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--WORLD CUP COVERAGE

WCUP-MEXICO-CARTELS

DESCRIPTION: Much of Mexico is celebrating the World Cup with joyous outdoor gatherings large and small — but in parts of Mexico plagued by cartel violence, the tournament is experienced differently: with fear. Enthusiastic Mexicans and tourists in the country’s three host cities — Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey— have been non-stop partying since the World Cup began on Jun 11. But in villages across Mexico where shootings are a daily occurrence, the cheers are mainly indoors.

UPCOMING: By 06/26/2026 5:00 a.m. EDT, Video, Photo, Text

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REL WCUP UNDAV’S YAZIDI HERITAGE

DESCRIPTION: Kurdistan doesn’t have its own World Cup team. Many Kurds, including in one northeastern village in Syria, are rallying around Germany and its forward Deniz Undav. Undav hasn’t just scored three goals in the tournament so far. He’s also of Yazidi and Kurdish heritage, highlighting the communities on the global stage. With photos, video.

UPCOMING: By 06/26/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, Video, Photo, Text

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SOC--WCUP-FRANCE-NORWAY

DESCRIPTION: FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — France and Norway have already qualified for the knockout round with six points in Group I after both won their opening two games. The winner of this matchup will take first place in the group. By Kyle Hightower. Text, photos. Game starts at 3 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 06/26/2026 5:30 p.m. EDT

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WITH: SOC--WCUP-NEW ZEALAND-BELGIUM

DESCRIPTION: Belgium needs a win or a draw against New Zealand on Fridayto avoid its fate four years ago in Qatar when the team was surprisingly eliminated in the group stage. By Anne M. Peterson. Upcoming: 500 words and photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/26/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

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CAR--F1-AUSTRIAN GP PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: A look ahead to the Austrian Grand Prix, the eighth round of the Formula 1 season. Including coverage of both Friday practice sessions, with breakout stories on merits.

UPCOMING: By 06/26/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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GLF--WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

DESCRIPTION: Ina Yoon enters the second round of the Women’s PGA Championship with a two-stroke lead. By Dave Campbell. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/26/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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GLF--TRAVELERS CHAMPIONSHIP

DESCRIPTION: CROMWELL, Conn. — Eric Cole took a one-shot lead over Scottie Scheffler and five others into the second round of the Travelers Championship. 450 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/26/2026 8:15 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--NHL DRAFT

DESCRIPTION: The Toronto Maple Leafs hold the No. 1 pick in the draft being held in Buffalo on Friday night. Penn State forward and Whitehorse, Yukon, native Gavin McKenna is the top-ranked prospect. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. 800 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/26/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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SOC--WCUP-PARAGUAY-AUSTRALIA

Australia clinches knockout round spot with 0-0 draw; Paraguay also likely to advance

SUMMARY: Australia and Paraguay played to a 0-0 draw in a result that clinched a spot in the knockout round of the World Cup for the Socceroos and will likely be enough for the Paraguayans to advance. The winner of this game was assured second place behind the United States in Group D with also clinching that spot with a draw thanks to a better goal differential than Paraguay. But the draw that gave Paraguay four points in the group also was likely to be enough barring a string of bad results in the final two days of group play.

WORDS: 604 - MOVED: 06/26/2026 1:21 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f591810340dd06a228c1c761d1d5d67e&mediaType=text

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TEN--WIMBLEDON DRAW

Wimbledon draw: Serena Williams to learn her first-round opponent in a comeback at age 44

SUMMARY: Serena Williams will find out who she’s facing in the first round at Wimbledon — for her first singles match in nearly four years, and at age 44. The draw is being held Friday. The seven-time Wimbledon singles champion accepted a wild-card entry to the grass-court Grand Slam where she’ll also compete in doubles with her older sister Venus. It’s all part of a tennis comeback that started with two doubles warmup matches but kicked into high gear Sunday when All England Club announced Williams would play singles. Jannik Sinner is the top seed for the men. Aryna Sabalenka is the women’s top seed.

WORDS: 285 - MOVED: 06/26/2026 1:05 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c8afeae4d36d53caa0104ab66e8a95c2&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-IRAN-PRIDE

Iran and Egypt avoid talking about World Cup ‘Pride Match’ in Seattle

SUMMARY: Iran’s coach and FIFA officials have refused to answer questions about a World Cup “Pride Match” in Seattle. Local organizers are honoring the city’s LGBTQ+ community when Iran faces Egypt on Friday. The countries are two of the most repressive places in the world for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. In December, both countries asked for the Pride-themed celebrations to be canceled. A FIFA spokesperson asked reporters before Iran’s news conference on Thursday to stick to soccer-related questions. And Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei says his team won’t be focused on anything happening off the field.

WORDS: 719 - MOVED: 06/26/2026 12:35 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c8243854034c3500b0a5663cb174f101&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-TURKEY-US

Turkey beats US 3-2 with last-gasp goal as Americans look ahead to World Cup knockout stage

SUMMARY: Kaan Ayhan scored on the final kick of the match, and Turkey beat the United States 3-2 for its only win of the World Cup. Auston Trusty scored in the third minute and Sebastian Berhalter got a tying goal early in the second half for the Americans, who had already won the group with victories over Paraguay and Australia. Pochettino fielded nine new starters for this low-stakes game, but Christian Pulisic entered in the 58th minute. Turkey won in the eighth minute of stoppage time when Can Uzun got the ball in space on the back post and got it to Ayhan.

WORDS: 530 - MOVED: 06/26/2026 12:18 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b8ec554774b818280b162ffe1f897840&mediaType=text

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BKL--SPARKS-TEMPO

Marina Mabrey matches WNBA scoring record with 53 points to help Toronto rout Los Angeles

SUMMARY: Marina Mabrey matched the WNBA scoring record with 53 points to help the Toronto Tempo rout the Los Angeles Sparks 125-97 on Thursday night. Mabrey tied the mark set by Liz Cambage for Dallas against New York on July 17, 2018, and matched by A’ja Wilson for Las Vegas at Atlanta on Aug. 22, 2023. When Mabrey checked out of the game with a minute remaining, fans briefly booed before erupting into cheers in acknowledgement of her big night. The clock ticked down to zero with chants of “We Want Mabrey! We Want Mabrey!” The 29-year-old former Notre Dame star was 17 of 28 from the field, tied the WNBA record for 3-pointers with nine in 18 attempts, and made 10 of 12 free throws.

WORDS: 460 - MOVED: 06/25/2026 11:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a55854ab0aa373da6bed7efdcda9f8de&mediaType=text

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FBN--DOUG MARTIN DEATH

Parents of former NFL player Doug Martin allege excessive police force led to his wrongful death

SUMMARY: The parents of former NFL running back Doug Martin have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Oakland, California, police officers and an ambulance company. They claim excessive force and delayed medical care led to Martin’s death last year. The lawsuit was filed Tuesday and states that Martin was experiencing a mental health crisis in October when police used excessive force to subdue him. The 36-year-old was a standout player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Oakland Police Department says it does not comment on pending litigation. A spokesperson for the Oakland city attorney’s office declined comment.

WORDS: 748 - MOVED: 06/25/2026 11:04 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:253de598da9e192d4e58f9d76bea2b0c&mediaType=text

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GLF--WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

Ina Yoon opens the Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine with a record-tying 63

SUMMARY: Ina Yoon matched the best score in the history of the Women’s PGA Championship with a 9-under 63 to take a two-stroke lead over Karis Davidson on Thursday in the third major of the season. Yoon, a 23-year-old South Korean seeking her first LPGA Tour victory, birdied five of her last six holes at Hazeltine National Golf Club with a putter that was consistently on point. Nelly Korda, who’s aiming to become just the third women to win the first three major tournaments on the schedule, had a 70. Davidson had eight birdies on the way to a career-best 65 on a calm and partly cloudy afternoon.

WORDS: 729 - MOVED: 06/25/2026 9:04 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:03c4c7b95c2d93b1b7eecd389a6d3e07&mediaType=text

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BBO--LABOR

MLB proposes limiting most free agent contracts to 5 years and 15% of a team’s salary cap

SUMMARY: Major League Baseball proposed limiting most free agent contracts to five years and 15% of a team’s salary cap and to eliminate deferred compensation, fleshing out details of a salary cap plan likely to spark a confrontation with the players’ association that could lead to the first loss of regular-season games since 1995. During a bargaining session Thursday at the union’s office, MLB said it would accept the union’s proposal granting free agency a year early for players who have reached age 30 as part of a salary cap system. MLB also proposed boosting the minimum salary from $780,000 to $1 million for those with two years of big league service.

WORDS: 1170 - MOVED: 06/25/2026 8:28 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f824291a93bca89a0cf82e953a67e6ce&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-ECUADOR-GERMANY

Ecuador advances to World Cup knockout rounds, beats Germany 2-1 on Plata’s 77th-minute goal

SUMMARY: Gonzalo Plata poked the ball past Manuel Neuer in the 77th minute and Ecuador advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup by rallying for a 2-1 win over Germany. The Germans, who clinched first place in Group E with victories in their first two games, went ahead on Leroy Sané’s second-minute goal. Nilson Angulo scored Ecuador’s first goal of the tournament in the ninth minute. Plata scored after a corner kick was nodded on by Kevin Rodríguez. Ecuador finished third in the group with four points and advanced past the group stage for the second time.

WORDS: 716 - MOVED: 06/25/2026 8:17 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a76afaec09bf5ff96e216265c2e18bc1&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-FANS-PHOTO GALLERY

World Cup fans flood stadiums and fan zones with dazzling costumes, facepaint and flags — in photos

WORDS: 42 - MOVED: 06/25/2026 7:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1d86f9b4c972d1537f88f906b56d49d3&mediaType=text

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GLF--TRAVELERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Eric Cole opens with a 63 at the Travelers Championship to lead Scheffler and others by 1

SUMMARY: Eric Cole left the Travelers Championship early last year because of a nasty stomach issue. He returns with a 63 to take a one-shot lead. Cole chipped in for eagle and played bogey-free on the rain-softened TPC River Highlands. Scottie Scheffler shot 64 for his best start since he won in California to start the year. Five others including Matt Fitzpatrick also shot 64. Wyndham Clark says he had plenty of energy just four days after winning the U.S. Open. He hit one bad tee shot that led to a triple bogey. He shot 68 in front of a much nicer gallery.

WORDS: 751 - MOVED: 06/25/2026 6:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1e0d884575de46a840d13c78e8b374a5&mediaType=text

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TEN--WIMBLEDON-SERENA’S FAMILY

Serena Williams’ daughters see how hard she’s working for Wimbledon return

SUMMARY: Serena Williams keeps on commenting half-jokingly about how “it’s summer” and “the kids aren’t in school” as the reasoning for her tennis comeback at age 44. Turns out family might really be the biggest factor behind Williams’ decision to return to the pro game after nearly four years away. Eight-year-old Olympia and two-year-old Adira have been with her every step of the way in this return as Williams prepares to play both singles and doubles with sister Venus at Wimbledon next week. Tennis Channel commentator Christopher Eubanks says “this is about more than just records. At this point, it’s more about family.”

WORDS: 906 - MOVED: 06/25/2026 5:48 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fbc67040899d5e23b18ff12d5c07dab9&mediaType=text

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BKL--MERCURY-THOMAS-SUSPENSION

WNBA suspends Alyssa Thomas 1 game for hit to Caitlin Clark’s throat

SUMMARY: The WNBA has suspended Phoenix’s Alyssa Thomas for one game after she made contact with her fist to Caitlin Clark’s throat in Wednesday night’s matchup against Indiana. It happened with 6:52 left in the second quarter and was deemed to be a non-basketball act. The league gave Thomas a Flagrant Foul 2 penalty for it. No foul was called on the play by officials. The WNBA is allowed to review a game to reclassify a Flagrant foul or to classify as Flagrant any foul not called as such during a game. Thomas will serve her suspension on Saturday when the Mercury visit the Toronto Tempo.

WORDS: 444 - MOVED: 06/25/2026 5:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3ffbce6a061e328ab9df17c31ced8300&mediaType=text

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FBN--LIONS-ARNOLD-ARMED ROBBERY

Detroit Lions player Terrion Arnold is charged with directing attack against 3 people in Florida

SUMMARY: Detroit Lions player Terrion Arnold has been charged in Tampa, Florida, with leading a plot to detain and pistol-whip three people whom he believed had stolen from him. The crimes could carry a sentence of up to life in prison. Tampa police say Arnold believed the young men had stolen $100,000 and luxury goods from him at an Airbnb rental in February. But investigators found they had nothing to do it. Arnold’s lawyer says the NFL player “absolutely” denies the allegations. Arnold remains locked up until the next hearing Monday.

WORDS: 518 - MOVED: 06/25/2026 5:31 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:29d7fd7d76bdbcb8fe57d3375467d43e&mediaType=text

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US--SPECIAL OLYMPICS AIRLIFT

Special Olympics Airlift flies in athletes from across the country for national competition

SUMMARY: The Special Olympics have been a bastion of inclusion since the first Games in 1968. The Special Olympics Airlift has added to the athletes’ experience by flying them in from all over the country. Made up entirely of volunteer pilots, aircraft and crew, the Special Olympics Airlift has transported more than 10,000 athletes to the Special Olympics USA Games. The airlift to this year’s Games in Minneapolis featured 130 flights from 25 cities carrying more than 800 athletes. Textron Aviation organizes the airlift and had 200 volunteers on the ground to handle everything from baggage to refueling to the tugs to move the aircraft around.

WORDS: 765 - MOVED: 06/25/2026 5:13 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0867cc15503b940eafe168757bffb7cc&mediaType=text

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BKN--WIZARDS-AJ ARRIVES

Top draft pick AJ Dybantsa arrives in Washington, ready to work on turning the Wizards around

SUMMARY: Two days after taking the 6-foot-9 star out of BYU with the top pick in the NBA draft, the Washington Wizards introduced AJ Dybantsa at a hotel overlooking the Potomac River. One issue of uncertainty was resolved at Thursday’s news conference. Dybantsa wore No. 3 in college, but in Washington that belongs to Trae Young. Dybantsa will change to No. 4. That’s his previous jersey number and his draft pick number added together. Dybantsa said he intends to graduate college, finishing his studies online. He’s also already started a foundation aimed at empowering young people.

WORDS: 630 - MOVED: 06/25/2026 4:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:449fb209fe32489b0ecbd3d4ec751ef3&mediaType=text

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BBO--WHITE SOX-POPE

Pope Leo XIV receives World Series baseball from former White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski

SUMMARY: Pope Leo XIV has received a special gift from former Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski. The pontiff has been given the baseball from the final out of Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. It was unclear when exactly the exchange occurred, but Pierzynski posted pictures on social media on Thursday showing the moment at the Vatican. Leo is a White Sox fan dating to his days growing up in Chicago. He was known as Robert Prevost or Father Bob when he went to the World Series opener 21 years ago. The 5-3 White Sox victory ended when Bobby Jenks struck out Houston’s Adam Everett with Pierzynski behind the plate.

WORDS: 376 - MOVED: 06/25/2026 3:57 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f8ecde739b8c82470906435e368ec513&mediaType=text

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BKN--TIMBERWOLVES-HORNETS TRADE

Hornets trade LaMelo Ball, Josh Green to Timberwolves for Naz Reid, draft picks, AP source says

SUMMARY: A person familiar with the situation says the Charlotte Hornets have agreed to trade point guard LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round draft pick, three first-round pick swaps and three future second-round picks. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday because the deal has yet to be approved by the league. ESPN was first to report the trade. The three first-round pick swaps will be in 2028, 2029 and 2030. The Hornets also will get three second-round picks in 2029, 2032 and 2033. Charlotte also agreed to a three-year, $74 million contract with point guard Coby White to replace Ball. White, who backed up Ball last year, was set to become an unrestricted free agent.

WORDS: 1081 - MOVED: 06/25/2026 1:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2418e7e9c9e10abff00361da67322bea&mediaType=text