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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BBO--SALARIES

DESCRIPTION: A study by The Associated Press looks at the salaries of players on opening-day Major League Baseball rosters and the payrolls of the 30 teams. By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum. 725 words, photos, interactive, 9 a.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 04/09/2026 9:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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BKN--NBA-PLAYOFF CHASE-GUIDE

DESCRIPTION: A daily look at the NBA’s playoff chase.

UPCOMING: By 04/09/2026 10:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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BOX-MANNY PACQUIAO

DESCRIPTION: Manny Pacquiao discusses his planned rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. while addressing questions around the bout and his team’s position on the agreement. He also outlines his growing business ventures including purchasing a new boxing gym once owned by Mayweather and broader expansion plans. By Entertainment Writer Jonathan Landrum Jr. UPCOMING: 870 words. AP Photos. AP Video.

UPCOMING: By 04/09/2026 10:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Video, Text

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HKN--HOCKEY DENTISTRY

DESCRIPTION: Jack Hughes scoring the Olympic gold-medal-winning goal in overtime for the U.S. in Milan after getting his front teeth knocked out earlier in the game made his gap-toothed smile the perfect picture for a hockey player. It also underscored the importance of hockey dentists and the work they do behind the scenes. The specialty responsibilities of dentists in-game include on-site root canals, sutures and more. Dentists mean so much in a sport where sticks, pucks and everything else to the mouth cause damage for players who don’t want it to keep them off the ice. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/09/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN-NFL DRAFT-REESE’S SPOT

DESCRIPTION: COLUMBUS, Ohio - Arvell Reese could be the first defensive player off the board when the NFL Draft takes place in two weeks. Where the Ohio State standout fits best though depends on the team. Some see him as an off ball linebacker while others see him as possibly being a premier pass rusher. By Joe Reedy. 700 words, file photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/09/2026 12:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--NFL-DRAFT-NIL

DESCRIPTION: NIL deals have allowed NFL teams to gain insight on how a young player will react to having money before getting a big contract. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi

UPCOMING: By 04/09/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--KRAKEN-LEIWEKE

DESCRIPTION: SEATTLE -- The Seattle Kraken parted ways with their first general manager in Ron Francis, who served as the president of hockey operations for the 2025-26 season. The franchise’s fifth year of existence has been a flop, though, particularly down the stretch as the Kraken have lost 10 of their last 11 games, including eight of those in regulation. Soon, Seattle will learn how the Kraken intend to right the ship of a struggling expansion franchise. By Andrew Destin. 750 words. Photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/09/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKO--MARCH MADNESS PAYOUTS

DESCRIPTION: The Big Ten amassed nearly $70 million in revenue from NCAA distributions awarded for team appearances and performances in the 2026 men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, by far the most among conferences. By Eric Olson. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/09/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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GLF--MASTERS

DESCRIPTION: GLF--Masters AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy is back at the Masters, this time not as someone trying to chase the career Grand Slam but as the defending champion. Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler will be going for his third green jacket as the first round begins at Augusta National. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Text, photos updated throughout the day. GLF--Masters Guide AUGUSTA, Ga. — Prime Video will make its foray into covering the 90th Masters on Thursday by exclusively livestreaming the first two hours of the first two rounds at Augusta National. Text, photos. Additional sidebars on merits.

UPCOMING: By 04/09/2026 6:02 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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SOC--EUROPEAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: The quarterfinals of the Europa and Conference Leagues, 1st leg.

UPCOMING: By 04/09/2026 5:15 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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HKN--WILD-STARS

DESCRIPTION: The Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild will meet in the first round of the NHL playoffs. Both have four games left in the regular season, including a head-to-head matchup Thursday that will help determine who gets home-ice advantage in their upcoming postseason series. The Wild have won four games in a row to pull within two points of Dallas. By Stephen Hawkins. 300 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/09/2026 9:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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HKN--OILERS-SHARKS

Connor McDavid’s hat trick leads the Oilers to a 5-2 win over the Sharks

SUMMARY: Connor McDavid scored his 15th career hat trick and finished with five points, leading the Edmonton Oilers to a 5-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks that moved them into sole possession of first place in the Pacific Division. McDavid controlled the game almost from the start, scoring on a power play in the first period and then twice in the second to make it 5-2. He also assisted on power-play goals by Vasily Podkolzin and Jack Roslovic to extend his NHL-leading point total to 133. Macklin Celebrini scored his 42nd goal for San Jose.

WORDS: 343 - MOVED: 04/09/2026 12:37 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ba53913ab1bcad6cb51b03f96ef10050&mediaType=text

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BBO--OBIT-LOPES

Dodgers great Davey Lopes, an infield fixture and record-setting base stealer, dies at 80

SUMMARY: Davey Lopes, a longtime Los Angeles Dodgers infielder and premier base stealer, has died. He was 80. The Dodgers say they learned of his death on Wednesday from his former wife, Lin Lopes. Lopes was a four-time All-Star during his 10 years with the Dodgers, playing in four World Series and winning the 1981 championship. He holds the franchise record for most games played at second base and was known for his base-stealing prowess, with 418 steals for the Dodgers. After his playing career, Lopes managed the Milwaukee Brewers and coached for several teams, winning another World Series with the Phillies.

WORDS: 550 - MOVED: 04/08/2026 11:32 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4d3ee219835819e7d9d227d79c86e822&mediaType=text

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US--NCAA-ELIGIBILITY

NCAA committee to discuss streamlined, age-based eligibility rules, AP sources say

SUMMARY: The Associated Press has learned an NCAA panel is scheduled to discuss potential changes to eligibility rules that would incorporate age into the process. Two people with knowledge of the situation told AP the proposal would give athletes five years of eligibility with the clock starting at the earliest of two dates: either when they turn 19 or graduate high school. The people did not want their names used because the NCAA hasn’t publicly discussed the proposal.

WORDS: 271 - MOVED: 04/08/2026 8:08 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9a3ea80d149e60a79aef026b80f5748b&mediaType=text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-BARCELONA-ATLETICO

Atletico wins 2-0 at 10-man Barcelona in 1st leg of Champions League quarterfinal

SUMMARY: Atletico Madrid scored twice after Barcelona was reduced to 10 men to earn a valuable 2-0 road win and take the advantage in their Champions League quarterfinal. Barcelona lost defender Pau Cubarsí to a direct red card just before halftime on Wednesday when he fouled Giuliano Simeone with only the goalkeeper to beat. Julián Álvarez curled home the resulting free kick for a 1-0 lead. Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford tried to rally the hosts in the second half. But that fightback effort was sunk when substitute striker Alexander Sorloth scored Atletico’s second in the 70th. The second leg is on Tuesday in Madrid.

WORDS: 879 - MOVED: 04/08/2026 6:27 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ed85b4c4e38c6f48c2e923236eb720dd&mediaType=text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-PSG-LIVERPOOL

Kvaratskhelia scores again as PSG beats Liverpool 2-0 in Champions League quarterfinal 1st leg

SUMMARY: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia adds another solo goal to his collection as defending champion Paris Saint-Germain beats Liverpool 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal. The Georgia star cut in from the left flank midway through the second half and, with typically quick feet, skipped past and a defender and the goalkeeper before stroking in his team-leading eighth goal of the competition. Désiré Doué put PSG ahead in the 11th minute with a deflected effort. Ousmane Dembélé spurned three chances at Parc des Princes. Last season in the round of 16 PSG advanced on penalties after losing 1-0 at home and winning 1-0 away.

WORDS: 660 - MOVED: 04/08/2026 6:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f1652ffd4f0761b665d8d0d124add839&mediaType=text

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BBO--ANGELS-BRAVES SUSPENSIONS

Angels’ Jorge Soler and Braves’ Reynaldo López receive suspensions following brawl

SUMMARY: Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Jorge Soler and Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo López each received seven-game suspensions from Major League Baseball on Wednesday after they were ejected following their participation in a brawl. Michael Hill, MLB’s senior vice president for on-field operations, also announced the players received undisclosed fines. The suspensions were scheduled to begin with Wednesday’s game but will be on hold as each player is appealing. MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association reached an agreement to have López’s suspension reduced to five games, effective immediately.

WORDS: 494 - MOVED: 04/08/2026 5:42 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:44fd5165f1cfab921499149dc0b51262&mediaType=text

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GLF--MASTERS-NOTEBOOK

8-year-old Frankie Fleetwood steals the show during Par 3 Contest on the eve of the Masters

SUMMARY: Tommy Fleetwood’s 8-year-old son Frankie nearly stole the show at Augusta National on Wednesday. The youngster went viral last year when he lamented his failure to clear Ike’s Pond on the ninth hole of the Par 3 Contest. All eyes were on him as Frankie tried twice, nearly making it both times but watching his ball splash in the pond instead. Tommy Fleetwood, meanwhile, had one of the four aces during the Par 3 Contest. Aaron Rai won it at 6 under, though nobody has won the event and gone on to win the Masters.

WORDS: 893 - MOVED: 04/08/2026 5:16 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:89f597f7d988809f67100f8f16474b05&mediaType=text

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BBO--PIRATES-GRIFFIN

Pirates sign teenage shortstop Konnor Griffin to a 9-year deal worth at least $140 million

SUMMARY: Konnor Griffin has signed a nine-year, $140 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. This deal with the 19-year-old shortstop is the largest in club history. The announcement comes after Griffin made his big league debut. The contract includes escalators that could increase its value to $150 million. Owner Bob Nutting says the deal is a “meaningful commitment” by the team to a player who’s expected to play a significant role in the club’s long-term future. Griffin agreed to the deal hours after producing the first multihit game of his young career in a 7-1 victory over San Diego that gave the Pirates their sixth win in seven games.

WORDS: 652 - MOVED: 04/08/2026 5:11 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e31a7c4d4b8a5374c23e79d65926770c&mediaType=text

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HKN--CAPITALS-OVECHKIN

Alex Ovechkin says he’s waiting until after the season to decide his hockey future

SUMMARY: Alex Ovechkin says he is waiting until after the Washington Capitals’ season is over to decide whether he’s calling it a career or returning to play one more year. The NHL’s career goal-scoring leader announced his intentions in a clip of a pretaped interview that aired Wednesday. The 40-year-old Ovechkin has been peppered with questions for several months about whether he’ll retire or play a 22nd season in the league. Washington will have just three games left after playing at Toronto on Wednesday night and faces an uphill climb to make the playoffs.

WORDS: 551 - MOVED: 04/08/2026 5:06 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a8d606f78487806efab50b3d36e5573b&mediaType=text

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BBO--ROYALS-GUARDIANS

Angel Martinez hits a grand slam as part of a career-best game and Guardians rout Royals 10-2

SUMMARY: Angel Martinez belted a grand slam and had a career-high four hits, and rookie Chase DeLauter delivered a two-run double to lift the Cleveland Guardians to a 10-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Martinez launched a 374-foot shot to right off Steven Cruz in the eighth inning, when the Guardians scored five times to blow open what was a 5-2 game. Rhys Hoskins had a career-best three doubles as Cleveland tied its season high with 16 hits. Guardians starter Joey Cantillo got his first win of the season. He struck out nine over 5 2/3 innings.

WORDS: 340 - MOVED: 04/08/2026 4:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:95bd91e867a1a871e376188387e54c0f&mediaType=text

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GLF--MASTERS-FLOWERS

Masters in bloom: More than azaleas and dogwood make up golf’s most beautiful garden

SUMMARY: Everyone knows about the azaleas and dogwoods at Augusta National during the Masters. Getting far less attention is Redbud and Pampas and Nandina. They’re among the 350 or so species of flowering plants and trees that make Augusta a golf landscape unlike any other. The land used to be Fruitland Nurseries that date to 1858 and imported plants from around the world. Bobby Jones found it to be the perfect place for his golf course. Each hole is named after a plant or tree, and that species can be found on the hole. Players struggle to name them all.

WORDS: 928 - MOVED: 04/08/2026 4:08 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:530c86de401e1dec5d19de6730961fab&mediaType=text

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BKL--BIRD-WNBA-NBC

Sue Bird to serve as an NBC studio analyst for WNBA broadcasts this season

SUMMARY: Hall of Famer Sue Bird watched the WNBA on NBC growing up. Now she’ll be part of the WNBA broadcasts on the network for this upcoming season. The four-time WNBA champion will be a studio analyst and host a series of feature stories throughout the league’s 30th season which begins on May 8. The NBC broadcasts will also feature “Roundball Rock” — John Tesh’s iconic theme song that was the soundtrack of the network’s coverage of the NBA from 1990 until 2002. NBC brought the song back this year when it took over broadcasting the NBA again.

WORDS: 529 - MOVED: 04/08/2026 3:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3fa088c7eb73d51d85e07748d5df5952&mediaType=text

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GLF--MASTERS-SCHEFFLER

Golf has been secondary for Scottie Scheffler of late. It’s hard to know what to expect at Masters

SUMMARY: Scottie Scheffler has two kids and two Masters titles. He’s the favorite in this week’s tournament, as he tends to be for all majors these days. But his family life has been more exciting than his golf recently. His son Bennett turns 2 next month, and Remy was born less than two weeks ago. It was hard to tell which of the kids was more of a hit at Wednesday’s family friendly Par 3 Contest at Augusta National. Remy was carried by Meredith in a baby wrap, and Bennett knocked the ball around with a blue toy club.

WORDS: 773 - MOVED: 04/08/2026 3:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4bec0577797efd4563047c57381d0428&mediaType=text

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BKN--SPURS-INJURIES

Spurs rule out Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle for game against Trail Blazers

SUMMARY: Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle have been ruled out for the San Antonio Spurs’ game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Spurs announced Wembanyama is out of the Wednesday night game after suffering a rib contusion on Monday and Castle is out with right knee soreness. Wembanyama needs to play at least 20 minutes in one more game to reach the league-required minimum of 65 games for award eligibility. The Spurs have three games left in the regular season. They have clinched the Southwest Division title and are assured of finishing no worse than second in the Western Conference.

WORDS: 248 - MOVED: 04/08/2026 2:12 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5b3d5f0d16e72ab3108c07f5e217abba&mediaType=text

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