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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FBC--T25-NORTH TEXAS-INDIANA PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: The Indiana Hoosiers understand the message. Yes, they are the 2925 Big Ten and national champions. And in 2026, that doesn’t mean a thing when the sixth-ranked Hoosiers open their title defense by hosting North Texas in a game featuring last season’s two highest scoring FBS teams. By Michael Marot. 600 words, photos.

SENT: By 09/03/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKC--NCAA-ELIGIBILITY

DESCRIPTION: The focus of NCAA eligibility lawsuits and uncertainty is on college football with Week 1 games set for this weekend. But college basketball is facing uncertainty, too, with roughly two months until opening night. By Aaron Beard. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/03/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-BOISE ST-OREGON PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: When Boise State visits Oregon on Saturday, a new member of the Pac-12 faces one of the league’s defectors. By Anne M. Peterson.

UPCOMING: By 09/03/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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TEN--US OPEN COVERAGE

FORMATS: Text, Photo

1. WITH: TEN--US OPEN COVERAGE

2. DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the US Open in New York

3. UPCOMING: By 09/03/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: TEN--US OPEN

5. DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka and Alex Eala are on the U.S. Open schedule, while top-seeded Alexander Zverev hopes for an easier second round after needing to go five sets in his opener.

6. UPCOMING: By 09/03/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

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FBN--PRO PICKS-SEASON PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: The Seattle Seahawks are aiming to become just the ninth repeat Super Bowl champion and third in the 2000s. They have 31 other teams standing in their way.

UPCOMING: By 09/03/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--NFL-REGULAR-SEASON-GUIDE

DESCRIPTION: The NFL regular season kicks off next week with the Seattle Seahawks hosting the New England Patriots on Wednesday night. This marks the start of a 272-game schedule, including a record nine international games. Here’s a look at how to watch and some of the top storylines. By David Brandt. 650 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/03/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF-MISSOURI

DESCRIPTION: Arkansas-Pine Bluff plays Missouri at Faurot Field. By Dave Skretta. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/03/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-IDAHO-UTAH

DESCRIPTION: No. 21 Utah opens its first season under coach Morgan Scalley against Idaho. By Matt Coles. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/03/2026 9:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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FBN--AUSTRALIA-NFL AT THE G

From test cricket marathons to the NFL: Melbourne’s MCG readies for Rams-49ers

SUMMARY: The NFL is set for a debut Down Under between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, known as the MCG. Or, more simply, The G. The venue has a rich history of hosting major events, including the very first cricket test match in 1877 and more recently Taylor Swift concerts. The MCG’s close proximity to downtown Melbourne and capacity of 100,000 made it an ideal choice for the NFL’s first foray into Australia. It’s the first of nine games the NFL is staging internationally this season.

WORDS: 1178 - MOVED: 09/03/2026 1:41 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:60083ee0acf1728f63ddc73e1559b3e7&mediaType=text

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SOC--JACKMAN-NORWICH

Hugh Jackman aims to buy into soccer club Norwich that’s a division rival of Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham

SUMMARY: Hugh Jackman wants to join his fellow Hollywood star and friend Ryan Reynolds in owning part of a soccer club in the English leagues. Jackman has long been a fan of Norwich which is his mother’s home city in the east of England. The Wolverine star was asked by British broadcaster TalkSport if he’d like to “buy a bit” of the club. Norwich is majority owned by Mark Attanasio who’s the Milwaukee Brewers principal owner. Jackman has replied he’s “very, very interested in talking about it.” Norwich plays in the second-tier Championship with Wrexham which was revived by Reynolds and actor Rob Mac.

WORDS: 289 - MOVED: 09/03/2026 12:36 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9ae400f313af4f5221b7e4685cb29cc9&mediaType=text

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TEN--US OPEN

Naomi Osaka, Alex Eala and Coco Gauff are in action Thursday at the US Open

SUMMARY: Naomi Osaka, Alex Eala and Iga Swiatek are on the schedule at the U.S. Open, with Coco Gauff headlining the action at night. Doubles play also began Thursday, though Serena and Venus Williams aren’t on the schedule. They could play their first-round match Friday against Hao-Ching Chan and Maya Joint, who beat Serena in singles play at Wimbledon this summer. Osaka, the two-time U.S. Open champion, started the action on Arthur Ashe Stadium against Katerina Siniakova. Eala was also scheduled for day action after the No. 17 seed from the Philippines started at night, as was Swiatek, the 2022 U.S. Open champion.

WORDS: 325 - MOVED: 09/03/2026 12:18 p.m. EDT. Will be updated throughout the day.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e7a26a12322de65982ec5fede088eb6c&mediaType=text

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FBN--RUSSINI-THE ATHLETIC

Athletic’s review of former NFL reporter Dianna Russini concludes she didn’t comply with standards

SUMMARY: An investigation by The Athletic has concluded that former NFL reporter Dianna Russini violated the company’s standards because of her relationship with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel that led to her resignation in April. The report drew no conclusions about the nature of Russini’s relationship with Vrabel, who took accountability for his actions without ever addressing photos released of the coach and the reporter at an Arizona resort. He stepped away from the team on the third day of the NFL draft to begin counseling and returned soon afterward.

WORDS: 487 - MOVED: 09/03/2026 12:13 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d904f700ebb7d0a86b954b07370cfb69&mediaType=text

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FBC--NCAA ELIGIBILITY

Sankey, former NFL players head to court in college football fight over NCAA eligibility for ex pros

SUMMARY: Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey is in court as several athletes seek a ruling to play college football this fall, despite having turned pro. The hearing, held near LSU, involves athletes like former NFL players Zxavian Harris and Dae’Quan Wright. They argue they’re unfairly denied a fifth college year under new NCAA rules. The SEC and NCAA are defending their right to enforce eligibility rules. The case highlights tensions between schools, conferences, and the NCAA over athlete eligibility. Louisiana and Georgia attorneys general have weighed in, reflecting the broader implications of the NCAA’s evolving rules.

WORDS: 752 - MOVED: 09/03/2026 11:59 a.m. EDT. Will be updated throughout the day.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ff59236793bdefab677ceb728599aa84&mediaType=text

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BKN--RAPTORS-LEONARD

Completion of the NBA’s investigation of the Clippers could facilitate Leonard trade to the Raptors

SUMMARY: Kawhi Leonard’s return to the Toronto Raptors could be back on now that there’s a resolution to the NBA’s investigation into salary cap circumvention rules during the seven-time All-Star’s time with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Raptors and Clippers struck a deal on June 30 on a trade that would send Leonard back to the team he helped lead to the 2019 NBA championship. In July, the trade was put on hold pending the outcome of an NBA investigation into salary cap circumvention rules. The NBA imposed a sweeping punishment against the Clippers on Wednesday. The Raptors declined to comment on the status of the deal to acquire Leonard now that the league has announced the fallout.

WORDS: 470 - MOVED: 09/03/2026 11:48 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f04d3811d76fc1ef1d340a58b5972872&mediaType=text

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OLY--SAFESPORT-DATABASE

SafeSport sees big jump in visitors to banned database after announcing sanctions publicly

SUMMARY: The U.S. Center for SafeSport more than doubled the number of new visitors to its online Centralized Disciplinary Database in the month after it started making public announcements about people placed on its banned list. The center in charge of combating abuse in Olympic sports said that 6,300 new visitors looked at the database between July 21 — the date the initiative was launched — and Aug. 20. That marked a 125% increase over the previous period in 2025.

WORDS: 211 - MOVED: 09/03/2026 11:21 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:812c0db237bc8daa1a86ef0db81e3205&mediaType=text

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SOC--BALOGUN-TRANSFER FIASCO

First Trump, now Everton: Balogun at center of another fiasco as deadline-day transfer fails

SUMMARY: Monaco’s sporting director says U.S. striker Folarin Balogun pulled out of a deal to join Everton in the final minutes of European soccer’s summer transfer window because he felt uncomfortable that the English club raised doubts about his health in a medical check. Thiago Scuro has held a news conference and given a detailed rudown on how Balogun’s proposed move to Everton for a reported 40 million pounds ($54 million) fell apart with the clock ticking on deadline day. There is still the possibility that Balogun could leave Monaco and move to a country where the transfer window is still open. Balogun was also at the center of a fiasco at the World Cup that involved President Donald Trump.

WORDS: 687 - MOVED: 09/03/2026 10:59 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bb6aaec4f3a164510385415eaa993384&mediaType=text

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SOC--REAL MADRID-ASENCIO

Asencio cleared of sex tape charge but Real Madrid opens disciplinary case after DUI

SUMMARY: Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio has been acquitted of charges he revealed a sex video without consent. That came just hours after coach José Mourinho said the club opened a disciplinary proceeding against the player following a DUI conviction last month. Asencio was cleared of charges that he showed a sex video to another person without the consent of those involved in the video. One of the women in the 2023 video was underage.

WORDS: 304 - MOVED: 09/03/2026 10:25 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c53cc81d399d8ce735b94edb945a3d08&mediaType=text

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SOC--MESSI TRIBUTE

Messi to get mid-game tribute by soccer teams across Argentina after international retirement

SUMMARY: Soccer teams across Argentina will pay tribute to Lionel Messi with a mid-game minute of applause during their next match following his decision to retire from international duty. Argentina’s soccer federation says referees will pause play at the 10-minute mark of every match in the upcoming round of the Clausura tournament as well as in other men’s and women’s leagues in appreciation of Messi’s career with the national team. The 39-year-old Messi wore the No. 10 jersey for Argentina. He announced on Monday he will no longer play for the national team after 21 years of service. Messi has never played professionally in his home country.

WORDS: 208 - MOVED: 09/03/2026 6:54 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d74c70afe0ceaecf182199d69678ed2e&mediaType=text

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SOC--GERMANY-SMALL-TOWN TEAM

How ‘brave’ small-town club Elversberg is shaking up German soccer

SUMMARY: Elversberg represents a town of just 13,000 people and operates on a shoestring budget. And yet it made a big statement in its first-ever Bundesliga game last week. Elversberg stunned former champion Bayer Leverkusen 3-2. Texas-born winger Cole Campbell scored on his league debut after becoming Elversberg’s record signing. Elversberg has shown it can keep up with the big teams on its day. The rest of the season will be a grind to prove it deserves to stay. Next up is another ex champ Borussia Mönchengladbach away on Saturday.

WORDS: 644 - MOVED: 09/03/2026 6:51 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cc77dffd724deef9fe1f9d52b45544f1&mediaType=text

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BKL--WCUP PREVIEW

With a new-look roster and no A’ja Wilson the US FIBA World Cup title defense gets tougher

SUMMARY: The U.S. has dominated the women’s FIBA World Cup for nearly two decades, winning the last four titles. A young American roster led by the trio of Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese now complement U.S. stalwart Breanna Stewart as the team looks to win its fifth straight championship. The Americans will be missing four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson, who the team announced Monday would miss the World Cup along with Kelsey Plum. They were replaced by newcomers Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen.

WORDS: 802 - MOVED: 09/03/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c0ea6e0d11c72b2f28007dc5c87ef8de&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-OHTANI

Dave Roberts to consult trainers and Shohei Ohtani, weighing a day off after 4-strikeout game

SUMMARY: Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is concerned about Shohei Ohtani’s physical condition after he struck out four consecutive times. Roberts plans to discuss Ohtani’s health with the training staff and the two-way superstar on Thursday. Ohtani hasn’t pitched since July 3 due to knee and biceps pain, which might be affecting his offensive performance. Roberts says Ohtani hasn’t been himself lately and might need a day off. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are uncertain if Ohtani will pitch again this season as the defending World Series champions chase a third consecutive title.

WORDS: 515 - MOVED: 09/03/2026 2:39 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:34492f6deceb515d624d9d38424c1863&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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FBC--LOST RIVALRIES

Nearly 50 Division I football programs have changed conference affiliation in the past two years alone, leaving behind rivalries and dealing a blow to the familiar stability most alumni associate with their alma mater. The chase for dollars carries intangible costs to the brand. The Apple Cup this year will be played in the first week of September, an example of a rivalry that still exists but feels much different than it did for more than a century.

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TEN--US OPEN

Coverage of the U.S. Open in New York.