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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CYC--SPANISH VUELTA

DESCRIPTION: The Spanish Vuelta, the final Grand Tour event of the year, continues with Tadej Pogacar trying to win the race for the first time.

UPCOMING: By 08/28/2026 6:50 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--THE BROKEN GAME

DESCRIPTION: College football can only hope the 2026 season that opens Saturday is better than the offseason it’s leaving behind. Eligibility lawsuits and a gambling scandal were among the problems that weighed down one of America’s favorite sports, in a few cases pitting schools against the very conferences whose rules they’re supposed to follow. By Eddie Pells.

UPCOMING: By 08/28/2026 4:25 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKL--MERCURY-PLUM

DESCRIPTION: The Phoenix Mercury have had a disappointing year and will miss the playoffs, but the last few weeks of the regular season still have meaning as the team works to get new star Kelsey Plum acclimated with an eye toward 2027. By David Brandt. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 08/28/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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CAR--NASCAR-DAYTONA PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Five drivers, including Bubba Wallace and former Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski, vie for the final three spots in the playoffs at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night.

UPCOMING: By 08/28/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--DODGERS-TIGERS

DESCRIPTION: Tarik Skubal and the Los Angeles Dodgers open a series in Detroit, bringing the two-time Cy Young winner back to face the team that traded him. By Larry Lage. 300 words, more on merit.

UPCOMING: By 08/28/2026 6:40 p.m. EDT

WITH: BBO--SKUBAL RETURNS

DESCRIPTION: Story on Tarik Skubal’s return to Detroit. By Larry Lage. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 08/28/2026 9:40 p.m. EDT

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FBN--RAIDERS-COUSINS

DESCRIPTION: Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak still maintains he hasn’t named a starting quarterback, but all signs point to this being Kirk Cousins’ offense for now.

UPCOMING: By 08/28/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BILLIE JEAN KING’S FIGHT

DESCRIPTION: For Billie Jean King, the fight for Title IX continues. Some 54 years after the passage of the landmark legislation that banned discrimination in any education program or activity that receives federal funds, King continues to tirelessly advocate for women’s sports and equity. By Anne M. Peterson

UPCOMING: By 08/28/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--LPGA TOUR

DESCRIPTION: NORTON, Mass. — Sei Young Kim took a one-stroke lead into the second round of the FM Championship at the TPC Boston. 250 words.

UPCOMING: By 08/28/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKL--SUN-FEVER

DESCRIPTION: The playoff-bound Indiana Fever take on the struggling Connecticut Sun in their final game before the FIBA World Cup break. Indiana is trying to improve its postseason position by earning a top-four seed. By Michael Marot. 300 words, more on merit. Game time is 7:30 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 08/28/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--RED SOX-YANKEES

DESCRIPTION: New York Yankees ace Cam Schlittler pitches against Patrick Sandoval and the Boston Red Sox in the opener of a pivotal four-game series between longtime rivals. By Baseball Writer Mike Fitzpatrick. 300 words, with photos.

UPCOMING: By 08/28/2026 10:15 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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FBN--RAMS-CHARGERS

No starters, no problem: Ty Simpson’s 2nd-quarter TD sparks the Rams’ preseason sweep

SUMMARY: Ty Simpson threw a go-ahead touchdown in the second quarter and the Los Angeles Rams beat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-18 in the teams’ preseason finale. The Rams didn’t play any starters, following coach Sean McVay’s approach to games that don’t count in the standings. The Rams went 3-0 in the preseason and head to Australia in two weeks to open the season. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert played just two series. His fumble led to a Rams field goal early in the first before a 65-yard TD pass to Quentin Johnston. The Rams are early favorites to win the Super Bowl, which will be played at SoFi Stadium on Feb. 14.

WORDS: 458 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 1:04 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bab32836257995cf4d0cf7c8a3452241&mediaType=text

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FBN--PATRIOTS-BROWNS

Gabriel, Green make cases for 3rd QB spot in Browns’ 37-13 win over Patriots

SUMMARY: Dillon Gabriel throws three touchdown passes as the Cleveland Browns beat the New England Patriots 37-13 Thursday night in their final preseason game. Gabriel and Taylen Green are competing for the Browns’ third quarterback spot. Gabriel starts and plays the first half, completing 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards. Green directs a 98-yard touchdown drive in the second half, showcasing his dual-threat ability. Tommy DeVito starts for New England, leading the Patriots to their only touchdown on their opening possession. Behren Morton plays the rest of the game, completing 18 of 28 passes for 123 yards with two interceptions.

WORDS: 948 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 12:39 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b30e62319ac5fd8aa1c04d0deb600579&mediaType=text

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FBN--49ERS-RAIDERS

A rough night for Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza in 18-12 preseason loss to the 49ers

SUMMARY: Las Vegas rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza saw what it was like Thursday night to face a strong NFL pass rush even against a San Francisco defense comprised of reserves. He was sacked twice and threw an interception in the 49ers’ 18-12 preseason victory over the Raiders. Eddy Piñeiro made all six field goal attempts, including 51- and 54-yarders in the final 1:51 for the 49ers. Mendoza completed 7 of 14 passes for 57 yards, making him 25 of 40 for 240 yards with a touchdown, two interceptions and four sacks for the three preseason games.

WORDS: 688 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 12:17 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e9c7878a2b963e1bb6e6687f4b4c289e&mediaType=text

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BBO--YANKEES-LOMBARD’S ERRORS

George Lombard Jr. becomes first Yankees shortstop with an error in 6 straight games since 1915

SUMMARY: George Lombard Jr. made history this month when he became the first New York Yankees shortstop to homer in his major league debut. Three weeks into his career, however, the rookie set a dubious mark by committing an error for the sixth straight game in Thursday night’s 5-1 loss to the Houston Astros. Lombard became the first Yankees shortstop since Roger Peckinpaugh in 1915 to commit an error in six consecutive games when Yanier Diaz hit a grounder that caromed off his glove. Lombard has seven errors in his first 20 games. Following his latest miscue, he said his defense was not acceptable.

WORDS: 394 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 12:02 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2c9c4aa52f78153382518ff1e306a022&mediaType=text

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FBN--STEELERS-BILLS

Bills close preseason with 28-27 win over Steelers on Buechele’s late 2-point conversion

SUMMARY: Ian Wheeler scored on a 2-yard run with 1:06 left, Steve Buechele completed an off-balance pass to Dante Pettis for a 2-point conversion and the Buffalo Bills beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-27 in the preseason finale for each team Thursday night. The Steelers’ last chance to pull ahead ended with Drew Allar’s pass sailing behind tight end Lake McRee on fourth-and-7 with 44 seconds remaining. It was a disappointing finish for Allar in an outing the rookie was attempting to separate himself from Will Howard in the competition for the Steelers’ third-string job. In squandering a 10-point lead over the final seven minutes, the Steelers closed the preseason 1-2. Buffalo was 3-0.

WORDS: 783 - MOVED: 08/27/2026 11:49 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5b2307ba8365e630ebeaa3e7ddf20462&mediaType=text

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BBO--BRAVES-SALE’S SHUTOUT

Braves’ Sale demands ball in 9th to cap 1st complete game since 2019 in 1-0 shutout of Dodgers

SUMMARY: Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss says veteran left-hander Chris Sale was “on a mission” against the Los Angeles Dodgers after learning before the game about the death of a friend. Sale allowed five hits and struck out 11 in a dominant 1-0 win. It was the first complete game and shutout since 2019 for the 37-year-old Sale and it gave the Braves a three-game sweep of the Dodgers in their matchup of National League division leaders. Weiss says the performance was “a perfect example” of how Hall of Famers “are just different.”

WORDS: 541 - MOVED: 08/27/2026 11:33 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b293b2c70c6b940109c27d80dbd6abd2&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-BRAVES

Chris Sale strikes out 11 in 5-hit shutout as Braves beat Yamamoto and Dodgers 1-0 for 3-game sweep

SUMMARY: Chris Sale struck out 11 in a five-hit shutout, Drake Baldwin launched a leadoff homer against Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and the Atlanta Braves edged the Los Angeles Dodgers 1-0 to complete a three-game sweep. The 37-year-old Sale threw 80 of his 109 pitches for strikes and did not walk a batter, lowering his ERA to 2.06 with his first complete game in more than seven years. The 10-time All-Star posted his fourth double-digit strikeout game this season and the 95th of his career, which ranks seventh in major league history. It was Sale’s 17th complete game and fourth shutout — his first since a three-hitter for Boston against Kansas City in June 2019.

WORDS: 421 - MOVED: 08/27/2026 11:02 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:69f38fda194aa65dcfe525484c960511&mediaType=text

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BBO--LABOR

MLB proposes limiting free agent signings to a few weeks in December and then from February on

SUMMARY: Major League Baseball has proposed limiting free-agent signings to several weeks in December and then from early February on. The plan aims to create an offseason transaction flurry similar to the NFL and NBA. MLB presented the idea to the players’ association on Thursday, but it hinges on adopting a salary cap system proposed in May. The union has vowed never to accept this system. Union head Bruce Meyer immediately criticized the plan. MLB also suggests lowering the maximum in-season options to the minor leagues and adopting weekly rosters. Teams would be allowed 14 pitchers when the 26-man roster limit is in effect.

WORDS: 973 - MOVED: 08/27/2026 10:21 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6eae8fd2c817e0b5af5b4660712d4c42&mediaType=text

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FBC--NCAA-ELIGIBILITY

Texas judge puts SEC’s new eligibility rule on hold

SUMMARY: Two days after the Southeastern Conference passed a rule barring players from returning to the league from the pros, a Texas judge put that rule on hold in a case involving more than 40 players. It was the latest piece of news in what has turned into a breakneck week of legal wrangling over the NCAA’s new five-year eligibility rule. The rule does not apply to college players who exhausted their fourth year of eligibility last spring; many are suing across the country for that fifth year.

WORDS: 687 - MOVED: 08/27/2026 10:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7ab1b532d7e1b8309316d113493ae7de&mediaType=text

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BBO--RAYS BALLPARK

Tampa approves $2.3B deal for a new Rays ballpark

SUMMARY: City officials have approved a $2.3 billion agreement for a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark funded by public and private money. The 4-3 vote Thursday by the Tampa City Council came three months after a tentative deal was reached for a stadium, which would include $967 million in tax money. Hillsborough County Commissioners will vote on the project Friday morning. The Rays ownership reached an agreement earlier this year with Hillsborough College to build the stadium and mixed-use entertainment district on the college campus and to renovate some of the college’s buildings.

WORDS: 328 - MOVED: 08/27/2026 8:23 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1e268065d7a3e4277bb489ee32917c7f&mediaType=text

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FBN--SEAHAWKS-WILLIAMS

Seahawks give 3-time Pro Bowl DT Leonard Williams a $90 million, 3-year extension, AP source says

SUMMARY: Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Leonard Williams and the Seattle Seahawks have agreed on a three-year, $90 million contract extension that includes $56 million guaranteed, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team hasn’t announced the extension. The 32-year-old Williams was a second-team AP All-Pro last season when he helped the Seahawks win the franchise’s second Super Bowl title. Williams has 22 sacks in 2 1/2 seasons with Seattle and 61 1/2 in an 11-year career spent with the Seahawks, Giants and Jets.

WORDS: 424 - MOVED: 08/27/2026 8:16 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a679e3f42f3303d93872cfad7998e94e&mediaType=text

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FBN--PACKERS-JACOBS CHARGED

Packers running back Josh Jacobs facing misdemeanor charges of battery, criminal damage to property

SUMMARY: Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is facing misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property stemming from what police described as a physical confrontation with his girlfriend three months ago. Jacobs was arrested May 26 and released from jail the next day as prosecutors decided whether to file charges. Jacobs was back on the field for organized team activities less than a week later and has been with the Packers for training camp. Jacobs’ attorneys issued a statement acknowledging the charges Thursday and saying the allegations will be addressed in court, not in the media.

WORDS: 950 - MOVED: 08/27/2026 7:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:caefc765767e4996c653253730df915a&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-SKUBAL-HOMECOMING

Dodgers’ Tarik Skubal expects Detroit homecoming against former teammates will test his emotions

SUMMARY: Tarik Skubal knows he will feel emotions when he makes his return to Detroit on Friday night to pitch against the Tigers only four weeks after he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Skubal says he hopes to focus on representing the Dodgers instead of dwelling on his memories with the Tigers at Comerica Park. He says it may not be easy to keep his emotions in check. Overall this season, Skubal is 8-7 with a 2.91 ERA. He is 1-2 in four starts for the Dodgers. He is coming off his first win for the Dodgers against Pittsburgh.

WORDS: 465 - MOVED: 08/27/2026 7:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3864121c6a2f23b3449faab7a4d5f4fc&mediaType=text

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GLF--GOOD GOOD

Good Good to no longer be title sponsor of PGA Tour event and loses Callaway sponsorship

SUMMARY: The fallout from the Good Good Golf video depicting a man shoving a woman to the ground continues. The PGA Tour confirms the YouTube Golf content creators will no longer be title sponsor of a FedEx Cup Fall event. Callaway Golf has ended its three-year sponsorship. Good Good has said the video that was taken down on the same day it showed up on social media channels was meant as a spinoff from a movie. Criticism was immediate and sharp and led to the growing company losing its name on a PGA Tour event for Austin, Texas, in November.

WORDS: 780 - MOVED: 08/27/2026 7:08 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7571b7e461cf085e7b23f70b68bb2e11&mediaType=text

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GLF--TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP

Min Woo Lee makes Tour Championship debut by matching his career best with 62

SUMMARY: Min Woo Lee has made a memorable debut at the Tour Championship. He shot a bogey-free 62 at East Lake. That matches his career low on the PGA Tour and gives him a two-shot lead over Viktor Hovland, Collin Morikawa and Chris Gotterup. Lee’s recent form hasn’t been great, but he managed to excel in the opening round of the FedEx Cup season’s final event. Scottie Scheffler was among four players at 65. Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood opened with a 66. Rain softened the greens, leading to low scores across the board. J.J. Spaun withdrew due to a shoulder injury.

WORDS: 746 - MOVED: 08/27/2026 7:03 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4eaa359f03bf8a210a689937c5bacd59&mediaType=text

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TEN--US OPEN-DRAW

Carlos Alcaraz opens US Open title defense against Safiullin, Venus Williams plays Sofia Kenin

SUMMARY: Carlos Alcaraz will open the defense of his U.S. Open title against an opponent who made a strong run at Wimbledon while the Spaniard was sidelined with an injury. He faces Roman Safiullin in his first singles match since April. Alcaraz has been sidelined with a right wrist injury. Venus Williams plays fellow American Sofia Kenin. Both players received wild cards, with Kenin getting the last one that could have gone to Williams’ sister Serena if she chose to play. Main draw play begins Sunday.

WORDS: 696 - MOVED: 08/27/2026 6:28 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e9fed64f4d4e0290e17c4cab023c50e3&mediaType=text

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SOC--EUROPEAN ROUNDUP

Rodri debuts with Barcelona as fans show support for Catalonia. Chelsea wins in League Cup

SUMMARY: Rodri has made his Barcelona debut in the team’s 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish League, while Chelsea and Fulham advanced to the third round of the English League Cup. Barcelona’s match was supposed to feature a tribute to Spain’s World Cup champions but instead it became an act of support for the “estelada” flag, Catalonia’s pro-independence symbol.

WORDS: 565 - MOVED: 08/27/2026 6:04 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:61e3f8c73bcc7613562196a58bd23072&mediaType=text

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ATH--DIAMOND LEAGUE

Masai Russell and Alison dos Santos break hurdles world records at Diamond League meet

SUMMARY: Two world records were broken less than 40 minutes apart at a Diamond League track meet in Zurich. Alison dos Santos of Brazil smashed the men’s 400-meter hurdles record and Olympic champion Masai Russell of the United States broke the women’s 100-meter hurdles mark at the Weltklasse. Russell set a time of 12.09 seconds, taking 0.03 off the previous world record held by Tobi Amusan of Nigeria. Dos Santos crossed the line in 45.80 seconds to take 0.14 seconds off the world record set by Karsten Warholm of Norway at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

WORDS: 565 - MOVED: 08/27/2026 5:26 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b14b0807bc11c32283abac926aa85af2&mediaType=text

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HKN--JETS-HELLEBUYCK-TRADE REQUEST

Winnipeg Jets star goalie and U.S. Olympian Connor Hellebuyck goes public with trade request

SUMMARY: Three-time Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has publicly confirmed he asked the Winnipeg Jets to trade him. Hellebuyck said in a statement released by his agent that he felt it was important to go public with the request because training camp is fast approaching. The 33-year-old American said his position has not changed and hopes the team can find a resolution soon. Hellebuyck has played his entire NHL career with the Jets and was voted league MVP in the 2024-25 season. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff acknowledged he’s been working to trade the player, but otherwise had no update.

WORDS: 435 - MOVED: 08/27/2026 4:55 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:12d5415769f26dc533a421f3133ea7f9&mediaType=text

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BKL--ACES-SMITH INJURY

Las Vegas Aces lose NaLyssa Smith for season to injury, a major blow to WNBA champs’ repeat hopes

SUMMARY: Las Vegas Aces forward NaLyssa Smith is out for the season with a left leg injury, dealing a huge blow to the defending WNBA champion’s repeat hopes. Smith suffered the non-contact injury at the 3:15 mark of the third quarter in this past Sunday’s 88-78 win over the the Toronto Tempo. The Aces played without her during Tuesday’s 93-85 loss at New York. Smith, has averaged 11.8 points and 6.4 rebounds over 37 games this season and was leading the league in field goal percentage, connecting on 63.8% of her attempts.

WORDS: 163 - MOVED: 08/27/2026 4:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cc9a4cd6070e2d1d554e44046584273d&mediaType=text

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SOC--BARCELONA-SPAIN TRIBUTE

Barcelona scraps tribute to Spain World Cup winners. Act supporting Catalan symbol held instead

SUMMARY: Barcelona’s World Cup winners with Spain have not been honored by the club at its first home game of the season because of an incident involving the “estelada” flag, Catalonia’s pro-independence symbol. An act supporting the estelada organized by a local group took place at Camp Nou stadium instead with some 10,000 flags given to fans. Barcelona has eight World Cup champions in its squad the most of any club and it had planned a tribute to them before its Spanish league home opener against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday. Barcelona says it changed course after one of its fans had an estelada flag taken away by police before the team’s game at Elche last weekend.

WORDS: 447 - MOVED: 08/27/2026 4:13 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:19507a523261efef508559e42d306e7d&mediaType=text

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SOC--NORTHERN SUPER LEAGUE-GROWTH

New team, investment and competition: The women’s Northern Super League is on the rise

SUMMARY: The fledgling Northern Super League has been boosted in its second year by investment and expansion plans as the women’s game in Canada grows. The six-team NSL, co-founded by former Canada national team player Diana Matheson, announced this summer that it will add a team in Winnipeg in 2027. The league also announced that London-based sports investment firm APEX will invest up to $30 million in the women’s league. And that’s in addition to the $5.45 million that the Canadian government pledged on the day of the league’s first championship last year.

WORDS: 746 - MOVED: 08/27/2026 3:49 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c547ff9e5c60d656e6250b36929a7bda&mediaType=text

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BBY-LITTLE LEAGUE

Familiar matchups await final four U.S., international teams in Little League Baseball World Series

SUMMARY: Ohio’s Walker Osborne and Japan’s Shinnosuke Ijima tossed complete games in the Little League Baseball World Series quarterfinals on Thursday to lift their teams into Saturday’s United States and international championships, respectively. Ohio will face Nevada in the U.S. finale, while Japan will face Curaçao in the international championship on Saturday. The winners of Saturday’s games will play for the overall championship on Sunday.

WORDS: 903 - MOVED: 08/27/2026 3:17 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:019f81d42714190c0de77e8311ec72e2&mediaType=text

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SOC--FIFA-INFANTINO-CRIMINAL COMPLAINT

UEFA prepares criminal complaint in Swiss courts against FIFA’s Infantino over World Cup sell-off

SUMMARY: UEFA is preparing a criminal complaint against FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Swiss courts for possible financial mismanagement over his failed plan to sell future World Cup profits to private investors. UEFA has filed documents in a Manhattan court requesting discovery of potential evidence from the New York investment fund, Thrive Capital Management, founded by Joshua Kushner.

WORDS: 735 - MOVED: 08/27/2026 2:36 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2c0a1bbfc17bb159088a5d7108caac11&mediaType=text