24 games with No. 5 Nebraska’s 75-72 loss at No. 3 Michigan on Tuesday night. Nebraska did not score over the last 3:20, missing its last five shots after leading most of the game despite two key players being out of the lineup. Rienk Mast missed the game with an illness as did double-digit scorer Braden Frager, who was out for a second straight game with an ankle injury.

WORDS: 807 - MOVED: 01/27/2026 10:05 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4e87d179b92f89efc4144a773aefe39a&mediaType=text

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OLY--US SECURITY-ICE

US sending ICE unit to Winter Olympics for security, prompting concern and confusion in Italy

SUMMARY: News that a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement unit will be present at the upcoming Winter Games has sparked confusion and concern in Italy. Some in Italy are upset about the inclusion of ICE, known for its role in the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Milan’s mayor has stated ICE is not welcome in the city. Homeland Security Investigations, a unit within ICE, often assists with security at international events. HSI is distinct from the ICE arm at the forefront of U.S. immigration enforcement. The controversy highlights a growing rift between the U.S. under President Donald Trump and its allies.

WORDS: 1051 - MOVED: 01/27/2026 9:47 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:110fa4b2066e1fb920dba2a71c3a89e0&mediaType=text

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FBN--BRONCOS-LOMBARDI OUT

Broncos fire offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and 2 other assistants after AFC title game loss

SUMMARY: The Denver Broncos have fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi in a shakeup of their coaching staff in the wake of their AFC championship game loss. Lombardi had been with coach Sean Payton since he took the Broncos job 2023. His tenure in Denver ended after backup Jarrett Stidham filled in for an injured Bo Nix on Sunday and the New England Patriots beat Denver 10-7 in a game where a snowstorm made it difficult for both offenses in the second half. Denver also fired wide receivers coach Keary Colbert and cornerbacks coach Addison Lynch. Lombardi also was part of Payton’s staff in New Orleans.

WORDS: 265 - MOVED: 01/27/2026 9:40 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d0e340ea9dec0c4258c1d338626faf64&mediaType=text

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FBN--HALL OF FAME-BELICHICK

Bill Belichick snubbed by Pro Football Hall of Fame in first year of eligibility, report says

SUMMARY: ESPN has reported that six-time Super Bowl champion head coach Bill Belichick didn’t get voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Citing four unidentified sources, ESPN said Belichick didn’t receive the necessary 40 votes from the 50-person panel of media members and other Hall of Famers. ESPN said Belichick received a call from the Hall of Fame last Friday with the news. The Hall of Fame class of 2026 will be announced at NFL Honors in San Francisco on Feb. 5.

WORDS: 372 - MOVED: 01/27/2026 7:27 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9fe74faf09d275b26e5c330dd57ebe73&mediaType=text

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CAR--INDYCAR-MEDIA DAYS

Indy 500 champ Josef Newgarden is still getting acclimated to seeing former teammates in new places

SUMMARY: Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden begins his 15th IndyCar season in a new role — as the most veteran IndyCar driver at Team Penske. It comes at the same time Newgarden is trying to rebound from one of his worst seasons in more than a decade. He’s also trying to help the series’ most successful team rebuild its image following two cheating scandals over the past two years, and he’s still trying to get acclimated to seeing longtime teammate Will Power and Ron Ruzewski, Penske’s ex-managing director, working together at a rival team. Yes, for the 35-year-old, two-time series champ it’s going to take some time for it to make sense.

WORDS: 733 - MOVED: 01/27/2026 6:21 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a1c6a25e0234a619870ac9abb20f211a&mediaType=text

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BBO--METS-PERALTA

Peralta willing to consider multiyear deal with Mets but wants to get settled in New York first

SUMMARY: Freddy Peralta says he’s willing to consider a multiyear contract with the Mets before reaching free agency, but he wants to get settled in New York first. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns expressed a similar sentiment after acquiring Peralta in a trade with Milwaukee last week, saying he would definitely allow the All-Star pitcher an adjustment period before potentially broaching a long-term arrangement. Peralta is due to make $8 million this season after the Brewers picked up their club option on a deal he signed in 2020. He can become a free agent following the World Series.

WORDS: 755 - MOVED: 01/27/2026 6:15 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f9004d2e6d79c5569b4ff26d835a6f46&mediaType=text

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FBN--BILLS-BRADY

Bills promote offensive coordinator Joe Brady to take over as head coach

SUMMARY: The Buffalo Bills stayed in-house by promoting offensive coordinator Joe Brady as their new head coach. The move provides continuity to a Josh Allen-led perennial winner that has accomplished everything short of reaching a Super Bowl. The team announced the five-year deal. The 36-year-old Brady just completed his fourth season in Buffalo and his second full season as coordinator. Brady’s promotion comes a little more than a week after Sean McDermott was fired following a nine-year tenure.

WORDS: 932 - MOVED: 01/27/2026 5:17 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cc2669ceb1f7e7fd34258422a9ff48ea&mediaType=text

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FBN--STEELERS-MCCARTHY

‘It just seemed like it was meant to be.’ Mike McCarthy comes home to coach the Pittsburgh Steelers

SUMMARY: Mike McCarthy is the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Pittsburgh native signed the contract on Tuesday after the two sides had reached a verbal agreement over the weekend. McCarthy, 62, replaces Mike Tomlin, who stepped down earlier this month after 19 seasons. This marks McCarthy’s third NFL head coaching role. He previously coached in Green Bay and Dallas. McCarthy’s postseason achievements include a Super Bowl win over the Steelers in the 2010 season. He takes over a team hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season. The Steelers won the AFC North this season before being blown out in the opening round of the playoffs.

WORDS: 1175 - MOVED: 01/27/2026 5:15 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a57563a49c4337a2b63fe1b8703aed0c&mediaType=text

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FBC--DUKE-MENSAH-LAWSUIT

Duke and QB Darian Mensah reach settlement to resolve legal fight, clearing way for his transfer

SUMMARY: Duke and Darian Mensah have reached a settlement in their legal fight over the quarterback’s plan to transfer, clearing the way for him to move on. The school and Mensah’s agency released statements Tuesday confirming a deal without providing any details. It came roughly a week after Duke filed a lawsuit against Mensah. That lawsuit sought to block Mensah’s efforts to transfer and reach a contract with another school to play elsewhere next season. Mensah had transferred from Tulane and led Duke to the ACC title. He had signed a two-season contract in July 2025 running through 2026 tied to his NIL rights.

WORDS: 1064 - MOVED: 01/27/2026 4:29 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:faeced1f035313ae80a56cface72109a&mediaType=text

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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-TUESDAY TAKEAWAYS

Tough coaching helped Pats QB Drake Maye flourish in his second season

SUMMARY: Drake Maye got the tough coaching he wanted and thrived. The 23-year-old Maye is one victory away from being the youngest quarterback in NFL history to win a Super Bowl. He is grateful to have coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in New England. The Patriots went from 4-13 under Jerod Mayo in Maye’s rookie season to 14-3. They won their 12th AFC championship game and will seek a record seventh Super Bowl title when they face the Seattle Seahawks on Feb. 8.

WORDS: 832 - MOVED: 01/27/2026 3:44 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:35a78cb4368a95f864eef276486674a8&mediaType=text

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GLF--KOEPKA RETURNS

Koepka is excited to be back on the PGA Tour. It comes with nervousness over how he’s received

SUMMARY: Brooks Koepka is back on the PGA Tour feeling a nervousness he rarely experiences. The five-time major champion is not known as someone who cares what anyone thinks about him. Now he wonders how the fans will receive him at the Farmers Insurance Open. Koepka says Tiger Woods is the first person he called after he was freed from the final year of his contract with Saudi-funded LIV Golf. Koepka says he’s grateful the tour found a way for him to return. But part of him can’t wait for this week and all the distractions to be over with.

WORDS: 1025 - MOVED: 01/27/2026 2:46 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e2b657400a9634488585c5c03ab5e094&mediaType=text

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