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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BKN--NBA--WAITING FOR LEBRON

DESCRIPTION: LeBron James has announced he’s returning for at least one more NBA season but it won’t be with the Los Angeles Lakers. This news has sparked interest from even teams in other sports.

UPCOMING: By 07/01/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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TEN--WIMBLEDON

DESCRIPTION: Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic meets Stefanos Tsitsipas and defending champion Jannik Sinner plays Nuno Borges in the second round of Wimbledon. Coco Gauff plays Solana Sierra.

UPCOMING: By 07/01/2026 9:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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SOC--WCUP--FRANCE JUGGERNAUT

DESCRIPTION: France looks like a juggernaut heading into the World Cup’s round of 16 led by a fearsome foursome of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola.

UPCOMING: By 07/01/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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HKN--FREE AGENCY

DESCRIPTION: Two-time Stanley Cup-winning goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, Islanders captain Anders Lee and the NHL’s U.S.-born points leader Patrick Kane are among the more high-profile names available when the league’s free-agency signing period opens on Wednesday. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. 700 words, photos. Signing period begins at noon ET.

UPCOMING: By 07/01/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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SOC--WCUP-ECUADOR-RED CARD

Ecuador’s Hincapié becomes the second player sent off for covering his mouth at the World Cup

SUMMARY: Ecuador’s Piero Hincapié has become the second player to be issued a red card at the World Cup under FIFA’s new rule that calls for a player to be sent off for covering their mouth during a confrontational exchange with an opponent. Hincapié was sent off in the 95th minute of Ecuador’s 2-0 loss to Mexico following an exchange with Mexico forward Santi Giménez. FIFA established the new rule to prevent players from hiding abusive comments to opponents by covering their mouth. Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón was the first player to be punished under the new rule when he was sent off in a group stage match against Turkey last week. While Ecuador’s tournament is over, Hincapié will be suspended for the team’s next international match.

WORDS: 172 - MOVED: 07/01/2026 12:47 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ead89958d1eb3a43429b4f2be7a45b3b&mediaType=text

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BBO--NATIONALS-RED SOX-EJECTIONS

Red Sox 1B Willson Contreras tossed for a 2nd straight game as benches clear against Nationals

SUMMARY: Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras was ejected for a second straight game following a heated exchange with Washington Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli. Cavalli struck out Contreras leading off the fourth inning, then yelled in Contreras’ direction. Contreras responded by approaching the mound, leading to both benches clearing. Contreras threw his helmet at Cavalli before being restrained by teammates. The dustup ended with multiple ejections, including Contreras and Boston interim manager Chad Tracy. This marks the first time in the Red Sox’s 126-year history that a player has been ejected in consecutive games.

WORDS: 619 - MOVED: 06/30/2026 11:43 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dfd38402b9fb30d140b71ca63330bd8a&mediaType=text

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BKL--ACES-LIBERTY

New York Liberty beat the Las Vegas Aces 93-85 to win the Commissioner’s Cup

SUMMARY: Sabrina Ionescu scored 26 points, Breanna Stewart added 25 and the New York Liberty beat the Las Vegas Aces 93-85 to win the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday night. Las Vegas was missing four-time MVP A’ja Wilson, who tweaked her right ankle on Sunday in a win over Chicago. The Aces gave the Liberty all they could handle thanks to the stellar play of Jackie Young, who scored 25 of her 31 points in the second half.

WORDS: 697 - MOVED: 06/30/2026 10:41 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d8249b733e9004647430b3c79a892107&mediaType=text

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BBO--GUARDIANS-COOPER’S GAFFE

Guardians rookie OF Ingle loses track of outs, tosses ball into the stands to give Rangers lead

SUMMARY: Guardians rookie left fielder Cooper Ingle lost track of the number of outs in the seventh inning Tuesday night and casually tossed the live ball into the stands as a souvenir, allowing the Texas Rangers to score the go-ahead run. With a runner at second and one out, Ingle, making just his major league second start as an outfielder, caught a routine fly by Alejandro Osuna for the second out. Thinking it was out No. 3, Ingle looked at the ball in his glove before throwing it over the protective netting to fans. The umpires immediately ruled the ball was dead and Osuna was awarded home plate.

WORDS: 780 - MOVED: 06/30/2026 10:13 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4e9f50e83b84e7b007e4e8b83a27aecf&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-FRANCE-SWEDEN

Mbappé scores twice to tie Messi for World Cup lead with 6 goals, France beats Sweden 3-0

SUMMARY: Kylian Mbappé put France ahead with a brilliant crossover step in the 45th minute and added a second-half goal to break a World Cup knockout round scoring record, and Les Bleus beat Sweden 3-0 to set up a round of 16 match against Paraguay. Bradley Barcola added a 53rd-minute goal for France and Mbappé capped the scoring in the 74th minute for his third two-goal game in four matches. His six goals tied Argentina forward Lionel Messi for the tournament lead and gave him 18 in his World Cup career, one shy of Messi’s record.

WORDS: 877 - MOVED: 06/30/2026 10:13 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ca2b876fbf1c4c879bfdb57bc1445989&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-OHTANI

Shohei Ohtani skipping pitching start Wednesday against Athletics to get extra rest

SUMMARY: The Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani will skip his scheduled pitching start Wednesday against the Athletics to get some extra rest, manager Dave Roberts said. The Dodgers are in the midst of playing 13 games in 13 days, and Roberts wanted to make sure that the Japanese sensation got a break. Ohtani is slated to pitch in San Diego on Friday. Roberts indicated that Ohtani will be the Dodgers designated hitter for the series finale against the A’s on Wednesday. Ohtani is 8-2 with a 1.58 ERA in 13 starts this season. The four-time MVP has 82 strikeouts and 24 walks in 79 2/3 innings this season.

WORDS: 243 - MOVED: 06/30/2026 8:47 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dc52fbcc08fea5916affdb3242d3d9fd&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-WHAT TO KNOW

World Cup what to know: US looks to win first knockout match in 24 years against Bosnia-Herzegovina

SUMMARY: The United States men’s national team is tired of hearing about its traditional shortcomings in World Cup knockout matches. The Americans will look to change that narrative on Wednesday night as they attempt to win their first Cup elimination in 24 years when they face face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 in Santa Clara, California. The Americans last elimination match win came on June 17, 2002, when they defeated Mexico 2-0 in the Round of 16 in South Korea. England will face the Congo while Belgium will meet Senegal in the other elimination games.

WORDS: 1212 - MOVED: 06/30/2026 8:16 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:81645977a722c4020c9644d17589bdbb&mediaType=text

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BKN—NBA-FREE AGENCY

LeBron hits free agency: James not returning to Lakers, plans to play 24th season elsewhere

SUMMARY: LeBron James will not be back with the Los Angeles Lakers and plans to play a record-extending 24th NBA season elsewhere. His decision is perhaps the biggest domino that will fall during the NBA’s offseason player movement window, alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo being traded by Milwaukee to Miami — one of James’ former stops. The Lakers released a statement Tuesday thanking James for his eight seasons with the club. James can begin talking officially to new clubs after 6 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, when the league’s free agent period opens. He will not be able to sign with a new team until July 6.

WORDS: 1222 - MOVED: 06/30/2026 7:33 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c8c5fa220fe2d019c8ae51022bf6d13d&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-US-POCHETTINO

US coach Mauricio Pochettino apologizes to media for his curt tone in previous news conference

SUMMARY: Before moving his attention to the knockout round of the World Cup, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino had to resolve one issue from the group stage. Pochettino began his news conference before Wednesday’s game against Bosnia-Herzegovina by asking the media to forgive him for his curt tone following the U.S. team’s 3-2 loss to Turkey in a match that had no impact on the Americans after they had already clinched the top spot in the group. Pochettino says he was frustrated and disappointed after the loss and shouldn’t have been upset that the media didn’t congratulate him for winning the group.

WORDS: 656 - MOVED: 06/30/2026 7:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ed38fb411526125ccaa9ed3898019dcd&mediaType=text

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BKN--RAPTORS-CLIPPERS TRADE

Kawhi Leonard going back to Toronto after Raptors make deal with Clippers, AP source says

SUMMARY: A person with knowledge of the trade says Kawhi Leonard is headed back to the Toronto Raptors, after they struck a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers to reunite with the player who led their run to the 2019 NBA championship. The Raptors are sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, two second-round picks and pick swap to the Clippers for Leonard, said the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the trade has not received the required league approval.

WORDS: 329 - MOVED: 06/30/2026 7:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:29f53a91274b5fe8feb0d9d9430c8d32&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: 06/30/2026 7:16 p.m. EDT

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

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TEN--WIMBLEDON

Serena Williams ‘enjoyed the moment’ despite 3-set loss at Wimbledon in comeback at age 44

SUMMARY: Serena Williams was beaten 6-3, 6-7 (6) 6-3 by 20-year-old Maya Joint of Australia in her first professional singles match in nearly four years in the opening round of Wimbledon. The 44-year-old Williams showed off the same powerful serve and heavy groundstrokes that led her to 23 Grand Slam singles titles — seven of them at Wimbledon — but Joint was able to handle the American standout’s pace and win the big points by moving Williams around on Centre Court. Williams played two doubles matches just before Wimbledon to announce her comeback to the sport she once dominated but she hadn’t played a singles match since the 2022 U.S. Open.

WORDS: 875 - MOVED: 06/30/2026 7:13 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:65c1c7d3ab4a297d663e462b3ddac6d0&mediaType=text

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BKL--MERCURY-THOMAS

Mercury’s Thomas says she has received online abuse following suspension for Caitlin Clark incident

SUMMARY: Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas said she has received death threats and been called racial slurs in the aftermath of her one-game suspension after she made contact with her fist to Caitlin Clark’s throat in last week’s matchup against Indiana. Thomas also criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for not doing more to protect the league’s players when she spoke with reporters on Tuesday at the team’s practice facility. The play happened with 6:52 left in the second quarter in a game against Clark’s Indiana Fever on Wednesday and was deemed to be a non-basketball act. The league gave Thomas a Flagrant Foul 2 penalty for it.

WORDS: 705 - MOVED: 06/30/2026 6:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ba1abf1ec70873006fa0a6d973fbb3e3&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL-SORSBY

Embattled QB Brendan Sorsby to become eligible for 2027 NFL draft after opting not to sue the league

SUMMARY: Brendan Sorsby is moving on to 2027. The NFL informed its teams that Sorsby, a quarterback banned by the NCAA for gambling, won’t pursue legal action against the league. Sorsby, who played for Indiana and Cincinnati before transferring to Texas Tech, had petitioned to enter the NFL’s supplemental draft. The NFL denied the petition, citing integrity concerns. Sorsby, now draft-eligible for 2027, can’t sign an NFL contract until then. The league won’t discipline him for known misconduct but may investigate further. Sorsby was declared ineligible by the NCAA after betting thousands on sports, including his own team while at Indiana.

WORDS: 434 - MOVED: 06/30/2026 6:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a4fec564684ea78a002db5e44bfd72bc&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-IVORY COAST-NORWAY

Haaland scores deciding goal as Norway wins its 1st World Cup knockout game, beating Ivory Coast 2-1

SUMMARY: Erling Haaland scored the deciding goal in the 86th minute and Norway won a knockout game at the World Cup for the first time, advancing to the round of 16 with a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast. Three defenders converged on Patrick Berg as he moved into the penalty area with the ball, and he kicked it over to a wide-open Haaland for his fifth goal in three games at this year’s tournament. Antonio Nusa scored with a curling kick for Norway, which is in its fourth World Cup and will next play five-time champion Brazil in the round of 16 on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

WORDS: 810 - MOVED: 06/30/2026 5:47 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ea4cf42d9dcdd4c1e485d0263da438dd&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-US-KNOCKOUT ROUND

US set for a round of 32 World Cup game with Bosnia-Herzegovina as knockout play begins

SUMMARY: The U.S. team spent Monday like millions of other interested followers of the World Cup. The players watched thrilling games from other venues that included a major upset with Germany falling to Paraguay, three games that went down to the wire and two nervy shootouts. Then the reality quickly set in that they would soon be back in the spotlight themselves. The U.S. has a round of 32 matchup against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday that will go a long way to determining how successful this World Cup will be.

WORDS: 840 - MOVED: 06/30/2026 4:41 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d454778d7ae1e30278c4ace452b1a19d&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-MONTERREY-FANS

Monterrey turns into a sea of Mexico green, even without El Tri on the field

SUMMARY: Mexican fans in Monterrey are embracing the World Cup spirit, even though their national team isn’t playing in the city. Monterrey, in Nuevo León, is the only Mexican host city without El Tri matches. Fans are still filling the stadium, wearing dark green jerseys and chanting. During Monday’s match between the Netherlands and Morocco, fans loudly reminded everyone of their 12-year grudge against the Netherlands with chants like “no era penal.” Monterrey’s Estadio BBVA has seen sell-out crowds, showcasing the city’s love for international soccer. The stadium, built in 2015, is known for its modern design and stunning views.

WORDS: 851 - MOVED: 06/30/2026 3:30 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5199b5de37e5df52dff4d2e0baa7aba0&mediaType=text

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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-TOUR SEASON

Scheffler and McIlroy looking for another moment to stand out in a year of parity on PGA Tour

SUMMARY: The PGA Tour season is still seeking definition. Rory McIlroy became the fourth back-to-back Masters champion, but it’s his only win this year. Eight signature events were won by eight different players, with only three winners in the top 25. Aaron Rai and Wyndham Clark won majors while ranked outside the top 30. Scottie Scheffler leads in strokes gained but has only one victory. Matt Fitzpatrick leads in victories, including a team win with his brother. Wyndham Clark is a front-runner for player of the year, with multiple wins and strong performances. The final months could shape the season.

WORDS: 930 - MOVED: 06/30/2026 3:25 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dd373812562e4d009703f18c9d3a103d&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-IRAN DEPARTURE

Iran heads home after a heartbreaking World Cup knockout, but fans say players should be proud

SUMMARY: The Iranian national team has left North America, departing from its World Cup home in Mexico following a tournament marked by repeated disagreements with U.S. officials, flashes of athletic brilliance and, ultimately, disappointment over barely missing out on advancing beyond the group stage. The players who took off Tuesday from the airport in Tijuana return to a homeland still in the grips of an unresolved conflict with Israel and the United States. But their fans say they should be proud. Mohammad Modarres, a 38-year-old Iranian American, traveled from San Diego to Tijuana to bid the team farewell. He told The Associated Press, “I think even though they lost, it gave people a sense of hope.”

WORDS: 1120 - MOVED: 06/30/2026 2:04 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9ce18fa45383826eba1be95f74ec6628&mediaType=text

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TEN--WIMBLEDON-SHELTON

Ben Shelton stunned at Wimbledon with 1st-round loss to Finnish qualifier

SUMMARY: Ben Shelton wasted a match point in the fifth-set tiebreaker against qualifier Otto Virtanen at Wimbledon in what the fourth-seeded American called “one of the toughest losses of my career.” Shelton was eliminated 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (8), 6-2, 7-6 (9) on Tuesday, losing in the first round at the grass-court Grand Slam for the first time in his young career. The 23-year-old Shelton led 8-5 in the deciding tiebreaker against his 140th-ranked opponent and had match point at 9-8 but made an unforced error and then lost the next two points.

WORDS: 403 - MOVED: 06/30/2026 1:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e15e68e193847f1ae89cf1687275fee5&mediaType=text