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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BKC--MARCH MADNESS
DESCRIPTION: Text coverage of the men’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament (times Eastern):
BKC--NCAA-Picking The Bracket -- Got your bracket ready? We have some tips. By Tim Reynolds. Text, photos. MOVED.
BKC--NCAA-One-Bid Wonders -- Players to watch from the teams you might not know much about. By Steve Megargee. Text, photos. MOVED.
BKC--NCAA-Ready For March -- The league tournaments are over, but the question is whether they will have a lingering impact in March Madness. Roughly half of all Final Four teams and NCAA champions since 1985 were coming off winning their league titles, and those runs have become even longer grinds with bigger conferences on the eve of the sport’s biggest event. By Aaron Beard. Text, photos by 3 p.m.
BKC--NCAA-Madness To Gladness -- There’s nothing quite like March Madness to remind people of what college sports is all about. Yes, the 2025-26 season contained its share of headlines about money, pro players returning to college and coaches behaving badly. But now, the payoff. A three-week, 68-team hoops celebration where anything from a Miami (Ohio) miracle to a dominating Duke performance could happen. At its best, the NCAA Tournament is a needed reminder about what’s right in a rapidly changing landscape. By Eddie Pells. Text, photos. MOVED.
BKC--NCAA-Yaxel’s Journey -- Yaxel Lendeborg said Kentucky offered him up to $9 million to play this season and he took roughly one-third less to suit up for Michigan, which has a shot to win the school’s first national title since 1989 with a point forward who has followed an improbable path. By Larry Lage. Text, photos by 4 p.m.
BKC--NCAA-VCU--All in the Family -- Philip and Jimmy Martelli spent their childhood fighting over Nintendo and games of one-on-one. Fast forward 25 years and they are side-by-side at VCU, leading the Rams to an Atlantic-10 title, just like their dad Phil Sr. did at Saint Joe’s three times growing up. By Will Graves. Text, photos by 3 p.m.
BKC--NCAA-Big East’s Best -- UConn spent the last month of the season in contention for a No. 1 seed in March Madness, while St. John’s lost only once after early January. The reward was being jammed into the same East Region bracket with Duke as the NCAA Tournament’s No. 1 overall seed. By Aaron Beard. Text, photos. MOVED.
BKC--NCAA-Consistent Cyclones -- All five of T.J. Otzelberger’s Iowa State teams have reached the NCAA Tournament and this one could be his best so far. By Eric Olson. Text, photos. MOVED.
BKC--NCAA-McCollum’s Next March -- Ben McCollum took Drake to the NCAA Tournament in his first season a year ago, making the jump from Division II more successfully than anyone could have imagined. Now, he’s taken Iowa back to the tourney in his first year with the Hawkeyes. By Dave Skretta. Text, photos. MOVED.
BKC--NCAA-West Region Firsts -- Kennesaw State is back in March Madness for the first time since they got there under the late coach Amir Abdur-Rahim. On Thursday, the No. 14 Owls play No. 3 Gonzaga The West Region also features the first NCAA Tournament berths for Texas, NC State and Villanova under new coaches. By John Marshall. Text, photos. MOVED.
BKC--NCAA-First Four-Vitale and Barkley -- Dick Vitale will call his first NCAA Tournament game Tuesday night when Texas takes on NC State in a First Four matchup in Dayton, Ohio. Charles Barkley will also call the game on truTV. The two teamed up to do a Indiana-Kentucky game earlier this season on ESPN. By Joe Reedy. Text, photos by 4 p.m.
BKC--NCAA-Flawed Florida -- Florida landed another No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but do the Gators have too many flaws to repeat as national champs? By Mark Long. Text, photos by 4 p.m.
UPCOMING: By 03/16/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text, DigitalPlans, Photo
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BKW--MARCH MADNESS
DESCRIPTION: Text coverage of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament (times Eastern):
BKW--NCAA-Picking The Bracket -- Got your bracket ready for the women’s tournament? We have some tips. By Tim Reynolds. Text, photos. MOVED.
BKW--NCAA-One-Bid Wonders -- Players to watch from the women’s teams you might not know much about. By Steve Megargee. Text, photos. MOVED.
BKW--NCAA-Texas Rising -- The Texas Longhorns are rolling into the women’s NCAA Tournament. With a standout backcourt of Madison Booker and Rori Harmon, emerging star Justice Carlton at forward and the momentum of a romp through the SEC tournament, the Longhorns can make a solid argument they are the team to beat this year. By Jim Vertuno. Text, photos. MOVED.
UPCOMING: By 03/16/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text, DigitalPlans, Photo
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BBO--FREE AGENTS TO WATCH
DESCRIPTION: Tarik Skubal has won back-to-back Cy Young Awards and will make $32 million this season after winning his salary arbitration hearing. Detroit’s ace left-hander could set more contract records for a pitcher when he can become an unrestricted free agent for the first time. Amid the backdrop of a potential lockout next offseason, Skubal, right-hander Freddy Peralta and second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. are among top potential free agents. By Baseball Writer Stephen Hawkins. 800 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 03/16/2026 2:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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CAR--NASCAR-JGR-GABEHART LAWSUIT
DESCRIPTION: Joe Gibbs Racing is back in federal court on Monday seeking a restraining order that prohibits former competition director Chris Gabehart from joining rival Spire Motorsport.
UPCOMING: By 03/16/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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HKN--CAPITALS-LIFE AFTER OVECHKIN
DESCRIPTION: Alex Ovechkin has not said whether this will be his last NHL season with the Washington Capitals, though he’s 40, unsigned and already broke the career goal-scoring record. The Capitals are preparing for either scenario. Trading 36-year-old franchise pillar John Carlson at the deadline was the latest case of moving on from the old core, and the Capitals have stockpiled assets to retool on the fly and not let Ovechkin’s departure, whenever it is, derail their chances of contending. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.
UPCOMING: By 03/16/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP
DESCRIPTION: Last-placed Wolverhampton needs a win away to Brentford in the Premier League with time running out to avoid relegation. 200 words, photos. Match starts at 4 p.m. EDT.
UPCOMING: By 03/16/2026 6:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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BBI--WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC
DESCRIPTION: Venezuela takes on Italy in the World Baseball Classic semifinals, with the winner advancing to Tuesday’s final against the United States. Game starts at 8 p.m. EDT.
UPCOMING: By 03/16/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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BBI--WBC-US-DOMINICAN FINAL PITCH
Dominican WBC loss ends on called strike that appeared low, a week before robot umps arrive in MLB
SUMMARY: A close called third strike ended the Dominican Republic’s rally attempt and sent the United States into the World Baseball Classic title game. The U.S. won 2-1 when plate umpire Cory Blaser called Geraldo Perdomo out on a full-count slider from Mason Miller that appeared to drop below the strike zone, stranding the potential tying run at third. Major League Baseball is launching the automated ball-strike challenge system on opening day next week after years of testing, allowing teams to challenge calls to the so-called robot umpire.
WORDS: 482 - MOVED: 03/16/2026 1:40 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:094f1894dc59d09af8e7918ca3332956&mediaType=text
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MMA--ROUSEY-CARANO-NATE DIAZ
Nate Diaz is returning to MMA for a bout with Mike Perry on the Rousey-Carano undercard
SUMMARY: Nate Diaz will return to mixed martial arts for the first time in nearly four years when he fights fellow brawler Mike Perry on the undercard of Ronda Rousey’s meeting with Gina Carano. Diaz hasn’t fought in a cage since September 2022, when he choked out Tony Ferguson in his final fight for the UFC. Diaz is best known for splitting two memorable fights against Conor McGregor a decade ago in a rivalry that exponentially boosted both fighters’ star power. Both Diaz and Perry have lost boxing matches to Jake Paul, the YouTuber who is promoting the Rousey-Carano card.
WORDS: 356 - MOVED: 03/16/2026 1:35 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:12bc9eb0222709ae8ef63400672574f6&mediaType=text
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FBN--JETS-CHIEFS-TRADE
Jets agree to trade quarterback Justin Fields to Chiefs to serve as Mahomes’ backup, AP source says
SUMMARY: The New York Jets have agreed to a trade that will send quarterback Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs, a person familiar with the deal has told The Associated Press. The Jets will receive a sixth-round draft pick in 2027 for Fields and pick up $7 million of his guaranteed $10 million salary for this upcoming season, the person told the AP on condition of anonymity because the teams didn’t announce the trade. The deal, first reported by ESPN, is pending a physical. The 27-year-old Fields signed a two-year, $40 million deal with New York last March. Fields was benched in favor of Tyrod Taylor in November.
WORDS: 550 - MOVED: 03/16/2026 12:23 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3621e4e1a07972f76a4e4b8b4535be8e&mediaType=text
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BKN--NBA-EXPANSION
NBA owners will work on expansion again next week with Vegas and Seattle the targets, AP sources say
SUMMARY: The NBA may move a step closer to adding teams in Seattle and Las Vegas next week when expansion will be again discussed by the league’s board of governors, two people with knowledge of the matter tell The Associated Press. It is expected that a vote on whether to go forward with those two cities as the sole targets for expansion at this time takes place next week as well, the people said. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because those were not released publicly. It would take a three-fourths majority of governors to go forward.
WORDS: 488 - MOVED: 03/16/2026 12:04 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e9a697d07529303653e59d3bac490b1d&mediaType=text
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BKW--NCAA-PICKING THE BRACKET
Picking the NCAA women’s bracket: UConn beats Texas for another national championship
SUMMARY: UConn looks like the safest pick to win the women’s NCAA tournament, but the real key in bracket pools is nailing early upsets. Brackets start to match by the second weekend, since lower seeds rarely reach the Sweet 16. For those looking to find some dangerous No. 11 seeds: Fairfield faces Notre Dame, Rhode Island plays Alabama, and South Dakota State meets Washington. But in the end, it’s hard to not think the No. 1 seeds get to the Final Four.
WORDS: 805 - MOVED: 03/16/2026 11:01 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2a7e31ffc8e3888a0d090e7079e1da7d&mediaType=text
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BKC--NCAA-PICKING THE BRACKET
Picking the NCAA men’s bracket: Michigan beats Duke for the national championship
SUMMARY: There was a time when the NCAA men’s tournament was wildly unpredictable. Hard as it may seem to believe, there was one season where a No. 4 seed, two No. 5 seeds and a No. 9 seed all reached the Final Four. And a year later, a No. 11 seed got to the national semifinals as well. Ah, 2023 and 2024 feel so long ago. Last year’s tournament saw four No. 1 seeds get to the Final Four and the way this bracket looks, it’s not hard to envision the same thing happening this year. That’s good news for Michigan, Duke, Florida and Arizona.
WORDS: 789 - MOVED: 03/16/2026 10:50 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b0e10983eb9b0926a1979b92e47774b8&mediaType=text
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BBI--WBC-GAME FOR THE AGES
Aaron Judge hails World Baseball Classic crowds as ‘bigger and better than the World Series’
SUMMARY: Aaron Judge says the World Baseball Classic has become baseball’s biggest stage. Speaking after the U.S. beat the Dominican Republic 2-1 in semifinal, Judge said as the crowd’s atmosphere: “It’s bigger and better than the World Series.” Junior Caminero’s second-inning homer off winner Paul Skenes put the Dominicans ahead but the U.S. rebounded on fourth-inning drives by Gunnar Henderson off Luis Severino and Roman Anthony against loser Gregory Soto. U.S. relievers pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings in a game that ended with a controversial called third strike to Geraldo Perdomo from Mason Miller on a slider that appeared to be low.
WORDS: 760 - MOVED: 03/16/2026 10:26 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:522c2d881f9834a5fc98e4dcd29359ea&mediaType=text
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SOC-WOMEN’S-ASIA-CUP-IRAN-EXIT
Iranian women’s team leaves Malaysia for Oman after asylum reversal
SUMMARY: Iran’s women’s soccer team has left Malaysia for Oman after five of the seven squad members who sparked a diplomatic furor by seeking asylum in Australia reversed their decisions and rejoined the team in Kuala Lumpur. On Monday night, the team flew out from the Malaysian capital after hours of quiet waiting at the airport. Officials gave no reasons for why the players changed their minds. Two players remain in Australia in an undisclosed safe location. The Asian Football Confederation said the Iranian embassy arranged the trip and that the Asian Football Confederation and FIFA plan regular welfare check-ins.
WORDS: 905 - MOVED: 03/16/2026 9:50 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bfa42b14841ed4e27490e2664c2d5e69&mediaType=text
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HKW--PWHL-POST-OLYMPIC SURGE
The PWHL is riding a post-Olympic boost in ticket sales and marketing opportunities
SUMMARY: The Professional Women’s Hockey League is enjoying a major post-Olympic boost that’s no better reflected than with the New York Sirens. A team that’s struggled to attract attention over its first two-plus seasons broke a home attendance record with a turnout of 8,264 at its recent game against Ottawa. The signs of a women’s hockey surge are everywhere since Team USA’s 2-1 overtime win over Canada at the Milan Cortina Games. The PWHL is seeing an uptick in fans and ticket sales in each of its eight markets. The league also landed a deal with Scripps Sports to broadcast its first game to a national U.S. TV audience.
WORDS: 806 - MOVED: 03/16/2026 9:48 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1d91818ed2f38ab1fede0cfef79c9ca2&mediaType=text
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BKC--NCAA-MADNESS TO GLADNESS
March Madness gives fans a celebration to relieve all the consternation in college sports
WORDS: 1116 - MOVED: 03/16/2026 7:10 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9cc5fc64dbd4330314e74a86986d4d87&mediaType=text
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CAR--NASCAR-IN THE PITS
Denny Hamlin shakes off Phoenix heartbreak with a Las Vegas win alongside Chris Gayle
SUMMARY: Denny Hamlin showed he and crew chief Chris Gayle have moved on from a crushing title loss. Hamlin raced to his first victory of the season Sunday at Las Vegas. It was the 61st of his career, and came five races after Hamlin and Gayle lost the Cup Series title last November at Phoenix — a defeat the pair still has not talked through. Hamlin says he supported Gayle’s strategy decision in the moment. Gayle says he spent days replaying the decision but the duo have moved on.
WORDS: 902 - MOVED: 03/16/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6526c49bda2c40de639adac179254cd6&mediaType=text
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BKL--WNBA-CBA
WNBA commissioner says progress made in collective bargaining talks after another marathon session
SUMMARY: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert says progress is being made towards getting a new collective bargaining agreement done. The two sides met for another marathon negotiating session that started Sunday afternoon and ended around 3 a.m. Monday morning. The two sides will get together again later Monday for a seventh consecutive day of talks. It’s been a long week of discussions with the WNBA and union meeting face-to-face for more than 72 hours since the first in-person bargaining session Tuesday.
WORDS: 866 - MOVED: 03/16/2026 4:02 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:34c0e109c6f87b6e0d29a59311873180&mediaType=text
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MOVING TOMORROW
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BKC--AP All-AMERICA TEAMS
The Associated Press announces its men’s college basketball All-America teams at 1 p.m. Eastern.
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BBI--WBC-VENEZUELA-US
Venezuela takes on Italy in the World Baseball Classic semifinals, with the winner advancing to Tuesday’s final against the United States. Game starts at 8 p.m. EDT.
