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--NASCAR-KYLE BUSCH TRIBUTE

DESCRIPTION: Kyle Busch won more races at the top levels of NASCAR than anyone else but also put together one of the longest losing streaks ever seen by a series champion. He feuded openly and often with his fellow drivers – then winked it off like nothing. He could come across as cold but was a devoted and loving dad. Even in a sport full of mavericks, Busch, who died suddenly this week at 41, was a one of a kind. By Mark Long. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/22/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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TEN--FRENCH OPEN-PLAYERS RETIRING

DESCRIPTION: Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils are making their final appearances at the French Open. Both announced they will retire at the end of the season. Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, won the French Open in 2015. Monfils, known for his athleticism and flair, reached the semifinals in 2008. Both players received wild cards for the tournament starting Monday. Monfils is a fan favorite in Paris, while Wawrinka’s memorable 2015 victory over Novak Djokovic is fondly remembered by tennis fans.

UPCOMING: By 05/22/2026 7:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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HKW--PWHL-COACHING DIVERSITY

DESCRIPTION: Never one to draw attention to herself, Carla MacLeod nonetheless felt it important to address what the she called the important but complicated topic of being part of the first PWHL’s Walter Cup Final involving two women coaches. The significance, the Ottawa Charge coach said, was obvious in a sport where men hold a majority of the head-coaching jobs. What struck MacLeod as awkward was how in 2026 the issue of equity between genders was still considered newsworthy. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. 800 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/22/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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CAR--INDY 500 PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: Alex Palou will start from the pole as he tries to become the seventh driver in Indianapolis 500 history to win back-to-back races at the Brickyard. Palou has been dominant again this season, but there are plenty of storylines expected to play out Sunday. By Michael Marot. 700 words, with photos by 3 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 05/22/2026 3:00 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 05/22/2026 5:15 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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CAR--F1-CANADIAN GP PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: A look ahead to the Canadian Grand Prix including coverage of practice and sprint qualifying.

UPCOMING: By 05/22/2026 5:15 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKN--NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE

FORMATS: Photo, Text

1. WITH: BKN--NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE

2. DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the NBA conference finals

3. UPCOMING: By 05/22/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: BKN--THUNDER-SPURS

5. DESCRIPTION: SAN ANTONIO -- The Western Conference finals shift to San Antonio for Game 3, with the Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder tied at a game apiece. Game begins 8:30 p.m. EDT. By Raul Dominguez. Text, photos.

6. UPCOMING: By 05/22/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

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BBO--YANKEES-COLE

DESCRIPTION: New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole returns from elbow ligament replacement surgery in his first appearance that counts since the 2024 World Series. 650 words, photos, By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum

UPCOMING: By 05/22/2026 8:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--NHL PLAYOFFS COVERAGE

FORMATS: Photo, Text

7. WITH: HKN--GOLDEN KNIGHTS-AVALANCHE

8. DESCRIPTION: DENVER -- The Vegas Golden Knights try to take a 2-0 lead against Colorado on Friday night in the conference finals. By Pat Graham. 600 words, photos. Game time is 8 p.m. ET.

9. UPCOMING: By 05/22/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

10. WITH: HKN--CANADIENS-HURRICANES PREVIEW

11. DESCRIPTION: The Montreal Canadiens are 7-2 on the road in the playoffs, including a pair of Game 7s and now Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes. By Aaron Beard. 700 words, photos by 4 p.m.

12.

UPCOMING: By 05/22/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

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BOX--USYK-VERHOEVEN PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk faces kickboxer Rico Verhoeven on Saturday at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. If Verhoeven pulls off the upset, he’ll take Usyk’s WBC belt. Upcoming: 800 words; photos

UPCOMING: By 05/22/2026 5:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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HKN--HURRICANES-RESTED AND RUSTY

Canadiens pounce as Hurricanes emerge from long playoff break with breakdowns, miscues

SUMMARY: The Carolina Hurricanes emerged from having 11 days between playoff series by giving up four goals in the first 11-plus minutes of a 6-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens to open the Eastern Conference Final. Thursday’s loss marked Carolina’s first game since closing out a sweep of the Philadelphia Flyers on May 9. The 11 days off were the longest for a team before starting the next playoff round since at least 1920. Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour pointed to “blown coverages” in the early minutes. That came as the Canadiens repeatedly got clean breakouts and multiple breakaway chances early.

WORDS: 826 - MOVED: 05/22/2026 1:16 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:860225539d78b982efb8539730c7ab9b&mediaType=text

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BKN--CAVALIERS-KNICKS

Knicks move 2 wins from the NBA Finals with a 109-93 victory over the Cavs

SUMMARY: Josh Hart scored a playoff career-high 26 points, Jalen Brunson had 19 points and 14 assists, and the New York Knicks moved halfway to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 by beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-93. Mikal Bridges also scored 19 points and Karl-Anthony Towns had 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Knicks, who won their ninth straight game. Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points and James Harden had 18 for the Cavaliers, who will have to climb out of a 2-0 deficit for the second straight round. They host Game 3 on Saturday.

WORDS: 650 - MOVED: 05/22/2026 12:11 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fbcda51e8c0e356137cd988152a86be7&mediaType=text

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HKN--CANADIENS-HURRICANES

Canadiens pounce on Hurricanes early in 6-2 win to open Eastern Conference Final

SUMMARY: The Montreal Canadiens pounced for four first-period goals on slow-starting Carolina — coming off the longest postseason break in more than a century — and handed the Hurricanes their first loss of the playoffs with a 6-2 victory in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final. Cole Caufield and Phillip Danault scored in the opening four minutes, Alexandre Texier followed four minutes later, and Ivan Demidov finished a breakaway for a 4-1 lead midway through the period. That came against the Eastern Conference’s top seed, which hadn’t allowed more than two goals in an 8-0 playoff start. Juraj Slafkovksy scored twice in the third period for Montreal, the second on a late empty-netter, while Jakub Dobes had 24 saves. Game 2 is Saturday night.

WORDS: 582 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 11:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f1a2a0e39912fc8697f6281666df3e86&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-KYLE-BUSCH-HOSPITALIZED

2-time NASCAR champ Kyle Busch dies at 41 after being hospitalized with a ‘severe illness’

SUMMARY: Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion who won more races than anyone across NASCAR’s three national series, has died. He was 41. The Busch Family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR issued a joint statement Thursday saying Busch died after being hospitalized. No cause of death was given. Busch’s family said earlier Thursday that he was hospitalized with a “severe illness,” three days before he was to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Busch was testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on Wednesday when he became unresponsive and was transported to a hospital in Charlotte, several people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because details have not been disclosed by Busch’s team or family.

WORDS: 1049 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 9:48 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ce84367f25bd5bd04234f60292fde64f&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-KYLE BUSCH-WHAT TO KNOW

What to know about Kyle Busch’s death at 41

SUMMARY: NASCAR driver Kyle Busch died Thursday at 41, three days before he was set to run the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. At this point, the cause of death has not been released and details remain limited. What is known is that Busch was testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on Wednesday when he became unresponsive and was transported to a hospital in Charlotte, several people familiar with the situation told AP on condition of anonymity because details have not been disclosed by Busch’s team or family.

WORDS: 415 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 9:29 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9bb8e7e88e0d4afc37cd97fbe7115205&mediaType=text

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SOC--SAUDI TITLE-RONALDO

Ronaldo ends Saudi trophy drought with 2 goals in Al-Nassr’s win to clinch league title

SUMMARY: Cristiano Ronaldo has finally won a major trophy with Al-Nassr. The 41-year-old Portugal star scored twice in a 4-1 win over Damac to help Al-Nassr clinch the Saudi Pro League title. It’s the team’s first major trophy since Ronaldo joined more than three years ago. Ronaldo lifted the trophy just two days after being named in Portugal’s roster for the World Cup, which would mark a record sixth appearance at the tournament. The victory secured top spot for Al-Nassr, two points ahead of city rival Al-Hilal, which finished second despite completing the 34-game season undefeated.

WORDS: 290 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 9:26 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4be06f122a9f7d01763c0384f6f0de43&mediaType=text

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BKL--FEVER-CLARK INJURY-WARNING

WNBA warns the Fever for failing to report Caitlin Clark’s injury on time

SUMMARY: The WNBA has warned the Indiana Fever for not properly reporting an injury to star guard Caitlin Clark. The warning confirmed to The Associated Press on Thursday came a day after Clark was a late scratch because of a back injury. Clark missed Wednesday’s 90-73 victory over Portland. The Fever disclosed Clark’s injury less than two hours before tipoff. She had not been listed on Indiana’s injury report a day earlier when she didn’t practice. The WNBA requires teams to list players who are injured on a report by 5 p.m. the night before the game. If a player’s status changes overnight or early in the day the team is supposed to update the injury report.

WORDS: 250 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 9:26 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3bfc0c38f02525d9789279752b88fc44&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAMS-STAFFORD EXTENSION

NFL MVP Matthew Stafford agrees to 1-year contract extension with Rams through 2027

SUMMARY: Reigning NFL Most Valuable Player Matthew Stafford has agreed to a one-year contract extension through the 2027 season with the Los Angeles Rams. ESPN reported the deal is worth $55 million. The deal indicates that the 38-year-old Stafford is at least strongly thinking about staying with the Rams past the upcoming season. Stafford has been in a year-to-year mentality about his future ever since he led the Rams to a Super Bowl championship in February 2022, and the Rams surprised the league by drafting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick last month.

WORDS: 453 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 8:56 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c5bfefb573a58b8dcfd179a51587940f&mediaType=text

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GLF--BYRON NELSON

Brooks Koepka is 1 back at the Byron Nelson, with Scottie Scheffler lurking in his hometown event

SUMMARY: Scottie Scheffler won’t be the wire-to-wire winner of his hometown CJ Cup Byron Nelson again this year. For now, the world’s top-ranked player is chasing a leaderboard that includes Brooks Koepka, who is looking for his first victory since returning to the PGA Tour from LIV Golf. Koepka shot 8-under 63 and trailed first-round leader Taylor Moore by one at the revamped TPC Craig Ranch. Jesper Svensson also tied with Koepka. Scheffler was at 66 playing with Koepka and Si Woo Kim, one of seven players at 64.

WORDS: 744 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 8:33 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cb4058e4afd63dd949da5412c02c90a2&mediaType=text

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FBC--NORTHERN IOWA-WARNER-HOF

Kurt Warner gets into Northern Iowa hall of fame nearly decade after his Pro Football HOF induction

SUMMARY: Super Bowl champion Kurt Warner is finally getting into Northern Iowa’s athletic hall of fame. The honor comes nine years after he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall. Warner was a member of four straight conference championship teams at UNI and was the Panthers’ starting quarterback as a senior in 1993. He went to training camp with the Green Bay Packers and was cut, stocked shelves at a grocery store and was an Arena Football League star before he got his chance in the NFL. He led the Rams to Super Bowls in 2000 and 2002 and the Cardinals in 2009.

WORDS: 424 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 7:13 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b8c5935f327558b0ca2378007df67334&mediaType=text

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US--OBIT-FENDRICH

Howard Fendrich, award-winning AP national sports writer and tennis expert, dies at 55

SUMMARY: Howard Fendrich, a longtime national sports writer for The Associated Press, has died at 55. His persistent reporting and detail-rich prose brought readers inside dozens of taut Grand Slam tennis finals, record-breaking Olympic moments and harrowing trips down the Alpine ski slopes. Fendrich’s wife, Rosanna Maietta, said he died Thursday at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He was diagnosed with cancer shortly after returning from Milan in February where he covered his 11th Olympics. Fendrich covered more than 70 Grand Slam tennis tournaments, documenting the careers of Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and more. His numerous writing honors included two Grimsley Awards for best overall body of work among AP sports writers.

WORDS: 1174 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 7:04 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:30ea6a1f7fc981d47b59ecb885ff3509&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-US-FOX

Alexi Lalas says US players citing World Cup pressure are a ‘bunch of whiners’

SUMMARY: Alexi Lalas has criticized U.S. soccer players for citing pressure ahead of the World Cup at home. He called them “whiners” at a Fox event and said they have been given everything they need to succeed. Lalas, a former U.S. defender and current TV analyst, expects more from the team and believes it should win its group. He also said Christian Pulisic needs to be the star the team requires, but he says Pulisic is “never going to be the leader” that some want. Lalas predicts the U.S. should reach the round of 16 and hopes home advantage could push the Americans further.

WORDS: 899 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 6:49 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:27f3f7b3a8aeaad999093ec666af90c8&mediaType=text

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CAR--INDY 500-ROSSI

Alexander Rossi is expected to start the Indianapolis 500 after medical team clears him to drive

SUMMARY: Alexander Rossi hobbled into his Indianapolis 500 media day interview on crutches Thursday. He’s still planning to start Sunday’s big race. Three days after having surgery on his right ankle and the middle finger of his left hand, the Californian told reporters he’d been cleared to drive and then spent most of his interview session playfully poking fun at questions about his health and himself. The 2016 Indy winner still has one more hurdle to clear in the final practice session Friday — making sure he’s comfortable in the car he drove to the No. 2 starting spot last week.

WORDS: 649 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 5:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a68499fefb73dd2e51f55938167c3b0d&mediaType=text

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FBC--NIL ENFORCEMENT-SEELEY

CEO of NIL enforcement reminds frustrated schools: These are your rules, we just enforce them

SUMMARY: While frustration mounts across big-time college sports, the leader of the agency formed to police NIL payments has a simple reminder: These are the rules you wrote. In an interview with The Associated Press, Bryan Seeley, the CEO of the College Sports Commission, said the CSC came into existence to enforce rules the schools themselves wrote. He says they’re welcome to change those rules but complaints about his agency mostly come from schools that aren’t following the very rules they wrote.

WORDS: 1074 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 5:18 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b5008ecaa43182ec562b38a71ac65aad&mediaType=text

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SOC--CRYSTAL PALACE-RICHARDS

US defender Chris Richards has ankle ligament damage ahead of World Cup

SUMMARY: The United States has a new injury worry three weeks before the start of the World Cup. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner says center back Chris Richards tore ligaments in his ankle. The 26-year-old Richards went down in the second half of Palace’s 2-2 draw with Brentford on Sunday in the Premier League. Though he could return for the UEFA Conference League final next Wednesday against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig. Glasner says it’s “50-50” for him to play in the final. The injury will be a concern for US coach Mauricio Pochettino, who is days away from announcing his 26-man squad for the World Cup.

WORDS: 229 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 4:47 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fa82d19ce2148f022f0122e441237f86&mediaType=text

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BBO--MARLINS-SNELLING

Marlins top pitching prospect Robby Snelling to undergo season-ending elbow surgery

SUMMARY: Marlins left-hander Robby Snelling will undergo surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. Snelling was called up from Triple-A Jacksonville earlier this month and made his MLB debut in a loss to Washington on May 8. He later reported discomfort in his left elbow after a bullpen session and an MRI revealed a sprained UCL. Snelling was evaluated Thursday in Dallas by Dr. Keith Meister. A recovery will be given following Friday’s surgery. Snelling was placed on the 60-day injured list amid other roster moves Thursday.

WORDS: 351 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 4:39 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:987d373a3be28e33fdd244112996932e&mediaType=text

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CAR--INDY 500-LEGGE

Katherine Legge is ready make historic attempt to try and complete racing’s 1,100-mile ‘double’

SUMMARY: Katherine Legge missed the Indianapolis 500 media day festivities Thursday because of a flight delay in New York. She’s hoping it’s the only hiccup she has on a potentially historic week. While Legge is trying to become the first female driver to attempt the one-day, two-race, 1,100-mile marathon known as the “double” on Sunday, her team has spent the past week fine-tuning her race-day plans while getting advice from the most recent driver to attempt the feat, Kyle Larson.

WORDS: 825 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 3:18 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6f7116e2eb5f18b450f5185eb2d51b48&mediaType=text

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FBN--EAGLES-SMITH ARREST

Eagles’ Nolan Smith Jr. arrested for driving nearly double the speed limit in Georgia

SUMMARY: Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr. was arrested last week in Georgia for driving 135 mph in a 70 mph zone. The Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday that Smith was cited for speeding and reckless driving. He posted bond and was released shortly after his arrest on May 15. Smith played at Georgia. He was selected by the Eagles in the 2023 NFL draft. Philadelphia begins organized team activities Tuesday. A sheriff’s office representative said Smith will not need to appear in court if he pays his fines. Smith is the latest former or current Georgia player to be arrested for driving offenses.

WORDS: 270 - MOVED: 05/21/2026 1:49 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9e09f2e7849b1775e2d03c9a9facbaad&mediaType=text

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