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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BKW--MARCH MADNESS

DESCRIPTION: Text coverage of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.

BKW--NCAA-Sacramento Preview --— UCLA and LSU will face familiar opponents when the top two seeds in the Sacramento 2 Regional try to advance to the Elite Eight. The Bruins will play Big Ten opponent Minnesota and the Tigers will go up against Duke in a ACC-SEC Challenge rematch. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg. Text, photos.

BKW--NCAA-Fort Worth Preview -- Defending national champion and No. 1 seed UConn plays in its 32nd consecutive NCAA Sweet 16. The Huskies take on North Carolina, which hasn’t gone past that round since 2014. Two of the nation’s top three scorers will be featured when second-seeded Vanderbilt takes on Notre Dame. By Stephen Hawkins. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 03/26/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo, DigitalPlans

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BKC--NCAA-EAST PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: The Sweet 16 in Washington is a collection of accomplished programs and legendary coaches. Duke, St. John’s, Michigan State and UConn take the court Friday night, with plenty of history they’ll try to add to. By Noah Trister. UPCOMING: 800 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 03/26/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--NFL-MOCK DRAFT

DESCRIPTION: The second edition of the AP’s 2026 mock draft is released. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.

UPCOMING: By 03/26/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--ALABAMA-SIMPSON

DESCRIPTION: TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Quarterback Ty Simpson felt like he made a final impression at Alabama’s pro day in front of NFL scouts.

UPCOMING: By 03/26/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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CAR--F1-JAPANESE GP

DESCRIPTION: Formula drivers speak with the media before the Japanese Grand Prix.

UPCOMING: By 03/26/2026 7:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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SOC--WCUP-EUROPE-PLAYOFFS

DESCRIPTION: Roundup of the semifinal matches in the European playoffs for the World Cup.

UPCOMING: By 03/26/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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CAR--NASCAR-JGR-GABEHART LAWSUIT

DESCRIPTION: Joe Gibbs Racing is back in federal court seeking a restraining order that prohibits former competition director Chris Gabehart from joining rival Spire Motorsport. Court session begins at 9 a.m.

UPCOMING: By 03/26/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--PIRATES-METS

DESCRIPTION: Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes pitches against Juan Soto, Bo Bichette and a revamped New York Mets lineup in a nationally televised opener at Citi Field. Freddy Peralta makes his Mets debut on the mound after the two-time All-Star was acquired from Milwaukee in a January trade. By Baseball Writer Mike Fitzpatrick. 300 words, with photos.

UPCOMING: By 03/26/2026 4:15 p.m. EDT, Text

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BOX--FUNDORA-THURMAN PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: WBC super welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora takes on former unified champion Keith Thurman.

UPCOMING: By 03/26/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKN--ROCKETS-TIMBERWOLVES

Wolves surge past Rockets in overtime 110-108 on game-closing 15-0 run capped by Randle’s winner

SUMMARY: Julius Randle hit the go-ahead jumper with 8.8 seconds left in overtime to cap a game-closing 15-0 run by the Minnesota Timberwolves for a 110-108 victory over the Houston Rockets. Minnesota overcame a 13-point deficit in overtime, the biggest comeback since detailed play-by-play throughout the game began in 1997. Randle was called for a foul on Kevin Durant’s drive with 3.3 seconds remaining. Durant missed his first free throw and the second one intentionally to try to try to keep possession. The Rockets never got a final shot. Durant and Alperen Sengun each scored 30 points and led a 12-0 run late in regulation.

WORDS: 370 - MOVED: 03/26/2026 1:03 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:882f2ed80660c9b6b4b6284aa9616708&mediaType=text

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BBO--ROBOT UMPIRES ARRIVE

Yankees’ José Caballero loses first robot challenge of ball/strike call

SUMMARY: The Yankees’ José Caballero lost the first challenge taken to Major League Baseball’s so-called robot umpire, unsuccessfully appealing a strike by San Francisco Giants right-hander Logan Webb in the season opener won 7-0 by New York. Webb started the fourth inning with a 90.7 mph sinker on the upper, inner corner that was called a strike by Bill Miller. Caballero tapped his helmet, and the 12 Hawk-Eye cameras of the Automated Ball-Strike System upheld Miller’s decision in a graphic shown on the Oracle Park scoreboard.

WORDS: 561 - MOVED: 03/25/2026 11:58 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:594bce3275cf504a76d30b79c776c071&mediaType=text

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BBO--YANKEES-GIANTS

Judge goes hitless on opening day for first time, Yankees top Giants 7-0 as robot umpire debuts

SUMMARY: Aaron Judge went hitless on opening day for the first time and struck out four times for the first time since September 2024, but the New York Yankees still produced plenty of offense and beat San Francisco 7-0 in the debut of Giants manager Tony Vitello as the major league season began. José Caballero drove in the go-ahead run with an RBI single in a five-run second and also lost the first challenge taken to Major League Baseball’s so-called robot umpire, unsuccessfully appealing a strike by Logan Webb in the fourth. Max Fried allowed two hits in 6 1/3 scoreless innings.

WORDS: 385 - MOVED: 03/25/2026 11:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b992f2d38c402d4a1416e73ebd0abf18&mediaType=text

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BKN--THUNDER-CELTICS

Brown scores 31 as Celtics rally to beat Thunder 119-109, snapping OKC’s 12-game win streak

SUMMARY: Jaylen Brown scored 14 of his 31 points a pivotal third quarter and the Boston Celtics rallied to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-109, snapping the defending champions’ 12-game win streak. Jayson Tatum recovered from back-to-back rocky performances to add 19 points and 12 rebounds while also contributing seven assists as Boston earned a split in the two regular-season matchups between the past two NBA champs. Brown added eight rebounds and eight assists. Boston’s edge grew as high as 14 in the final period. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points and eight assists. But Oklahoma City was outscored by the Celtics 19-2 in second-chance points and shot just 12 of 37 from the 3-point line.

WORDS: 368 - MOVED: 03/25/2026 10:12 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f87f4e7dac329eaeebeab557177106ac&mediaType=text

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BKN--PACERS-CLARK-PHOTOGRAPHER

Caitlin Clark works as a photographer for the Indiana Pacers as they host LeBron and the Lakers

SUMMARY: Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was taking a different kind of shot while the Indiana Pacers hosted LeBron James, Luka Doncic the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. Clark was credentialed by the Pacers as a photographer and snapped pictures along the baseline. She was presented with a folding seat with her personal logo before the game. Clark is entering her third season with the Fever. After missing most of last season because of injuries, she returned to action earlier this month in the FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament, helping the United States go 5-0.

WORDS: 133 - MOVED: 03/25/2026 9:27 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e59a4162200272166a420c17de3228c6&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA-EXPANSION-REACTION

‘It would be fun’: NBA players, coaches seem excited about expansion possibilities

SUMMARY: The NBA is moving closer to expansion, with Seattle and Las Vegas as the main target cities, and people around the league support it. The league voted Wednesday to begin a formal exploration process. Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra says he likes the idea, even though he grew up rooting against Seattle as a Portland native. Spoelstra says “it’s a city that can really rally around their team.” It’s not a guarantee that expansion will happen, and the earliest possible season for a new team, or teams, to be added is likely 2028-29.

WORDS: 655 - MOVED: 03/25/2026 8:43 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4d2a510b09b27b8a2b0d410df812fdc8&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA EXPANSION DRAFT

WNBA sets April 3 expansion draft for new teams in Portland and Toronto

SUMMARY: The WNBA will hold an expansion draft for its new franchises in Portland and Toronto on April 3. A coin toss will be held Friday, with the winning franchise getting to choose either the first pick in the expansion draft or the No. 6 pick in the college draft on April 13. Whichever team doesn’t get the sixth pick in the college draft will choose seventh. The rules for the expansion draft were announced a day after the league’s Board of Governors ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. The expansion teams will choose among players left unprotected by their current clubs.

WORDS: 327 - MOVED: 03/25/2026 7:02 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:831dbf01db3598f4b0e4a8fa66c1eabf&mediaType=text

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SOC--WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP

Barcelona routs Real Madrid 6-2 in quarterfinals of Women’s Champions League, Bayern beats United

SUMMARY: Barcelona moved closer to a record-extending eighth consecutive semifinal in the Women’s Champions League with a 6-2 rout of rival Real Madrid in the first leg of the quarterfinals. Ewa Pajor scored twice, and Esmee Brugts, Irene Paredes, Vicky López and Alexia Putellas added a goal each to take the Catalan club a step closer to the last four. Linda Caicedo scored a goal in each half for Madrid, which will need a big comeback in Barcelona next week to make it to its first semifinal. Manchester United made its last-eight debut with a 3-2 loss to Bayern Munich at Old Trafford.

WORDS: 577 - MOVED: 03/25/2026 6:03 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:42c13ab4384f7b06f10e4549e85210d3&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL OPENING WEEK

NFL will open 2026 season on a Wednesday for 2nd time ever with the champion Seahawks as host

SUMMARY: The NFL will open the season on a Wednesday for the second time ever with the defending champion Seattle Seahawks set to host the first game of the 2026 season. The NFL announced the Seahawks will play the opener on Sept. 9, a day earlier than usual with the league also having a Week 1 game in Australia between San Francisco and the Los Angeles Rams. The only other time the opener was played on a Wednesday came in 2012 when Dallas visited the New York Giants. President Barack Obama spoke on that Thursday at the Democratic National Convention.

WORDS: 344 - MOVED: 03/25/2026 5:31 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4dae9178b122b4d407b86f47d3566adf&mediaType=text

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BKO--NCAA-PERFECT BRACKET

March Madness: An eighth grader from Pittsburgh is all alone with a perfect women’s NCAA bracket

SUMMARY: The only person left out of millions who entered men’s and women’s NCAA tournament brackets in ESPN’s competition is an eighth-grader from suburban Pittsburgh. His name is Otto Schellhammer, and you can bet the 14-year-old is enjoying his one shining moment. He is 48-0 through the first weekend of the women’s tournament, and he’ll try to push it to 56-0 when the Sweet 16 takes place on Friday and Saturday. The record for ESPN’s competition is 57-0. The exact odds of a perfect bracket are steep: Most mathematicians put the number at around 1 in 28 billion.

WORDS: 896 - MOVED: 03/25/2026 5:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f45ee69a8213108c5876987400949cfe&mediaType=text

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CRI--IPL-TAKEOVERS

American investors bet big on Indian cricket with two separate billion-dollar deals for IPL teams

SUMMARY: American investors are making a big move into Indian cricket, with two separate billion-dollar deals made on the same day for teams in the country’s most popular sports league. No team in the Indian Premier League had ever sold for more than $1 billion until a consortium backed by U.S. businessmen Kal Somani and Rob Walton agreed to buy the Rajasthan Royals in a deal valued at $1.63 billion. That record only lasted hours, though, as an even bigger deal was announced the same day for reigning champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru. That team was bought for $1.78 billion by another consortium that includes U.S. billionaire David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures and American asset manager Blackstone.

WORDS: 955 - MOVED: 03/25/2026 3:48 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:34500a7918876c0e6c0bb9f7a4de45e0&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA-EXPANSION

Vegas and Seattle a step closer to getting NBA teams. League’s owners approve expansion exploration

SUMMARY: The NBA has finally decided to consider expanding past its current 30-team footprint, with the league’s owners voting Wednesday to start exploring the process of adding franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle. It was not a surprise move; expansion has been a consideration for years, and it’s been clear for some time that those two cities are the ones that are now a significant step closer toward joining the league. Las Vegas has been clamoring for an NBA team since at least the late 1990s, if not even longer. And Seattle has been waiting for the SuperSonics to return for nearly two decades.

WORDS: 1060 - MOVED: 03/25/2026 3:43 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:24efe0c2e9957a67302a4c0cb2af972c&mediaType=text

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BBO--OPENING DAY-ABS

Ex-ump Richie Garcia worries current umps will be embarrassed when robots overturn ball/strike calls

SUMMARY: Robot-assisted strike calls are entering Major League Baseball games. MLB introduced the Automated Ball-Strike System for regular-season use in the New York Yankees’ opener at San Francisco. Teams can challenge two ball/strike calls per game and they keep a challenge if they win it. Retired umpire Richie Garcia says MLB is showing that it doesn’t trust umpires. Retired umps Ted Barrett and Sam Holbrook say tech helps fix obvious misses. Umpires still call most pitches, and their accuracy climbed to nearly 93% in 2025. ABS uses a different strike-zone definition than the rule book.

WORDS: 962 - MOVED: 03/25/2026 3:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3965089a2e4849e46f7899cab21550dd&mediaType=text

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US-TRUMP-EDUCATION-TRANSGENDER-ATHLETES

The clock is ticking for San Jose State to change its policy on a transgender athlete

SUMMARY: The Trump administration has given San Jose State University 10 days to change its policy on transgender athletes or face legal action and possibly lose federal funding. The U.S. Education Department gave the school the ultimatum in a letter on Tuesday. The department found that San Jose State violated Title IX by letting a transgender athlete play on the women’s volleyball team. Assistant Secretary Kimberly Richey says the department offered options to resolve the violations, including separating athletes by the administration’s definitions of male and female. The California State University system and San Jose State say Title IX prohibit discrimination against transgender individuals.

WORDS: 300 - MOVED: 03/25/2026 2:28 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0f4728277bb244a73bef60a1648bc36f&mediaType=text

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BKW--NCAA-MARKETING FUDD

Azzi Fudd’s March Madness takeover appearing in commercials and social media spots

SUMMARY: UConn star Azzi Fudd has become one of the most visible faces in women’s college basketball, thanks to a wave of TV ads and social media deals. Fudd appears in ads for brands like Planet Fitness, Marriott Bonvoy and Geico. A sports marketing expert says companies now know how to use college athletes in real time. Fudd links her Planet Fitness partnership to injury recovery. She says her mom taught her to prioritize recovery early.

WORDS: 685 - MOVED: 03/25/2026 2:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e2d9aa08aa0e8a51f0ef8adefcd67b4b&mediaType=text

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