AP Sports Digest

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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SOC--WCUP-EXPANSION EFFECT

DESCRIPTION: A supersized World Cup with more teams, more matches and even more host nations than ever before leaves a burning question hanging over the biggest sporting show on earth. How much is too much? By James Robson. 800 words. With photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/21/2026 4:05 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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HKN--NHL PLAYOFFS COVERAGE

HKN--GOLDEN KNIGHTS-COGHLAN’S BIG NIGHT

DESCRIPTION: DENVER — Western Conference Final loaded with offensive firepower was ignited by the unlikeliest of sparkplugs. Dylan Coghlan’s wrist shot under Scott Wedgewood’s legs ended a scoreless deadlock and helped the Vegas Golden Knights steal home ice from the top-seeded Colorado Avalanche with a 4-2 statement win Wednesday night at Ball Arena. By Arnie Stapleton. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/21/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

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HKN--CANADIENS-HURRICANES

DESCRIPTION: The Carolina Hurricanes host the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final. By Aaron Beard. 500 words, photos. Game starts at 8 p.m. EDT

UPCOMING: By 05/21/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

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SOC--WCUP-VANCOUVER-THINGS TO KNOW

DESCRIPTION: Five things to know about Vancouver, which has a lot more than just soccer to offer fans downtown for the World Cup. By Anne Peterson. 400 words. With photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/21/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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TEN--FRENCH OPEN-DRAW

DESCRIPTION: The men’s and women’s French Open draw takes place at Roland Garros. By Samuel Petrequin.

UPCOMING: By 05/21/2026 10:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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SOC--GERMAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Wolfsburg hosts second-division club Paderborn for the first leg of their relegation/promotion playoff to determine which side will play in the Bundesliga next season.

UPCOMING: By 05/21/2026 4:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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MOT--ROCZEN’S RIDE

DESCRIPTION: Ken Roczen had to overcome two devasting injuries and his team manager missed most of the season while undergoing cancer treatments. The 32-year-old’s ride to becoming the oldest Supercross champion played out like a movie script and ended up being one of the greatest moments in his sport’s history. By John Marshall. 700 words, photos by 2 p.m. PT.

UPCOMING: By 05/21/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKO--WORLDS

DESCRIPTION: A daily roundup of matches at the hockey world championship in Switzerland.

UPCOMING: By 05/21/2026 5:15 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BKN--NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE

BKN--THUNDER-SPURS-PHYSICALITY

DESCRIPTION: De’Aaron Fox was hurt coming into the series. Dylan Harper got hurt in Game 2 for the Spurs. Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell got hurt for the Thunder on Wednesday as well. Only two games in, and the Western Conference finals between San Antonio and Oklahoma City is already rough-and-tumble. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/21/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

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WITH: BKN--CAVALIERS-KNICKS

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK — The New York Knicks, after rallying from a 22-point deficit in Game 1, try to take a 2-0 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals.

UPCOMING: By 05/21/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

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FBN--RAIDERS-JEANTY

DESCRIPTION: Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty heads into his second season knowing much of the focus remains on him after an up-and-down rookie year.

UPCOMING: By 05/21/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--TITANS-OTA

DESCRIPTION: The Tennessee Titan take the field Thursday for their first open offseason session under new coach Robert Saleh. By Pro Football Writer Teresa M. Walker.

UPCOMING: By 05/21/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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GLF--BYRON NELSON

DESCRIPTION: McKINNEY, Texas — Defending champion Scottie Scheffler tees off early in the first round of his hometown CJ Cup Byron Nelson. The four-time major champion was 31 under in an eight-shot victory a year ago. By Schuyler Dixon.

UPCOMING: By 05/21/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BBO--ATHLETICS-STADIUM

DESCRIPTION: Athletics representatives update the Las Vegas Stadium Authority on progress of the stadium that is scheduled to open before the 2028 season.

UPCOMING: By 05/21/2026 9:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBO--DODGERS-OHTANI

Shohei Ohtani hits leadoff homer, lowers ERA to 0.73 in another 2-way gem for victorious Dodgers

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani returned to his full two-way form for the Los Angeles Dodgers in San Diego, and the results were formidable. While pitching and hitting in the same game for the first time in four weeks, Ohtani homered on the first pitch of the night and then threw five innings of three-hit ball in Los Angeles’ 4-0 victory over the Padres. After launching his eighth homer of the season and then lowering his ERA to a minuscule 0.73, Ohtani took satisfaction in doing it all even on a night when he didn’t feel great on the mound.

WORDS: 864 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 1:35 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:72c67ec2c4b9eca6b667448cf948d19f&mediaType=text

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HKW--VICTOIRE-CHARGE

Montreal Victoire win their first PWHL title, beating Ottawa 4-0 in Game 4

SUMMARY: Abby Roque scored twice, Ann-Renée Desbiens made 23 saves and the Montreal Victoire won their first PWHL title, beating the Ottawa Charge 4-0 on Wednesday night in Game 4 of the Walter Cup Finals. Maggie Flaherty and Lina Ljungblom also scored. Montreal opened the best-of-five series at home with two overtime victories, then fell 2-1 at Ottawa on Monday night. Home teams had won the last five finals games. The Minnesota Frost won the first two titles in league history, beating Ottawa in four games last year in the championship series. Montreal beat Minnesota in the semifinals this season. Montreal captain Marie-Philip Poulin was honored as the playoff MVP. She tied for the postseason lead with eight points on two goals and six assists.

WORDS: 464 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 1:24 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0e46a3ac9bcb6989388024e2982e2a56&mediaType=text

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BBO--BLUE JAYS-YANKEES

Trey Yesavage outduels Cam Schlittler in marquee matchup as Blue Jays top Yankees 2-1

SUMMARY: Trey Yesavage outpitched Cam Schlittler in a marquee matchup between young aces, and the Toronto Blue Jays edged the New York Yankees 2-1. Following a rain delay that lasted more than two hours, the right-handers traded zeros until the seventh inning — when Toronto loaded the bases with nobody out on an infield single, a walk and a bunt single. Andrés Giménez then fouled off seven pitches, five with two strikes, before drawing an 11-pitch walk that scored Ernie Clement and chased Schlittler. One out later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. lofted a sacrifice fly to make it 2-0. Yesavage allowed two hits and walked none while striking out eight over six shutout innings. Three of his strikeouts came against Aaron Judge, who fanned all four times up.

WORDS: 429 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 1:18 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:063935ca3a1ee0ee9839ca32c7deb16f&mediaType=text

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BKN--SPURS-WEMBANYAMA

Wembanyama disappointed after Spurs fall to Thunder, despite another brilliant stat line

SUMMARY: Victor Wembanyama fouled Jalen Williams on a shot attempt in the opening minutes of Game 2 of the Western Conference finals on Wednesday night. Except, no, he really didn’t. Yes, Wembanyama made contact with Williams. Yes, it looked like a foul. Yes, it was called that way — at first. Upon review, it was determined that Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein actually shoved Wembanyama into his teammate and caused the foul himself. That’s how physical the Thunder were with Wembanyama in Game 2. They grabbed, pushed, nudged, anything and everything they could muster against the 7-foot-4 French star who still finished with 21 points, 17 rebounds, six assists and four blocked shots.

WORDS: 535 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 12:46 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fe0fedd9082acfb1013d4daa31375e5f&mediaType=text

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HKN--GOLDEN KNIGHTS-HART

From hockey exile to playoff spark: Carter Hart’s new chapter with the Golden Knights

SUMMARY: Carter Hart has made a strong comeback with the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup playoffs. After being acquitted in the Hockey Canada sexual assault scandal, Hart joined the Golden Knights last December. On Wednesday night, he helped them beat top-seeded Colorado 4-2 in the Western Conference Final opener. Hart stopped 36 of 38 shots, showing his skill and focus. Vegas coach John Tortorella praised Hart’s mental strength and performance. Hart expressed his respect for Tortorella and his excitement to play under him again.

WORDS: 732 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 12:24 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f761888c5715c0484b08add6aeb2dbd0&mediaType=text

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HKN--GOLDEN KNIGHTS-AVALANCHE

Golden Knights roll to early lead, hold off Avs 4-2 to open Western Conference Final

SUMMARY: Dylan Coghlan scored his first Stanley Cup playoff goal to get Vegas rolling, Carter Hart made 36 saves and the Golden Knights opened the Western Conference final by holding off the Colorado Avalanche 4-2 on Wednesday night. Trailing 3-0 in the third period, Colorado made it a 3-2 game with 2:21 remaining on a power-play goal from Gabriel Landeskog. Nic Dowd sealed the win for Vegas on an empty-net goal with 44.5 seconds left. Pavel Dorofeyev and Brett Howden also added goals for the Golden Knights, who took advantage of several defensive miscommunications by the Avalanche as they juggled their blue-line pairings with Cale Makar sidelined by an upper-body injury.

WORDS: 718 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 12:15 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5c2c71e979835057cdca95e48683507f&mediaType=text

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BKN--THUNDER-WILLIAMS

OKC guard Jalen Williams’ hamstring issues return, he leaves Game 2 of Thunder-Spurs early

SUMMARY: Thunder guard Jalen Williams, who missed six games earlier in these playoffs with a strained left hamstring, was ruled out for the second half of Game 2 of Oklahoma City’s matchup against the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference finals on Wednesday night. The reason: Another hamstring problem, which the Thunder called tightness. Williams appeared to be getting treatment on the hamstring during the first half, then left the bench area and did not play in the second quarter.

WORDS: 391 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 12:13 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b6f34704113537d023499bae5fe3e18f&mediaType=text

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BKN--SPURS-THUNDER

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 30, Thunder top Spurs 122-113 in Game 2 of West finals

SUMMARY: The MVP looked like the MVP again, and the Western Conference finals are knotted up. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander bounced back from a subpar series opener to score 30 points, Alex Caruso added 17 off the bench and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs 122-113 on Wednesday night in Game 2. Chet Holmgren scored 13 points and reserves Jared McCain and Cason Wallace each had 12 for Oklahoma City. The Thunder finished with a 57-25 edge in bench scoring, plus a 27-10 edge in points off turnovers. Stephon Castle scored 25 points for the Spurs, who got 22 points from Devin Vassell and a 21-point, 17-rebound, six-assist, four-block night from Victor Wembanyama.

WORDS: 604 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 11:44 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0007bceafb9e6660becf4229e01ca16d&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-PADRES

Shohei Ohtani homers on first pitch, then throws 5 sharp innings in Dodgers’ 4-0 win over Padres

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani homered on the first pitch of the game before throwing five sharp innings of three-hit ball in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 4-0 victory over the San Diego Padres. Ohtani drove Randy Vásquez’s game-opening high fastball 398 feet to center for his eighth homer of the season and his 27th career leadoff homer. On the mound, Ohtani struck out four with two walks while lowering his ERA to 0.73 over eight starts. Four relievers completed a five-hitter as the Dodgers took two of three in the rivalry series. San Diego scored just five runs in the series, getting shut out over the final 15 innings.

WORDS: 410 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 11:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:87297f72ae8f9aac26895fdb8989268c&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA-ALL-ROOKIE TEAM

NBA All-Rookie 1st team: Flagg, Knueppel, Edgecombe, Harper and Coward

SUMMARY: Dallas’ Cooper Flagg, Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel and Philadelphia’s VJ Edgecombe were all unanimous first-team selections for the NBA’s All-Rookie team, which was unveiled Wednesday night. Also making first-team All-Rookie: San Antonio’s Dylan Harper and Memphis’ Cedric Coward. Harper also appeared on all 100 ballots, with 93 first-team nods and seven second-team votes. Those five players were also the only ones to get votes in the Rookie of the Year balloting, where Flagg edged Knueppel for top honors. The All-Rookie second team included New Orleans’ Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, Utah’s Ace Bailey, Sacramento’s Maxime Reynaud and Toronto’s Collin Murray-Boyles.

WORDS: 150 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 7:46 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:50594dc3881ffecfbac05ac7a0ef0fc1&mediaType=text

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FBC--CFP EXPANSION-FINANCES

As CFP barrels toward 24 teams, the questions remain: Who’s paying for this, and how much?

SUMMARY: The Big Ten is pushing to expand the College Football Playoff to 24 teams, but the question is who will televise it. Fox supports the idea, but concerns remain about how much networks will pay for games involving less popular teams. The current ESPN deal is worth $7.8 billion over six seasons. The Southeastern Conference prefers a 16-team playoff, while the Big Ten has support from the Atlantic Coast and Big 12 conferences for 24 teams. A larger playoff could eliminate conference title games, affecting revenue. The NFL’s dominance in viewership is a factor in negotiations.

WORDS: 990 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 6:43 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:68a80209b002f3e37558c7522cbdbac0&mediaType=text

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SOC--EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL

Aston Villa and Prince William celebrate Europa League triumph ending team’s 30-year trophy drought

SUMMARY: In front of the future king of England, Unai Emery reaffirmed his status as the king of the Europa League. Aston Villa beat Freiburg 3-0 in Istanbul to secure Emery a record-extending fifth title in this competition. Celebrating wildly inside the Tupras Stadium was lifelong Villa fan Prince William, who traveled to watch his beloved team end a 30-year wait for a major trophy. Was the outcome ever in doubt with the ultimate Europa League specialist Emery on the sideline?

WORDS: 644 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 6:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e94e0f38d86346cd3f9273a9d66487cb&mediaType=text

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BKN--CAVALIERS CHALLENGE

Cavaliers shrug off concerns about Harden as they try to even the East finals against the Knicks

SUMMARY: Jalen Brunson against Donovan Mitchell was the matchup splashed across the screens to hype the Eastern Conference finals. Unfortunately for the Cleveland Cavaliers, it turned into Brunson versus James Harden in the fourth quarter of Game 1. Brunson continuously attacked the matchup to spark one of the largest postseason comebacks on record, as the New York Knicks rallied from a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter for a 115-104 victory. As they prepare for Game 2 on Thursday, the Cavaliers are shrugging off concerns that one of the most accomplished offensive players in league history might be too poor of a defender to give them NBA Finals hopes.

WORDS: 737 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 5:52 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d92df06f5b892a92b53036146ef9830b&mediaType=text

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SOC--SOUTHAMPTON-SPYING APPEAL

Southampton loses appeal in spying case that cost it a chance at promotion to Premier League

SUMMARY: Southampton’s appeal against its expulsion from the Championship playoff final because of spying offenses was dismissed. An arbitration panel upheld the English Football League’s decision to remove Southampton from Saturday’s Wembley final, meaning Middlesbrough will take its place and play Hull for the chance to win promotion to the Premier League. The decision is final. Southampton was expelled on Tuesday after admitting to repeatedly spying on opponents. It was charged earlier this month for the unauthorized filming of Middlesbrough’s practice sessions ahead of their semifinal. The club subsequently admitted further breaches this season concerning games against Oxford and Ipswich. It was also deducted four points for next season.

WORDS: 325 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 5:14 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3db46284221307205b0aae5e413beef2&mediaType=text

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FBN--STEELERS-RODGERS

Aaron Rodgers says the 2026 NFL season will be his last: ‘This is it’

SUMMARY: Aaron Rodgers says his 22nd season in the NFL will be his last. The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback said “this is it” when asked Wednesday if he will retire at the end of the 2026 season. The 42-year-old did not expand on why he came to that conclusion. Rodgers signed a one-year deal to return to the Steelers just before the start of organized team activities. The four-time NFL MVP says the hiring of Mike McCarthy as coach played a factor in his decision to return to the Steelers after helping lead the club to the AFC North title last season.

WORDS: 971 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 4:45 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ca0ec230c9ebb1288f2b35e91e28e332&mediaType=text

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FBC--TEXAS TECH-SORSBY-GAMBLING

NCAA infractions expert says Brendan Sorsby faces long odds challenging permanent ban for gambling

SUMMARY: A former arbitrator of NCAA infractions cases says Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby faces an uphill fight trying to force the NCAA to stand down on enforcing the policy that permanently bans athletes who are found to have wagered on their own team. Sorsby filed a lawsuit in Lubbock, Texas, this week seeking an injunction allowing him to play for the Red Raiders this season. Balsam is director of the Sports Law Clinic at Brooklyn Law School. She said courts historically have sided with sports governing bodies when it comes to administering rules concerning integrity of the game.

WORDS: 870 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 4:41 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4dec31e35292b0e24c166ff5eb8ab327&mediaType=text

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BKN--CAVALIERS-KNICKS COMEBACK

Comeback or collapse? Knicks’ Game 1 rally against the Cavaliers was a little bit of both

SUMMARY: Call it a comeback. Or chalk it up as a choke. Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals was both. The New York Knicks wouldn’t have been able to charge all the way back without the Cleveland Cavaliers collapsing. The Cavaliers led 93-71 with under eight minutes to play before the Knicks outscored them 44-11 the rest of the way to win 115-104 in overtime. The only bigger fourth-quarter playoff comeback in the last 30 years was when the Clippers rallied from 24 down to beat Memphis in Game 1 in 2012. The AP takes a look at some of the reasons the Cavs didn’t win.

WORDS: 877 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 4:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:414b406aa1a25b9ac0f5690dcd563d28&mediaType=text

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BKN--MAVERICKS-UJIRI

Mavericks president Masai Ujiri says it was his decision to remove Jason Kidd as coach

SUMMARY: Dallas Mavericks president Masai Ujiri says it was a difficult decision, and his alone, to remove Jason Kidd as the team’s coach after five seasons. A day after the Mavericks announced Kidd’s departure, Ujiri said Wednesday he felt like the organization needed a clean slate. The former Toronto Raptors executive took over as team president and governor of the Mavs two weeks ago. He says the decision to move on from Kidd had nothing to do with the February 2025 trade of Luka Doncic or anyone connected to that deal.

WORDS: 738 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 3:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7554df508ff22ef69f8c438a5a85dcc7&mediaType=text

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CAR--INDY 500-PALOU

Alex Palou’s continued IndyCar domination draws more boos as he chases a 2nd straight Indy 500 crown

SUMMARY: Alex Palou senses a change among IndyCar fans these days. Instead of hearing the warm, roaring cheers like other great IndyCar champions and popular personalities, Palou has started hearing boos at races. It’s not an overwhelming sentiment, yet, but the Spaniard got a first-hand glimpse of it during the parade lap of the Indianapolis Grand Prix. Sure, the four-time series champion understands why it’s happening — they’re tired of seeing him win — even if Palou isn’t tired of reaching victory lane.

WORDS: 961 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 3:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:038ff33c1776053c42756e025ae86422&mediaType=text

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FBN--SUPER BOWL-NASHVILLE

Nashville gives hint of Super Bowl 2030 as officials celebrate Music City’s biggest event yet

SUMMARY: Nashville has given a hint of what the NFL and football fans can expect in 2030 from Music City for Super Bowl 64. Broadcaster Jim Nantz handled emcee duties and country star Eric Church sat in the front row of a news conference that was more a celebration of landing the biggest event in Tennessee sports history. NFL owners voted unanimously Tuesday to award Nashville the 2030 Super Bowl. Nantz has called seven Super Bowls for CBS and now calls Nashville home. He says Music City knows how to host big events and has no doubt people will have their greatest experience ever at this Super Bowl.

WORDS: 504 - MOVED: 05/20/2026 3:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7b9cc4d1679ba4350cfaa7fe6d6696fe&mediaType=text