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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FBN--BILLS-COOK

DESCRIPTION: James Cook treats carrying the football much like the Bills running back regards his past accomplishments with a forward-thinking approach. So no point asking Cook to put into context how he translated successfully demanding a new contract into becoming the NFL’s rushing leader last season. “Just turn the page to this year, a new year,” he said. “Put last year behind me, and just come out here to do it again.” By John Wawrow. 650 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 08/04/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--RAIDERS-CULTURE

DESCRIPTION: Las Vegas Raiders players have talked about the culture that has been instilled by first-year coach Klint Kubiak. But similar comments also were made the prior two preseasons under coaches Antonio Pierce and Pete Carroll.

UPCOMING: By 08/04/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--YANKEES-LOMBARD

DESCRIPTION: The New York Yankees are expected to promote top shortstop prospect George Lombard Jr. for his major league debut Tuesday.

UPCOMING: By 08/04/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BBO--DODGERS-CUBS

DESCRIPTION: Tarik Skubal and the Los Angeles Dodgers face Javier Assad and the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Skubal is making his first start for Los Angeles after he was acquired in a blockbuster trade with Detroit. By Baseball Writer Jay Cohen.

UPCOMING: By 08/04/2026 10:45 p.m. EDT

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKL--WNBA-CLEVELAND SIRENS

Cleveland Sirens unveil name and branding for expansion WNBA team

SUMMARY: The Cleveland Sirens introduced their name and branding during an event at Rocket Arena on Tuesday. The WNBA’s 16th team will begin play in 2028. Cleveland was home to one of the league’s original franchises when the WNBA started in 1997, but the Rockers folded in 2003 when owner Gordon Gund could not find a new buyer. Dan Gilbert’s Rock Entertainment Group, which has owned the Cavaliers since 2005, paid a $250 million expansion fee for Cleveland’s return to the WNBA.

WORDS: 409 - MOVED: 08/04/2026 1:43 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:436c4bf2f8da139a3e8add680d82e492&mediaType=text

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SOC--FIFA-INFANTINO-JORDAN

Former FIFA VP Prince Ali cites ‘blackmail’ by Infantino-led soccer body over unpaid prize money

SUMMARY: Former FIFA vice president Prince Ali bin Al Hussein has criticized the soccer body’s leadership headed by Gianni Infantino describing prize money withheld from his Jordan national team as a kind of blackmail. Prince Ali says the Jordanian federation he leads still hasn’t been paid money due for reaching the final of the FIFA Arab Cup last December in Qatar. The prince says during the World Cup this summer he was told endorsing Infantino would help resolve the issue. Infantino is fighting to save his 11-year presidency amid a backlash to his now-failed plan for selling investors a stake in future World Cup profits.

WORDS: 549 - MOVED: 08/04/2026 1:37 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a102bfe84ca8c9da80462cf4b7dac6ad&mediaType=text

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FBN--CHIEFS-BIENIEMY

Chiefs’ Bieniemy checks in at camp as wife’s shooting leaves offensive coordinator’s return unclear

SUMMARY: Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has been checking in more with the team during training camp. His return to coaching remains unclear after his wife was shot at their Virginia home. Bieniemy’s son has been arrested in connection with the shooting. Court appearances have been delayed for him pending a mental health evaluation. Chiefs coach Andy Reid says Mia Bieniemy’s condition is improving. Meanwhile, quarterback Patrick Mahomes is practicing fully after knee surgery, showing no setbacks as the Chiefs continued with padded practices at training camp.

WORDS: 645 - MOVED: 08/04/2026 1:28 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a166bc1e9229bd72461fdbd2da1637fb&mediaType=text

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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-STRANGE YEAR

PGA Tour regular season ends what has been a strange year of no one dominating

SUMMARY: Billy Horschel was full of optimism at the start of the year. He comes to the final event of the PGA Tour’s regular season outside the top 100 in the FedEx Cup and with no guarantees of keeping his full card. The tour preaches balance and meritocracy and that much is evident. Chris Gotterup has more wins than Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy combined. Three of the majors champions were ranked outside the top 30. That hasn’t happened in 17 years. And it’s been three months since anyone inside the top 10 in the world won on the PGA Tour.

WORDS: 1041 - MOVED: 08/04/2026 1:02 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4cc3c1a1c1c158c88982806edb817d00&mediaType=text

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SOC--MLS-BERG TRANSITION

New MLS commissioner Larry Berg aims to continue the league’s growth trajectory

SUMMARY: Incoming Major League Soccer Commissioner Larry Berg sees his role as continuing the trajectory of the league under his soon-to-be predecessor, Don Garber. The 30-team league that Graber grew during his 27-year tenure now looks to Berg to capitalize on the success of the World Cup this past summer and guide the transition to a new international schedule next year. Berg, a co-owner of LAFC, will formally take over as commissioner at the start of next year. Garber, who has served as the league’s commissioner since 1999, will help guide the transition before moving into a new role as chairman.

WORDS: 790 - MOVED: 08/04/2026 12:52 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dfd2f46b5560d1df94b4f95437810242&mediaType=text

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FBN--PANTHERS-LEGETTE

Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette carted off the field with a stinger injury at training camp

SUMMARY: Carolina Panthers 2024 first-round draft pick Xavier Legette was carted off the field with a stinger injury after landing awkwardly as he attempted to make a leaping catch in the end zone. Stingers are injuries that impact the nerves in the upper arm, neck or shoulder and often give a player a burning sensation in his arms and hands. Most stingers resolve quickly, but some can last weeks or months. Panthers coach Dave Canales says Legette does not have a concussion and says he will be reevaluated in a few days. Legette will not play in the Panthers’ preseason opener on Thursday night.

WORDS: 382 - MOVED: 08/04/2026 12:46 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6af9e567e83d6d472bbd840a3d7cb373&mediaType=text

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FBN--FALCONS-ROBINSON-CONTRACT

Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is locked up through 2030 after agreeing to a 3-year extension

SUMMARY: The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a three-year contract extension with running back Bijan Robinson through the 2030 season. Robinson reposted the NFL’s Instagram post detailing the extension, writing “God this is for you! Blessings. Love this team and this city!” According to Spotrac.com, the extension is worth up to $75 million, with $51 million guaranteed. NFL Network and ESPN first reported the extension. The deal with Robinson continued the Falcons’ trend of locking up foundation players on their offense. The Falcons previously reached new deals with left guard Matthew Bergeron, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts.

WORDS: 313 - MOVED: 08/04/2026 11:54 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:de4424501114327b923522ed7e5661c5&mediaType=text

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TEN--CINCINNATI-WILLIAMS SISTERS

Serena and Venus Williams to play doubles together at the Cincinnati Open

SUMMARY: The Williams sisters are back playing doubles tennis ahead of the U.S. Open. Serena and Venus Williams are set to take part in the Cincinnati Open that begins next week after receiving a wild-card entry. They last played a doubles match together at the 2022 U.S. Open. It is their first time teaming up in the hard-court tune-up tournament in Mason, Ohio. Venus Williams is set to play mixed doubles at the U.S. Open alongside Alexander Bublik. She and her younger sister playing at Cincinnati is the latest step in Serena’s comeback at age 44 after losing at Wimbledon in her first singles match in nearly four years.

WORDS: 180 - MOVED: 08/04/2026 11:25 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:72e5291716a478917e0eefac5d0eadd7&mediaType=text

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SOC--US-SCHEDULE

US men to host Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada to kick off next World Cup cycle

SUMMARY: The U.S. men’s national team will kick off the next World Cup cycle with four matches over 11 days on home soil. The friendlies include games against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada in U.S. cities that didn’t host World Cup action this summer. The Americans will face Peru on Sept. 26 at Inter.co Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Three days later, they will host Chile at Energizer Park in St. Louis. The US-Mexico rivalry resumes Oct. 3 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. And the finale against Canada follows three days later at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota.

WORDS: 262 - MOVED: 08/04/2026 11:01 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:df12e738f1f3d09d83bb82bd627b8084&mediaType=text

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BKC--KANSAS-PLAYERS ERA

Kansas men’s hoops signs a five-year contract to play in the Players Era Festival through 2030-31

SUMMARY: Kansas has signed a five-year contract for the Jayhawks to participate in the Players Era Festival. This ties one of college basketball’s storied programs to the innovative out-of-conference tournament. The Players Era began in Las Vegas in 2024, funneling at least $1 million toward each participating school’s name, image and likeness fund. The tournament expanded last year to 18 teams and will have 24 teams split between two events this year. The Jayhawks are now locked into the tournament through the 2030-31 season. This ensures a lucrative NIL stream and a marquee early-season showcase for the team.

WORDS: 510 - MOVED: 08/04/2026 11:01 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8869935acaad6505a14ad0a4668a4c30&mediaType=text

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SOC--FIFA-WENGER

Top FIFA officials Wenger and Grafström distance themselves from Infantino’s World Cup sell-off plan

SUMMARY: Two senior FIFA executives have distanced themselves from their boss Gianni Infantino’s failed plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private investors. Coaching great Arsène Wenger says dropping the plan was “absolutely necessary” and FIFA’s CEO-like secretary general Mattias Grafström said the turmoil around the proposal is difficult to accept. The comments by Wenger and Grafström had echoes of the direct criticism from FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour, who said Friday that staff had been “deceived” by Infantino’s private equity plan.

WORDS: 934 - MOVED: 08/04/2026 8:25 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7a553620217d2b1299b0c8bea8b800cd&mediaType=text

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FBO--NCAA-WOMEN’S FLAG FOOTBALL

A new football title chase lies ahead as women’s flag football closes in on NCAA championship status

SUMMARY: The NCAA has women’s flag football on the fast track to becoming a championship sport. There could be a national title game as early as spring 2028, before the LA Games, where flag football will make its Olympic debut. More than 120 schools are slated to field a team this academic year. A vote in January by Division I, II, and III officials could cement the sport’s inclusion. Schools are already recruiting and game-planning to build championship rosters. The NFL has thrown its weight behind the sport, sponsoring teams and tournaments, and USA Football is developing players to bring home an Olympic medal.

WORDS: 1269 - MOVED: 08/04/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:17aa1c0c9934f219998b14222b48bc30&mediaType=text

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BBO--TRADE DEADLINE-ANALYSIS

Baseball’s trade deadline: The Dodgers (and Red Sox?!) are going for it. Is anybody else?

WORDS: 1224 - MOVED: 08/04/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5ed52a33708aa11499f357e90e84f970&mediaType=text

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FBN--HALL OF FAME-FITZGERALD

Larry Fitzgerald entering Hall of Fame as Cardinals icon after 17 years of pass-catching excellence

SUMMARY: Larry Fitzgerald, one of the greatest receivers in NFL history, is set to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. He spent his entire 17-year career with the Arizona Cardinals, where he became known for his incredible talent and dedication. Fitzgerald’s fondest memories aren’t just about his on-field success, like the Cardinals’ 2008 Super Bowl run, but also the personal growth and relationships he built. Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill highlights Fitzgerald’s professionalism and commitment, noting his impressive stats and community involvement. Fitzgerald quietly retired in 2020, leaving a legacy of excellence and humility.

WORDS: 1094 - MOVED: 08/04/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f0d82fef0c0a985bff7573dc54b16ee6&mediaType=text

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FBN--BREAKOUT CANDIDATES

Walter Nolen, Omarion Hampton, Luther Burden among the year 2 players poised for a breakout

SUMMARY: Some rookies take little time to adjust to the NFL, such as last season’s AP Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year, Tetairoa McMillan and Carson Schwesinger. They were among several rookies that made major impacts in 2025, along with Seattle’s versatile defender Nick Emmanwori, who helped elevate a defense that led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title, top 10 pick tackles Armand Membou and Kelvin Banks, and pass cathers like Tyler Warren and Emeka Ebuka. Arizona’s Walter Nolen, Chargers running back Omarion Hampton and Chicago receiver Luther Burden are among the year two players who could breakout this season.

WORDS: 715 - MOVED: 08/04/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b89c7ec05d6a62860fcf7b45e71c2610&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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FBN--PRESEASON PREVIEW

The NFL’s preseason schedule kicks off with the Hall of Fame game between the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals, featuring backups and depth players competing for opportunities to get more snaps when the games count. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.

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FBN--NEW COACHES

A new NFL season means lots of changes, and 2026 features 10 new head coaches now in charge. The Tennessee Titans are in that group, turning to Robert Saleh hoping to end a four-season skid.

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