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UPCOMING

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BKL--WNBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE

FORMATS: Photo, Text

1. WITH: BKL--WINGS-PAIGE’S STAGE

2. DESCRIPTION: Paige Bueckers is getting ready for her WNBA playoff debut with the Dallas Wings on Sunday. It’s the next step for the star guard who won a national championship at UConn a few weeks before the Wings drafted her No. 1 overall last year. The reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year has gone from learning how to cope with losing in much larger doses to helping lead a contender through the ups and downs of a season. By Schuyler Dixon

3. UPCOMING: By 09/25/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

4. WITH: BKL--WNBA PLAYOFF PREVIEW

5. DESCRIPTION: The race for WNBA playoff seeding went down to the wire, illustrating just how evenly matched the eight teams heading into the postseason are. It’s why every coach, player and fan base in the playoffs all believe they have a legitimate shot to win the title. By Doug Feinberg

6. UPCOMING: By 09/25/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT

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FBN--UNDER CENTER

DESCRIPTION: NFL offenses have been shifting from shotgun to under center at a high rate this season. Through two weeks, 13 of the 32 teams have increased their rate of plays from under center by more than 10 percentage points, according to Sportradar, with the league-wide rate going from 34.7% last season to 42.3% so far this season. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 1100 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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BKC--FLORIDA-GREAT EXPECTATIONS

DESCRIPTION: GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida coach Todd Golden insists his team is ready for everything that comes with being the overwhelming favorite to win a second national championship.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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BKN--THUNDER-PRESTI

DESCRIPTION: Sam Presti knows there is no dancing around the fact the Thunder will have a different makeup this season though that doesn’t make OKC’s longtime general manager nervous. By Tim Willert

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBC--T25-SMU-MISSOURI STATE LINKS

DESCRIPTION: Kevin Jennings once had only one Division I offer, from then-FCS team Missouri State. That was until new SMU coach Rhett Lashlee saw him in a prep playoff game. Jennings stayed home to be part of SMU’s transition to a power conference. His next home game is against Missouri State, and his offensive coordinator with the Mustangs the past four seasons. By Stephen Hawkins. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2026 7:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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CAR F1 WOMEN IN MOTORSPORT

DESCRIPTION: Formula 1 is aiming to help female racers develop motorsport careers with its F1 Academy series. Yet some are struggling for funding and track time when they leave. Meant as a developmental series, it may be the peak of many drivers’ careers.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2026 8:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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TEN--BILLIE JEAN KING CUP-FINALS

DESCRIPTION: Spain plays the Czech Republic in the first semifinal at the Billie Jean King Cup.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2026 9:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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CAR--F1-AZERBAIJAN GP

DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2026 9:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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HKN--LET’S PLAY 84

DESCRIPTION: The NHL is going to an 84-game season for the first time since 1994. In addition to fewer exhibition games, that could have an effect on goalie tandems, stats and records. Players are embracing the change, which also comes with an early start. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--PUCK DROP-WHAT TO KNOW

DESCRIPTION: A look at the story lines around the NHL, including picks for who will make the playoffs, win major awards and, of course, the Stanley Cup. By Hockey Writers Stephen Whyno and John Wawrow. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--49ERS-PURDY

DESCRIPTION: Brock Purdy has produced at a high level ever since bursting on the scene as a seventh-round rookie in 2022 who went on a deep playoff run with the San Francisco 49ers. Through two weeks this season, Purdy has shown there might be even another level he can take his game. After throwing three touchdown passes in a season-opening win over the Super Bowl favorite Los Angeles Rams, Purdy was nearly flawless last week in a win against Miami. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKN--MAVERICKS-IRVING’S RETURN

DESCRIPTION: DALLAS — Kyrie Irving addresses reporters for the first time since he last played nearly 19 months ago, when he injured a knee. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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SOC--NATIONS LEAGUE-ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: France takes on Turkey in Zinedine Zidane’s first game in charge while Roberto Mancini returns for rebuilding Italy when it faces Belgium in the Nations League. By Jerome Pugmire.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2026 6:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--PRESIDENTS CUP

DESCRIPTION: The Americans take a 3-2 lead into the second day of foursomes matches at the Presidents Cup. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 750 words, photos. With Presidents Cup-Capsules and Presidents Cup-Results.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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FBN--FALCONS-PACKERS

Bijan Robinson runs roughshod over the Packers as the Falcons breeze to a 35-14 victory

SUMMARY: Bijan Robinson rushed for 194 yards and two touchdowns as the Atlanta Falcons capitalized on the return of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and trounced the punchless Green Bay Packers 35-14. Atlanta erased an early 7-0 deficit by scoring 27 straight points to take control of the game amid a chorus of boos at Lambeau Field. The Falcons outrushed the Packers 242 yards to 17. Green Bay lost a home opener for the first time since falling 30-22 to the San Francisco 49ers in 2012. Drake London had nine receptions for 194 yards for the Falcons.

WORDS: 883 - MOVED: 09/25/2026 1:24 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1a8954f09339bb59a6af5043e56b6b88&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA PLAYOFFS SET

A’Ja Wilson and Aces to face Caitlin Clark and Fever in opening round of WNBA playoffs

SUMMARY: The WNBA playoffs will have a star-studded matchup between A’Ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark, thanks to a massive comeback by Golden State. Down 10 with three minutes to go, the Valkryies went on a 14-0 run to beat the Los Angeles Sparks 76-75 and move into to the No. 2 seed on the final day of the regular season. Golden State’s win and Indiana’s loss to Minnesota sets up a best-of-three series between the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever. The series that begins Sunday in Las Vegas will be a showcase between Wilson, the four-time WNBA MVP, and Clark, the 2024 rookie of the year and three-time All-Star. Golden State plays No. 7 seed Dallas, top-seeded Minnesota faces New York and No. 4 Atlanta plays No. 5 Washingon.

WORDS: 543 - MOVED: 09/25/2026 1:23 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:18c122b3d47cd43b2aa1228783183965&mediaType=text

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BKN--OBIT-PETTIT

Bob Pettit, imposing Hawks great and first NBA MVP, dies at 93

SUMMARY: NBA great Bob Pettit has died at the age of 93. His alma mater, LSU, says Pettit died Wednesday. Pettit was an imposing scorer and rebounder for the St. Louis Hawks and winner of the NBA’s first Most Valuable Player award in 1956. After starring at LSU, Pettit became an All-Star in all 11 of his NBA seasons. At 6-foot-9, he was one of the first big men to play facing the basket. Pettit led the Hawks to the 1958 title over the Boston Celtics. He was also the NBA MVP in 1959 and All-Star game MVP four times.

WORDS: 806 - MOVED: 09/24/2026 9:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:92bb99e3a0bb11ed885e3c219cee77e8&mediaType=text

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FBN--49ERS-JUSZCZYK FINED

Kyle Juszczyk gets fined for chugging celebration that NFL says was beer and he says was juice

SUMMARY: The NFL fined San Francisco 49ers All-Pro fullback Kyle Juszczyk for what it deemed an “offensive” celebration similar to one he had been doing for several years with no issues. Juszczyk was fined $14,926 after he imitated drinking a beverage following a catch in the third quarter of San Francisco’s win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Juszczyk’s nickname is “Juice” and he has been doing a version of that celebration throughout his career in response to 49ers fans chanting his nickname after catches or other big plays. But the league told him the celebration was an imitation of drinking a beer and was worthy of a fine.

WORDS: 623 - MOVED: 09/24/2026 8:43 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:85106388195a24cbbf70d75d4a4cf358&mediaType=text

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BKL-SUN-MOHEGAN TRIBE

The Mohegan Tribe made an early bet on a WNBA team. Now the Sun is setting

SUMMARY: After 24 seasons, the Mohegan Tribe and the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun are parting ways. The tribe purchased the franchise in 2003, becoming the first Native American tribe to own a professional sports team. In May, the tribe’s business arm closed a $300 million deal with NBA Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta for the Rockets to buy the Sun and relocate the team to Houston. It’s an emotional goodbye for fans. The team had become a point of community pride for the Mohegan people and a platform to share their language, culture and values.

WORDS: 1085 - MOVED: 09/24/2026 8:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bba3f147c115c0a79ae575ff996de954&mediaType=text

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GLF--PRESIDENTS CUP

Scheffler and Burns finally win together and stake Americans to 3-2 lead in Presidents Cup

SUMMARY: Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns finally won a match together as partners. It helped the Americans take a 3-2 lead after the opening session in the Presidents Cup. Their match against Min Woo Lee and Sungjae Im came down to the 18th hole. Scheffler saved par from a bunker and Im narrowly missed a long birdie putt. Jackson Koivun also got a win in his Presidents Cup debut. The 21-year-old Koivun teamed with Justin Thomas for an easy win. The International picked up two convincing wins in fourballs. International captain Geoff Ogilvy says he can live with a one-point deficit.

WORDS: 918 - MOVED: 09/24/2026 8:29 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e5d5ca056e10b8e2e5770d7c79c562ef&mediaType=text

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BKN--LAKERS-AFTER LEBRON

LeBron James is gone, but Lakers GM Pelinka and coach Redick are excited about the future

SUMMARY: LeBron James has left the building, and that’s not the only big change facing the Los Angeles Lakers in the upcoming season. James’ departure was still on general manager Rob Pelinka’s mind when he held his start-of-the-season news conference with coach JJ Redick on Thursday. Pelinka also exuded optimism about the Lakers’ latest new owners, the continued additions to his front office and the major changes on the their roster, headlined by the addition of center Walker Kessler. If Pelinka and the Lakers feel any disappointment about the circumstances of James’ departure, the GM has no intention of revealing it publicly.

WORDS: 829 - MOVED: 09/24/2026 6:46 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:15acf0b6e5abf1a4cebea0930472e562&mediaType=text

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US--NC STATE-ABUSE

Florida authorities arrest NC State’s ex-head trainer accused of sex abuse of Wolfpack male athletes

SUMMARY: N.C. State’s former director of sports medicine faces felony and misdemeanor criminal charges after being accused of sexually abusing former Wolfpack male athletes under the guise of treatment. Authorities in Florida arrested Robert M. Murphy Jr. on Wednesday night. He was being held on out-of-state fugitive warrants from North Carolina. Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman says a grand jury indicted Murphy on nine felony counts of sexual contact under pretext of medical treatment and 23 counts of sexual battery. More than 30 athletes have accused Murphy of misconduct in lawsuits dating to 2022.

WORDS: 911 - MOVED: 09/24/2026 6:39 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1dd8959631bca9a8618d340ec05c1f2b&mediaType=text

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SOC--ISRAEL-GOAL CELEBRATION

Israel player Sayed Abu Farchi sent off for goal celebration in Nations League

SUMMARY: Israel player Sayed Abu Farchi has been sent off for his goal-scoring celebration after equalizing against Austria in the Nations League. The forward’s goal made the score 1-1 early in the second half. He then jogged to the corner, pulled out the corner flag, dropped his right knee to the grass and rested the pole on the back of his left hand before making a firing gesture. It wasn’t immediately clear if Farchi was simulating a pool cue shot or a weapon. The referee promptly showed the Colorado Rapids forward a second yellow card, just four minutes after his first, leading to a red card.

WORDS: 147 - MOVED: 09/24/2026 6:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:88c911bb2a7be8473a8938ee8ffb5eb5&mediaType=text

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BBO--WHITE SOX CLINCH

After three straight 100-loss seasons, the improbable White Sox are headed back to the postseason

SUMMARY: The Chicago White Sox are headed back to the playoffs, becoming the first team in big league history to make it after back-to-back 100-loss seasons. In fact, the White Sox were coming off three straight 100-loss campaigns, and even set a record for the modern era by losing 121 games a couple of years ago. They clinched no worse than an AL wild-card berth Thursday with a 9-1 victory in Kansas City. They are headed back to Chicago with a chance to win the division, too. They have three games against the last-place Rockies this weekend, while the Guardians — who began the day with a one-game lead over them — have three this weekend in Kansas City.

WORDS: 815 - MOVED: 09/24/2026 6:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a383ab7877a3e7360f713a30e77a8395&mediaType=text

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BBO--MARLINS-CUBS

Cubs clinch 2nd straight playoffs trip by beating Marlins 2-1 as Crow-Armstrong joins 40-40 club

SUMMARY: Pete Crow-Armstrong joined the 40-40 club by stealing his 40th base to go along with his major league-leading 45 home runs, and the Chicago Cubs clinched their second straight postseason berth a 2-1 victory over the Miami Marlins. Seiya Suzuki homered for the Cubs (88-71), who assured themselves of one of the NL’s three wild card berths. Chicago also was a wild card last year, when the Cubs beat San Diego in the first round and lost to Milwaukee in a Division Series. The Cubs will be making consecutive postseason appearances for the first time since four straight from 2015-18.

WORDS: 452 - MOVED: 09/24/2026 5:07 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2bbf73ba8275bd9899ed8d1db2162148&mediaType=text

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BBO--WHITE SOX-ROYALS

White Sox clinch a playoff spot with a 9-1 rout of the Royals after back-to-back 100-loss seasons

SUMMARY: The Chicago White Sox clinched a postseason berth on Thursday with a 9-1 rout of the Kansas City Royals. They became the first team coming off consecutive 100-loss seasons to make the playoffs. They clinched an AL wild-card berth but can still win the Central. They trailed the Cleveland Guardians by a game in the standings at the start of the day. Chicago has three games left against the Rockies this weekend. Kyle Teel homered and five different White Sox drove in runs against Kansas City. David Sandlin allowed one run over six innings with seven strikeouts against the club that drafted him. Salvador Perez homered for Kansas City.

WORDS: 434 - MOVED: 09/24/2026 4:48 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:25f0e5288dd7165e3a8f94f1185433fd&mediaType=text

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BBO--CUBS-PCA-40-40 CLUB

Pete Crow-Armstrong joins 40-40 club when he swipes base for Cubs in 1st inning vs. Marlins

SUMMARY: Pete Crow-Armstrong joined the 40-40 club when the Chicago Cubs star stole his 40th base of the season against the Miami Marlins. A favorite to win the NL MVP award, Crow-Armstrong became the seventh player with at least 40 homers and 40 steals in a season, joining a group that includes Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. Jose Canseco was the first with the 1988 Oakland Athletics. Crow-Armstrong hit his 45th homer during Sunday’s 9-1 win at Cincinnati, extending his career high.

WORDS: 206 - MOVED: 09/24/2026 3:38 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a386524b6c5d82c1ecea149e23acefbd&mediaType=text

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