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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HKN--WESTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEWS

FORMATS: Text, Photo

1. WITH: HKN--CENTRAL DIVISION PREVIEW

2. DESCRIPTION: Colorado, Dallas and Minnesota again look to be the class of the NHL’s Central Division, a gauntlet at the top with Utah and others knocking on the door. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. Text, photos. With Western Conference preview capsules for U.S.-based teams (450 words, photos).

3. UPCOMING: By 09/23/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: HKN--PACIFIC DIVISION PREVIEW

5. DESCRIPTION: After what looked like a down season, the Pacific Division produced the Western Conference champion in Vegas. But the Golden Knights may not be the team to beat in the Pacific this time, with Connor McDavid and Edmonton looking to rebound from a first-round exit and Macklin Celebrini and San Jose on the verge of becoming a contender. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos. With Western Conference preview capsules for U.S.-based teams (450 words, photos).

6. UPCOMING: By 09/23/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT

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HKN--PANTHERS-BARKOV RETURNS

DESCRIPTION: The last time Aleksander Barkov skated in a real NHL game, the night ended with him hoisting the Stanley Cup. A knee injury turned into a lost season for Florida’s captain, who has eyes on ensuring the Panthers get back into the mix for a third title in four years. By Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/23/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--PRO PICKS-WEEK 3

DESCRIPTION: Eight teams are home underdogs in Week 3. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.

UPCOMING: By 09/23/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--RAIDERS-PASS RUSH

DESCRIPTION: The Las Vegas Raiders are getting to opposing quarterbacks, a big reason they are 2-0.

UPCOMING: By 09/23/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKL--ACES-ANOTHER TITLE CHASE

DESCRIPTION: The Las Vegas Aces will enter the playoffs chasing their fourth WNBA championship in five years, but this one is hardly guaranteed.

UPCOMING: By 09/23/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKW--LAS VEGAS-WEISS

DESCRIPTION: New PWHL Las Vegas coach Kim Weiss meets with the media. She was an assistant coach for the AHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche, the second woman to serve in a full-time role at that or the NHL level.

UPCOMING: By 09/23/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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FBC--T25-COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS

College football picks: USC set to knock off Ducks as teams enter meat of season in prove-it mode

WORDS: 1037 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 1:44 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6b743e9f6a6d6ea9d55518d71898c0b5&mediaType=text

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SOC--FIFA-UEFA-CEFERIN

European soccer’s Ceferin cites need to repair trust broken by Infantino’s FIFA World Cup plan

SUMMARY: European soccer leader Aleksander Ceferin says it is “our work” to repair the unity and trust broken by FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s failed World Cup sell-off plan. The UEFA president in rare public comments two months into the divisive global rift in soccer did not cite Infantino by name but said “not everyone places the game above their own ambitions.” Ceferin spoke in a video message to soccer and business executives in Lisbon on Wednesday. He says “the project that shattered the unity of world football may be abolished, but the trust it broke has not returned, and repairing it is our work now.”

WORDS: 683 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 1:03 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:29a8b9e88a352da0a2239cea38d2359c&mediaType=text

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FBN--GIANTS-DART

Giants QB Jaxson Dart is expected to have season-ending knee surgery, AP source says

SUMMARY: New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is expected to have season-ending surgery on his left knee, according to a person familiar with the injury. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the team hadn’t announced Dart’s status. Dart was injured on the first drive Monday night against the Los Angeles Rams when his left leg bent awkwardly as he was hit by two defenders. Losing the 23-year-old face of the franchise to a long-term injury would be a significant blow in coach John Harbaugh’s first season in charge.

WORDS: 225 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 12:55 p.m. EDT. Will be updated.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9821659f02d428ffe96cf90673b593ce&mediaType=text

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SOC--INTERNATIONAL SOCCER-GUIDE

Messi set for Argentina farewell. Mbappé, Lamal and Ronaldo return after World Cup

SUMMARY: The international break in soccer will offer the last chance to see Lionel Messi play for Argentina. Messi, who announced his retirement from the national team after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, is slated to make his farewell with one last appearance in the Oct. 6 friendly game against Benin in Buenos Aires. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane are all in action again before the Ballon d’Or is announced. Cristiano Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of 1000 career goals also continues.

WORDS: 1032 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 11:56 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0f6a79a1487ac7065023df441f752e05&mediaType=text

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FBN--PANTHERS-BROOKS

Panthers place RB Jonathon Brooks on injured reserve, set to miss 6 weeks, AP source says

SUMMARY: The Carolina Panthers have placed backup running back Jonathon Brooks on injured reserve with a groin injury. According to a person familiar with the situation, Brooks is having surgery to repair a core muscle injury Wednesday that will result in him missing at least six weeks. Brooks is expected to return this season, according to the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team has yet to provide any details on how long he will be out. The Panthers have signed safety Isaiah Simmons from the practice squad to take his spot on the 53-man roster. Coach Dave Canales said Monday that Brooks had injured his groin late in Carolina’s 34-3 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. He said at the time the team was awaiting the results of an MRI.

WORDS: 290 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 10:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0e7d7770a9b004f171d1b35d6bcc8ccf&mediaType=text

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AS--ASIAN GAMES-AFGHAN CYCLIST

Afghan female cyclist wins silver at Asian Games after disguising herself as a man to train

SUMMARY: The easy part for Fariba Hashimi was winning a silver medal in the women’s cycling road race at the Asian Games. The nearly impossible part for the female cyclist from Afghanistan was trying to train in her country. To do that, she dressed as a man in a place where women have few rights. She said she also hid her face when she could so as not to be recognized. She left Afghanistan in 2021 when the Taliban returned and has since trained abroad. She says: “I want to show the Afghanistan women in the world that ... we can have an opportunity.”

WORDS: 320 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 7:33 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0b4b00ae30167e22fded398ba57f2be3&mediaType=text

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AS--ASIAN GAMES-SWIMMING

Chinese 13-year-old Yu Zidi wins her third swimming gold medal at the Asian Games

SUMMARY: Chinese 13-year-old Yu Zidi won her third gold medal in the Asian Games on Wednesday, taking the women’s 400-meter individual medley in 4 minutes 28.56 seconds. She was less than five seconds off the world record held by Canadian Summer McIntosh. Yu took the 200 butterfly and 200 IM earlier in the games in times that put her within reach McIntosh’s world marks in those events. China has won 21 gold medals in 27 events during the first four days of swimming. Two days remain.

WORDS: 296 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 6:03 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:eba66dd46d13fd49b3f7928753a8d39c&mediaType=text

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FBN--INSIDE THE NUMBERS

A stunning early QB injury wave leaves up to 6 teams already turning to backups

WORDS: 1416 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1c06e75af571fe8c728f37804d7bc3e4&mediaType=text

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FBC--T25-FLORIDA-STOPPING CHAMBLISS

No. 21 Florida counting on Swamp to help slow down Ole Miss star QB Trinidad Chambliss

SUMMARY: No. 21 Florida has the daunting task of slowing down Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, a Heisman Trophy frontrunner who is 14-2 as a starter for the fourth-ranked Rebels. Gators coach Jon Sumrall says Chambliss is “as good a college football player I’ve ever seen with my own two eyes.” Sumrall watched Chambliss pick apart his Tulane defense twice in 2025, including in the College Football Playoff. Now, Sumrall faces Chambliss for the third time in his last 14 games. Florida, meanwhile, will try to avenge a loss to the Chambliss and the Rebels last season and is counting on help from the game being in the Swamp.

WORDS: 745 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4c04470987a91d94748785feff4ef94a&mediaType=text

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SOC--COLUMBUS CREW-COACH FIRED

Columbus Crew fires reserve coach Federico Higuaín after incident with female referee

SUMMARY: Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew has fired reserve-team coach Federico Higuaín. It comes after allegations of sexist conduct by a coach toward a female match official in a recent MLS NEXT Pro match. Local media reported that Higuaín recently served a two-game suspension following an incident involving a female referee. The Professional Soccer Referees Association, a body representing match officials across the U.S. and Canada, has said in a statement on social media that a male coach had been banned for two games for squeezing a female official’s hand and refusing to let go, and also saying to her: “Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.” Higuaín is the brother of former Argentina and Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuaín.

WORDS: 331 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 5:51 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1b37682f04b1789fa2fd117cb97e1466&mediaType=text

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BBO--ASTROS-ALVAREZ-TRIPLE CROWN

Triple Crown still within reach for Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez after big game in Seattle

SUMMARY: Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez gained some ground Tuesday night in his chase for a Triple Crown. He still has plenty of work to do with five games left this season. The AL MVP front-runner went 2 for 4 with his 41st home run and three RBIs in the Astros’ 7-0 win over the Seattle Mariners. Alvarez hit an RBI single in the first inning, was intentionally walked in the second and then belted a 386-foot homer in the eighth. His two-run shot tied him with Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays for the American League lead with 41 homers. Alvarez is first in batting average at .314 and he has 102 RBIs, six behind Baltimore slugger Pete Alonso for most in the AL.

WORDS: 469 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 3:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:54d479c638962bed511cfedc6684445f&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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BKL--SUN-FINALE

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — The sun is setting on the Connecticut WNBA franchise as the team will play its final game in the state before it moves to Houston next year. It’s been an incredible run for the first independently owned team in the WNBA, which moved from Orlando, Florida, to Connecticut in 2003. There were three trips to the WNBA Finals, a record four All-Star Games and Connecticut was the first team to turn a profit in the league’s history. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg.