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-F1-APPLE

DESCRIPTION: Apple succeeded when it brought Formula 1 to the big screen last year. It hopes many of those viewers will watch on their televisions and mobile devices when the season begins this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix, as Apple TV starts as F1’s U.S. broadcast partner. By Joe Reedy. 650 words, file photos.

UPCOMING: By 03/04/2026 3:00 p.m. EST, Text

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HKN--EAST DOWNFALLS

DESCRIPTION: The Florida Panthers are back-to-back Stanley Cup champions who have made the playoffs six years in a row. The Toronto Maple Leafs have an eight-year streak of qualifying. They are almost certainly not making it this time. Major absences from injuries and free agency have tanked the season for these Eastern Conference mainstays, and selling at the NHL trade deadline is almost certainly ahead. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 03/04/2026 4:00 p.m. EST, Text

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SOC--GERMAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Bayer Leverkusen aims to get its flagging push for Champions League qualification back on course with a win at Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga.

UPCOMING: By 03/04/2026 4:30 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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SOC--ITALIAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: ROME — Lazio hosts Atalanta in the opening leg of the Italian Cup semifinals. UPCOMING.

UPCOMING: By 03/04/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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GLF--BAY HILL-PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: ORLANDO, Fla. -- For all the interest in a new PGA Tour model that emphasizes golf’s best, the Arnold Palmer Invitational is an example of making sure good golf by anyone still gets rewarded. Joel Dahmen at Bay Hill illustrates that. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 700 words.

UPCOMING: By 03/04/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FRENCH ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Marseille hosts Toulouse and Lorient faces Nice in French Cup quarterfinals. By Jerome Pugmire. UPCOMING.

UPCOMING: By 03/04/2026 6:30 p.m. EST, Text

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SOC--CANADA-US

DESCRIPTION: The United States women play Canada in the SheBelieves Cup. By Anne M. Peterson. Upcoming: 400 words. Game starts at 6:45 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 03/04/2026 6:45 p.m. EST, Text

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BBI--US-WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC

DESCRIPTION: The United States team plays its final exhibition game against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday before heading to Houston for the World Baseball Classic. By Baseball Writer David Brandt. 500 words, photos from 1 p.m. first pitch.

UPCOMING: By 03/04/2026 8:00 p.m. EST, Text

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BKL--UNRIVALED-CHAMPIONSHIP

DESCRIPTION: Breanna Stewart and Mist take on Kelsey Plum and Phantom in Unrivaled’s championship game on Wednesday night. Game starts 9:30 p.m. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 03/04/2026 10:30 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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SOC--WCUP-IRAQ

Iraq facing World Cup playoff difficulties as Iran war closes embassies and airspace

SUMMARY: Iraq’s hopes of World Cup qualification are being impacted by the Iran war because players cannot get visas for the playoff tournament in Mexico and the team’s coach is stranded in the United Arab Emirates. The Iraqi soccer federation says, “Because of airspace closures, our head coach, Graham Arnold, is unable to leave the United Arab Emirates. In addition, several embassies remain closed at the present time, preventing several professional players, technical and medical staff members from obtaining entry visas to Mexico.” Iraq is scheduled to play either Bolivia or Suriname in Mexico on March 31 for one of the last two qualification places for the World Cup.

WORDS: 292 - MOVED: 03/04/2026 1:42 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:83f04a43056689ab6a7bb0bcab1aad62&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA-CBA

Breanna Stewart, who teamed with fellow WNBA star Kelsey Plum on a letter to the players’ association this week expressing concerns about the state of labor talks with the league, said Wednesday she feels better about where things stand and is convinced players are still unified in what they want in the next collective bargaining agreement.

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BKC--T25-NORTH CAROLINA-ARENA FUTURE

DESCRIPTION: North Carolina is mulling plans for the future home of its tradition-rich men’s basketball program, from renovating the current Smith Center to building a new arena -- possibly off campus. It’s led to a debate between emotions and finances amid today’s realities of major college athletics. By Aaron Beard. SENT: 1,000 words, photos.

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BBO--BRAVES-AFTER PROFAR

Braves manager says he’s disappointed about Profar but the suspension creates opportunity for others

SUMMARY: Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss says he’s disappointed but determined to keep a positive outlook after Jurickson Profar’s suspension for the 2026 season. Profar was suspended by Major League Baseball on Tuesday following his second positive test for a performance-enhancing drug. Profar, an outfielder and designated hitter, was expected to be a regular, perhaps hitting second behind Ronald Acuña Jr., in Atlanta’s lineup. Weiss says the Braves could overcome losing Profar just as they won the 2021 World Series after losing Acuña to a knee injury.

WORDS: 627 - MOVED: 03/04/2026 1:37 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:218cd5beb6729926dab04ea7a08c91d0&mediaType=text

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FBN--CHIEFS-RAMS TRADE

Rams, Chiefs working on trade sending CB Trent McDuffie to Los Angeles, AP sources say

SUMMARY: The Chiefs and the Rams are working on a trade to send star cornerback Trent McDuffie to Los Angeles in exchange for several draft picks, two people with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because the terms of the trade have not been finalized. Kansas City is expected to get the 29th overall pick in the upcoming draft, and ESPN reported the Rams will also send fifth-round and sixth-round picks this spring along with a third-round pick next year. The deal would fill the Rams’ biggest roster need by adding an elite cornerback to their mediocre secondary.

WORDS: 607 - MOVED: 03/04/2026 1:09 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c1f26e3a0a1b251fa4628aaddfc21cd1&mediaType=text

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BKN--STREAKING SPURS

Wembanyama dazzled by recent trip to see the northern lights. Spurs also shine bright in hot streak

SUMMARY: The San Antonio Spurs went a sparkling 8-1 on their near month-long road trip. The trip is necessitated annually while the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo camps out in their arena. The Spurs punctuated the road finale on Tuesday night with a 131-91 romp past the undermanned and overwhelmed Philadelphia 76ers. San Antonio is an NBA-best 12-1 since Feb. 1. The Spurs led by as many as 49 points and made the 76ers the first team in NBA history to lose three home games by 40-plus points in a season.

WORDS: 841 - MOVED: 03/04/2026 12:43 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:08dfef5c7f2b1089920d5ab8a8746df2&mediaType=text

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GLF--RYDER CUP-DONALD

Luke Donald to return as Ryder Cup captain for Europe for 2027 competition

SUMMARY: Luke Donald has decided to return as Ryder Cup captain for Europe with a shot at making history as the only captain to win three straight times. Not since Bernard Gallacher from 1991 through 1995 has someone been captain at three straight Ryder Cups. Donald led Team Europe to victory outside Rome in 2023, and then at Bethpage Black in New York last September. European players already consider him one of the best captains in Ryder Cup history. Now it’s up to the Americans to decide who will face off against Donald. Tiger Woods is the top choice, as he was going into the last Ryder Cup. Woods has not determined whether he has the time.

WORDS: 845 - MOVED: 03/04/2026 12:02 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:91f18a19b7a9ad19e181a3cd81f82d88&mediaType=text

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OLY--HKO-US VICTORY LAP

The victory lap for America’s Olympic hockey champions quietly shed politics from the celebration

SUMMARY: A joke from Hilary Knight on “Saturday Night Live” and a couple of fist-bumps with Jack and Quinn Hughes on “The Tonight Show” capped a whirlwind victory lap celebrating the twin Olympic golds won by the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams. The good humor helped reset the national narrative around the teams that had gone sideways into politics and sexism after a comment by President Donald Trump. Dozens of people at multiple agencies, leagues and networks spent time coordinating a series of television appearances that put the focus back on their accomplishments in Milan.

WORDS: 1246 - MOVED: 03/04/2026 12:00 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ee8ffa1af68c1d86436e91e9274d4534&mediaType=text

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BBO--BRAVES-PROFAR-DRUG TEST

Atlanta Braves’ Jurickson Profar suspended for 2026 season following second positive drug test

SUMMARY: Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended for the 2026 season by Major League Baseball following his second positive test for a performance-enhancing drug. Profar tested positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites, the commissioner’s office said, which means testosterone that was not produced by his body. Because it was a second offense, the length of Profar’s suspension was 162 games. An All-Star in 2024, Profar was suspended for 80 games last March 31 following a positive test for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone that helps production of testosterone. He issued a statement then saying: “I would never willingly take a banned substance.”

WORDS: 638 - MOVED: 03/04/2026 11:48 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b60b2da421060606e45623b379db1aec&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-100 DAYS

With 100 days to go, World Cup faces new challenges with Iran war and Mexico violence

SUMMARY: With 100 days to go until the World Cup, the Iran war has added a new layer of complexity to the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. How the conflict will affect the world’s most watched sporting event is the latest issue facing organizers. FIFA was already grappling with cartel violence in one of the Mexican host cities, scaled-back plans for fan festivals in the U.S. and pushback from fans over soaring ticket prices. The tournament kicks off on June 11 when Mexico plays South Africa in Mexico City. It will be the biggest World Cup ever with 48 participating teams.

WORDS: 1105 - MOVED: 03/04/2026 10:33 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c5a3ea55d97e69729b314d9d67623f25&mediaType=text

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SOC--WOMEN’S ASIAN CUP-IRAN

Iran player Sara Didar holds back tears responding to a war-related question at Women’s Asian Cup

SUMMARY: Soccer player Sara Didar has expressed the national team’s concern for their families and all Iranians amid the war back home while they’re in Australia competing in the Women’s Asian Cup. Didar has told a news conference on the Gold Coast that the players feel sad and worried for loved ones in Iran. The team stood in silence during the national anthem before its opening loss to South Korea on Monday. They’re playing tournament host Australia at the same stadium on Thursday.

WORDS: 568 - MOVED: 03/04/2026 9:42 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d9f23186baad32bdcceb01952d02556f&mediaType=text

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OLY--PARALYMPICS-PREVIEW

Winter Paralympics 50th anniversary: Chinese dominance expected amid boycotts over Russian flag

SUMMARY: The Winter Paralympics come to Milan Cortina to celebrate their 50th anniversary, with China looking to extend its dominance as a Paralympic powerhouse and Ukraine and other nations boycotting the opening ceremony over the return of the Russian flag and anthem. The Games will officially kick off on Friday amid the tensions of the war in the Middle East, which prompted travel difficulties for some of the nations coming to Italy because of widespread flight disruptions. Iran was due to have one skier at Milan Cortina. Wheelchair curling kickstarted the six-sport competition schedule on Wednesday.

WORDS: 864 - MOVED: 03/04/2026 9:39 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7d33e24a11faa69b182d639cf3b687d6&mediaType=text

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TEN--SABALENKA-ENGAGEMENT

Top-ranked tennis player Aryna Sabalenka announces engagement to Georgios Frangulis

SUMMARY: Top-ranked tennis player Aryna Sabalenka has announced her engagement to Brazilian businessman Georgios Frangulis. Sabalenka has shared a proposal video on Instagram with the words, “You & me, forever.” Fellow players were quick to congratulate her, including Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Amanda Anisimova. Sabalenka could face Anisimova in the quarterfinals at the Indian Wells tournament in California, which opens on Wednesday. It marks Sabalenka’s first event since the Australian Open final where she lost to Elena Rybakina in January.

WORDS: 121 - MOVED: 03/04/2026 9:35 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e4017ab740806d86902cfcb014120093&mediaType=text

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CAR--F1-CADILLAC-DEBUT SEASONS

As Cadillac makes its F1 debut, history shows new teams can win big or fail

SUMMARY: Cadillac might just be the best-prepared new team in Formula 1 history. The General Motors-backed team has racked up the virtual miles in detailed race simulations, including a full practice run-through of the entire Italian Grand Prix weekend in real time with around 50 staff in the United States and Britain. History is full of new teams which stood out for the right reasons like title-winner Brawn or became cautionary tales of how not to join F1.

WORDS: 584 - MOVED: 03/04/2026 8:31 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:195b240712cf36098d6afa14ee7aca12&mediaType=text

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CAR--F1-NEW RULES-WHAT TO KNOW

Engine tricks and energy harvesting: how F1 teams can exploit new rules to win in 2026

SUMMARY: A Formula 1 rules revolution is making cars lighter and smaller for 2026, with more electrical power. After the biggest changes in years, F1 teams are dealing with a whole new driving style and trying to find innovations that are within the letter of the rules. Here’s a guide to key concepts which could decide who wins, how they do it, and whether it’s fun to watch.

WORDS: 730 - MOVED: 03/04/2026 7:17 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c0c0d286afa61473389b096d7cc36be0&mediaType=text

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WRE--NCAA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIPS

Women’s college wrestling achieves major milestone with first NCAA championships set this weekend

SUMMARY: The Iowa City area is the epicenter of college wrestling and a fitting place to host the first NCAA women’s championships on Friday and Saturday. The tournament will be held in the suburb of Coralville at Xtream Arena. Women’s wrestling moved from emerging sport to championship status in January 2025. There are 111 NCAA programs across all divisions. Iowa is among just six in Division I and the only one from a power conference. The championships are open to programs in all three NCAA divisions. Division II McKendree is ranked No. 1 ahead of Iowa and Division III North Central.

WORDS: 715 - MOVED: 03/04/2026 6:00 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6ea1375684969c8771a0880a5a7763f8&mediaType=text

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BBI--WBC-OHTANI

Shohei Ohtani is the show again in Japan for the World Baseball Classic

SUMMARY: It’s officially named the World Baseball Classic. But for the Group C games in Japan, simply call it the world according to Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani’s life-size image is all over the Tokyo Dome, and racks of Ohtani jerseys — about $125 each — dominate the adjacent merchandise center. Japan begins play on Friday against Taiwan with South Korea, Australia and the Czech Republic also in the group. Japan is the defending champion and is expected to claim one of the two spots for the quarterfinals in the United States.

WORDS: 542 - MOVED: 03/04/2026 5:11 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:565443061663544b8a71fb30c82487c7&mediaType=text

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BKC--UCLA-CRONIN

Mick Cronin urges allowing schools to exceed the $20.5M revenue-sharing cap to retain players

SUMMARY: UCLA coach Mick Cronin warns the transfer portal is pushing college players to change schools too often and miss out on graduating. The men’s Division I portal opens April 7 for a short 15-day window. Cronin says the churn often leaves players without a degree or a resume. He wants schools to be able to exceed the new revenue-sharing cap so they can retain their players. Otherwise, Cronin says, players are bouncing from school to school and not graduating. He says the money they make on name, image and likeness deals isn’t enough to retire on. As a result, they’re often looking for jobs in the real world when they’re done playing basketball in college or overseas.

WORDS: 515 - MOVED: 03/04/2026 2:36 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:984d72a3585c88ff19cbc76539f1d8ee&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

—BBI--World Baseball Classic (roundup)

—BBI--WBC-Venezuela

—BBO--Declining Numbers

—FBN--NFL-Mock Draft