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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BKL--WNBA FINALS COVERAGE

FORMATS: FilePhoto, Text

1. WITH: BKL--WNBA FINALS-WILLIAMS' QUEST

2. DESCRIPTION: SAN FRANCISCO — Gabby Williams signed with the Golden State Valkyries in the spring on a mission to win, and she is one of the biggest reasons the team is playing for a championship six months later. She wanted to prove she belonged on the WNBA’s postseason stage after shining internationally, not that any of her teammates ever doubted it one bit. By Janie McCauley. 800 words, photos.

3. UPCOMING: By 10/13/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

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FBC--BIG 12 MIDSEASON AWARDS

DESCRIPTION: Oklahoma State has been a surprise in the Big 12 in coach Eric Morris’ debut with the Cowboys. They had gone two seasons without winning a Big 12 game and then lost his first game. But they’ve won all four games since, including both Big 12 games. The 18th-ranked Cowboys are the unanimous choice as the most surprising Big 12 team at the midway point of the season. So is league passing leader Drew Mestemaker, the quarterback who came with Morris from North Texas, as the top first-year transfer. By Stephen Hawkins. 850 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/13/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text, FilePhoto

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FBC--BIG TEN MIDSEASON AWARDS

DESCRIPTION: The Associated Press announces its Big Ten midseason awards as determined by a vote of AP writers who cover the conference. By College Football Writer Eric Olson. 870 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/13/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKW--ACC PRESEASON PICKS

DESCRIPTION: The Atlantic Coast Conference releases its preseason picks for women’s basketball on Tuesday. By Steve Reed. 250 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/13/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKC--ACC PRESEASON PICKS

DESCRIPTION: The Atlantic Coast Conference releases its preseason picks for men’s basketball on Tuesday. By Steve Reed. 250 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/13/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKN--TRAIL BLAZERS-LILLARD’S RETURN

DESCRIPTION: When Damian Lillard tore his Achilles tendon during the NBA playoffs two seasons ago, he recalls that a pundit said it was the end of his career. Never doubt Dame. Lillard is back with the Trail Blazers this season, ready to prove he not done yet. By Anne M. Peterson.

UPCOMING: By 10/13/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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TEN--WUHAN OPEN

DESCRIPTION: Tennis action at the Wuhan Open, a WTA Tour 1000-level event.

UPCOMING: By 10/13/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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SOC--SPAIN-US

DESCRIPTION: CHESTER, Pa. — The United States plays a second game against defending Women’s World Cup champion Spain, after the Americans dropped the first game 2-0 in Washington D.C. on Saturday. Friendly starts at 7 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/13/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BBO--POSTSEASON

FORMATS: Text

4. WITH: BBO--ALCS-GUARDIANS-RAYS

5. DESCRIPTION: The Cleveland Guardians lead 1-0 entering Tuesday night’s Game 2 of their AL Championship Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. By Rob Maaddi.

6. UPCOMING: By 10/13/2026 11:30 p.m. EDT

7. WITH: BBO--NLCS-BREWERS-DODGERS-PREVIEW

8. DESCRIPTION: Lookahead for Wednesday’s Game 3 between the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers.

9. UPCOMING: By 10/13/2026 11:30 p.m. EDT

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKL--WNBA FINALS-DREAM HOME GAMES

WNBA Finals Games 3 and 4 move to State Farm Arena in Atlanta to accommodate more fans

SUMMARY: The Atlanta Dream will host the Golden State Valkyries in Game 3 and Game 4 of the WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena, allowing for larger attendance, after the league moved one up a day and altered tipoff of the second to avoid conflicts at the venue. Game 3 of the best-of-seven series will be Wednesday, Oct. 21. Tipoff for Game 4 on Saturday, Oct. 24 will be 1 p.m. Eastern. The series begins Saturday in California. The location of the Dream home games had been up in the air because the team wanted to play at State Farm Arena, the home of the Hawks that seats more than 17,000 fans. Their normal home, Gateway Center Arena, holds only 3,500. Singer Sombr has a concert at State Farm Arena the night of Game 3 and the Hawks’ home opener in the night of Game 4.

WORDS: 465 - MOVED: 10/13/2026 1:44 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:742336e0574f65cfd5447d550100280f&mediaType=text

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HKN--BLACKHAWKS-BEDARD RETURNS

Blackhawks star Connor Bedard to make season debut against the Penguins

SUMMARY: Chicago Blackhawks captain Connor Bedard is set for his season debut. Coach Jeff Blashill says Bedard is in the lineup for the team’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 21-year-old center had surgery on his left shoulder on July 8. Chicago dropped five of its first six games without Bedard, who had a team-high 45 assists and 75 points last season. The Blackhawks have been outscored 26-12. Bedard agreed to a $75 million, five-year contract in July. The No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft then became the second-youngest captain in the history of the Original Six franchise.

WORDS: 431 - MOVED: 10/13/2026 1:28 p.m. EDT. Will be updated. Game starts at 8 p.m. EDT.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f3b60627c8d0a1e0a9022006495597c3&mediaType=text

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SOC--FOOTBALL REGULATOR-MAN CITY

English soccer’s regulator insists there will be no political pressure in Man City case

SUMMARY: The chair of English soccer’s regulatory body has said he would resign if there were any political interference over potential sanctions for Manchester City. The club has been found guilty of widespread breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules which could result in punishments including a massive fine, points deductions or even expulsion from England’s top flight. Separately, the Independent Football Regulator has the powers to force club owners to sell and can withhold a license to operate if they are deemed unfit.

WORDS: 747 - MOVED: 10/13/2026 1:07 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:173b1d0c8cdb8c8b8d1bbe2dc11da531&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL-HARRIS-ELIGIBILITY

NFL says Zxavian Harris is eligible to sign with teams this season, despite attempt to play for LSU

SUMMARY: The NFL says former Mississippi defensive lineman Zxavian Harris is eligible to sign with teams this season after a failed attempt to return to college football and play for LSU. In a memo obtained by The Associated Press on Tuesday, the league reversed its Sept. 16 ruling making Harris ineligible to be signed during the 2026 season. It said the defensive tackle didn’t participate in an official practice or game with LSU, clearing the way for him to be signed by an NFL team. Harris and Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright had tryouts in the NFL this summer after going undrafted.

WORDS: 254 - MOVED: 10/13/2026 1:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bdc9450927143e54036d6fa02f9b5eee&mediaType=text

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BKN--BIG THREES-HOW THEY WORK

Philadelphia’s LeBron James knows how to handle a star-studded roster, like what the 76ers built

SUMMARY: LeBron James is gearing up for another “Big Three” experience, this time with the Philadelphia 76ers. He joins Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown in a star-studded lineup. Reflecting on his Miami Heat days with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, James warns that success takes time and sacrifice. Chris Bosh emphasizes the importance of team unity and prioritizing wins over personal stats. The 76ers face the challenge of balancing roles and sharing the spotlight. James, who took a significant pay cut, is focused on winning. The team must adapt and sacrifice to achieve their championship goals.

WORDS: 1040 - MOVED: 10/13/2026 11:04 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:34780f1cb8caae0ae4fca82c633ecbeb&mediaType=text

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CAR--F1-RWANDA-AFRICAN GP

Formula 1 announces return to Africa with Grand Prix in Rwanda in early 2030s

SUMMARY: Formula 1 has confirmed Rwanda will host a race from “the early 2030s” when the series returns to Africa after about 40 years. The African Grand Prix will have a 10-year contract and take place at a track in Bugesera, southeast of the capital, Kigali. F1 says the track will be ready “early in the next decade.” Racing in Africa will fulfil a long-held ambition for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, the only Black driver in F1. The last time F1 raced in Africa was the South African Grand Prix in 1993.

WORDS: 865 - MOVED: 10/13/2026 10:20 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0f71bcd619e82380ab226b012e4ec21f&mediaType=text

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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-LIV

LIV Golf players face another deadline with their future in golf at stake

SUMMARY: For the second time in nine months, LIV Golf players face a three-week deadline. The latest one is far more daunting than when three top LIV players turned down the PGA Tour’s offer to return. Back then, Saudi Arabia was the financial muscle behind the league. Now LIV is trying to emerge from bankruptcy with a 10-tournament schedule. The European tour has given an “us or them” ultimatum to LIV players. They are welcome to apply for membership but only if they leave LIV. For European-born players, the stakes are higher. Sticking with LIV means not playing in the Ryder Cup.

WORDS: 921 - MOVED: 10/13/2026 9:46 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:53576274939bbebae28b29a3fc452b2d&mediaType=text

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FBN--JAGUARS-HARRISON

Jaguars LT Anton Harrison to have arthroscopic knee surgery and will miss weeks, maybe months

SUMMARY: Jacksonville Jaguars left tackle Anton Harrison will have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee when the team returns from London. Harrison will miss multiple games. He won’t play Sunday against Houston at iconic Wembley Stadium and could be out for weeks maybe months. That will be determined based on what doctors find during the scope. Backup Walker Little has started 39 games over six seasons with Jacksonville and is expected to replace Harrison in the lineup. Harrison has started 53 games for the Jaguars since they selected him 27th overall in the 2023 NFL draft.

WORDS: 274 - MOVED: 10/13/2026 8:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0c3a35b30f5d5aa11fce43ca1b25bbd3&mediaType=text

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FBN--BEHIND THE CALL

Week 5 coaching blunders haunt NFL contenders, from Sirianni’s London slip to Harbaugh’s gaffe

SUMMARY: Several top NFL coaches made costly miscalculations in Week 5, leading to losses. Nick Sirianni’s Eagles lost to the Jaguars after a kickoff mistake allowed a last-second field goal. Dan Quinn’s Commanders mismanaged the clock, resulting in a tie with the Giants. Mike Macdonald’s Seahawks used up their timeouts to get the ball back at the their 4, leading to a 49ers takeaway touchdown. Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers failed on a risky fourth-down play, igniting a loss against the Broncos.

WORDS: 1046 - MOVED: 10/13/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c1f9cec14915c7fc4c2426a98177740a&mediaType=text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP

Champions League: Man United under pressure and Barcelona aims to end barren run

SUMMARY: Under-pressure Manchester United travels to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Barcelona faces a testing trip to Galatasaray. United has won just once in the Premier League and already exited the English League Cup. That has turned the spotlight on coach Michael Carrick. A loss to Diego Simeone’s Atletico would leave Carrick under more scrutiny. There are no such concerns at Barcelona. It has made a 100% winning start to the campaign. Hansi Flick’s team is in Turkey to face Galatasaray and the coach faced questions about whether Barcelona could end its barren run in the Champions League which it has not won since 2015.

WORDS: 296 - MOVED: 10/13/2026 4:11 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:34b1b48b797b96a369e020197a7234c0&mediaType=text

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BBO--ALCS-RAYS-LATE MELTDOWN

Late meltdown by Rays at home leaves them with 7-3 loss to Guardians in Game 1 of ALCS

SUMMARY: For six innings, the Tampa Bay Rays were in complete control again. Then they unraveled in a hurry. Drew Rasmussen squandered a two-run lead on the mound, Tampa Bay’s bullpen let the game get away and the Rays stumbled to a 7-3 loss against the Cleveland Guardians in their American League Championship Series opener. It was a stunning meltdown at Tropicana Field for the Rays, who matched Milwaukee for the best home record in the majors during the regular season. They hadn’t lost a game started by Rasmussen since July 9, a string of 13 straight wins.

WORDS: 791 - MOVED: 10/13/2026 2:18 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a02b2c17687901c8f973cee32f7d1d1b&mediaType=text

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FBN--BILLS-RAMS

Josh Allen racks up 331 yards and Bills outlast Rams with help from blocked FG for 37-34 win in OT

SUMMARY: Josh Allen accounted for 331 total yards and two touchdowns, Tyler Bass made a 45-yard field goal with 1:55 left in overtime shortly after Greg Rousseau blocked the Rams’ field goal attempt, and the Buffalo Bills outlasted Los Angeles for a 37-34 victory. Allen passed for 210 yards and rushed for 121 more for the Bills, who rallied to win a frantic game befitting the teams with the NFL’s last two MVPs at quarterback. Allen won an overtime game for the first time in his career by besting Matthew Stafford, who passed for 383 yards and three touchdowns.

WORDS: 920 - MOVED: 10/13/2026 2:14 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4fdc64fbeb421f66a516bb0b4d566863&mediaType=text

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FBC--T25-UCLA-IAMALEAVA

UCLA coach Bob Chesney: ‘Serious concern’ QB Nico Iamaleava could miss season

SUMMARY: UCLA coach Bob Chesney says there’s “serious concern” that quarterback Nico Iamaleava could miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. Iamaleava was hurt just before halftime of the Bruins’ 17-15 victory over Oregon on Saturday. Chesney says he’s waiting for doctors to make the final call. The 12th-ranked Bruins host Wisconsin on Saturday at the Rose Bowl. Iamaleava has thrown four touchdowns and four interceptions this season. Backup Ty Dieffenbach replaced him in the second half against the Ducks. Sophomore Madden Iamaleava, Nico’s younger brother, is another option at quarterback.

WORDS: 257 - MOVED: 10/13/2026 2:14 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:66b7fc54ab3f46c754590cf0aaa87a56&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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BBO--POSTSEASON

Coverage of Major League Baseball’s postseason.

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BKN--76ERS-BROWN

Jaylen Brown is an NBA Finals MVP now has to figure out how to play alongside LeBron James. It’s not unfamiliar territory for Brown, who made it work with Jayson Tatum in Boston as the Celtics won an NBA title. By Dan Gelston. With: BKN--76ers-Failed Quick Fixes.

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BKN--NBA TEAM PREVIEW CAPSULES

Preview capsules on each of the 30 NBA teams.