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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FBN--BEHIND THE CALL
DESCRIPTION: A Super Bowl at So-Fi Stadium featuring the co-tenant Rams and Chargers seemed like a tantalizing possibility when the season kicked off last month amid sky-high expectations in the City of Angels. Now it looks like a pipe dream. By Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton. 650 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/20/2026 8:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-NEWCOMERS
DESCRIPTION: The leading 20 players on the Korn Ferry Tour secured their ticket to the big leagues and had three days to celebrate before it was back to work. From a tiny village in Michigan to a cancer survivor, they all have stories to tell. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 1,400 words, photos. With Golf Notes (upcoming) and Golf Glance.
UPCOMING: By 10/20/2026 11:00 a.m. EDT, FilePhoto, Text
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BKW--T25-WOMENS POLL
DESCRIPTION: The AP releases its preseason Top 25 women’s college basketball poll. By Doug Feinberg. Text, photos, agate at noon Eastern.
UPCOMING: By 10/20/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, DigitalPlans, Text, FilePhoto
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GYM--WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the men’s team final at the 2026 world gymnastics championships. Japan and China renew their rivalry at the 2026 world gymnastics championships. 300 words planned.
UPCOMING: By 10/20/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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FBC--BIG 12’S UNDEFEATED TRIO
DESCRIPTION: Texas Tech is among three undefeated Big 12 teams, getting to 6-0 again in a different way. Texas Tech is in the same position midway through another season. The No. 8 Red Raiders just got to 6-0 again a bit differently than a year ago on way to their first Big 12 Conference championship. They are among the league’s three undefeated teams, joining No. 2 BYU and No. 10 Utah. By Stephen Hawkins. 700 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/20/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, FilePhoto, Text
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BBO--BREWERS-MURPHY’S COLLEGE YEARS
DESCRIPTION: Coverage of Major League Baseball’s postseason.
MILWAUKEE — As they watch manager Pat Murphy lead the Milwaukee Brewers to their first World Series since 1982, the guys who played for him at Notre Dame and Arizona State can’t help but feel nostalgic. They say Murphy is winning with the same formula that worked for him as a college coach. By Steve Megargee. 1,000 words, with photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/20/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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BKN--76ERS-KNICKS
DESCRIPTION: Lebron James makes his Philadelphia debut when the 76ers visit the New York Knicks in the teams’ NBA season opener. By Brian Mahoney. Game starts at 7 p.m. ET
FORMATS: Text, Photo
1. WITH: BKN--76ERS-KNICKS
2. UPCOMING: By 10/20/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT
3. WITH: BKN--KNICKS-CHAMPIONSHIP RINGS
4. DESCRIPTION: The Knicks received their NBA championship rings in a pregame ceremony at Madison Square Garden. By Brian Mahoney
5. UPCOMING: By 10/20/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT
6. WITH: BKN--76ERS-LEBRON’S DEBUT
7. DESCRIPTION: LeBron James makes his highly anticipated debut with the 76ers when Philadelphia opens the season at storied Madison Square Garden. By Dan Gelston
8. UPCOMING: By 10/20/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT
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BKN--THUNDER-SPURS
DESCRIPTION: The Oklahoma City Thunder visit the San Antonio Spurs. The Oklahoma City Thunder visit the San Antonio Spurs to open the season in a rematch of last year’s epic Western Conference Finals. 250 words, more on merit.
UPCOMING: By 10/20/2026 9:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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BBO--ALCS-GUARDIANS ELIMINATED
Cleveland comes up short in ALCS, extending World Series title drought to 78 years
SUMMARY: For yet another season, Cleveland baseball fans will have to wait. The city’s proud major league franchise still hasn’t won a World Series since 1948. After the Guardians fell a little short once again with a 7-3 loss to Tampa Bay in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series, it will be the Rays meeting the Milwaukee Brewers in the Fall Classic — the first once since 1980 between teams seeking their first World Series title. Seemingly in control of the best-of-seven ALCS after winning two of the first three games, José Ramírez and the Guardians are left to lament three straight losses. Tampa Bay used clear superiority in its starting rotation, bullpen and late-series offense to eliminate Cleveland.
WORDS: 766 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 1:24 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:88a068e7bb0de87bc7a575fbe09d8a47&mediaType=text
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BBO--ALCS-GUARDIANS-RAYS
Díaz, Caminero and Peralta lead Rays to 7-3 win over Guardians and a trip to the World Series
SUMMARY: Yandy Díaz’s bat backed up his boast, and the Tampa Bay Rays are headed to the World Series. Díaz and Junior Caminero each hit a two-run homer, Freddy Peralta pitched 5 1/3 gritty innings and the Rays beat the Cleveland Guardians 7-3 in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series to win their third pennant in 29 seasons as a major league franchise. The Rays will face the Milwaukee Brewers in the first matchup in which both teams are seeking their first World Series title since 1980, when the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Kansas City Royals. Game 1 is Friday night in Milwaukee. The loss extended Cleveland’s World Series championship drought to 78 years.
WORDS: 1039 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 1:12 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e727b3a485df7dbf0dd866edbff9b22a&mediaType=text
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FBN--COMMANDERS-49ERS
Purdy and the 49ers build a big lead and hold on to beat the Commanders 23-17
SUMMARY: Brock Purdy threw a touchdown pass, Christian McCaffrey ran for two scores and the San Francisco 49ers held on to beat the Washington Commanders 23-17 for their sixth straight win to open the season. The Niners built a 20-point lead and held off the Commanders with two late defensive stops. Jayden Daniels threw two touchdown passes in the second half to cut a 20-point deficit to 23-17, but Malik Mustapha broke up a fourth-down pass to Treylon Burks near the goal line with 1:54 to play to preserve the lead. Washington got the ball back but Daniels was sacked on the final play.
WORDS: 878 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 1:05 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8072a5c1115067c38c6b8efa33bc42fa&mediaType=text
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BBO--ALCS-MVP
`Fastball Freddy’ Peralta earns ALCS MVP award after pitching the Rays into the World Series
SUMMARY: Freddy Peralta rode his fastball to the American League Championship Series MVP award. Acquired by the Rays from the New York Mets before the trade deadline, Peralta turned around his season in Tampa Bay and helped his new team win its third AL pennant. Peralta was 2-0 with an 0.75 ERA in three appearances, including two starts, in the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians. When Rays manager Kevin Cash announced the ALCS MVP winner on the postgame stage at Tropicana Field, he said: “Fastball Freddy.”
WORDS: 711 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 12:55 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0155e212850a56269f6e35bebf396f07&mediaType=text
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FBN--COMMANDERS-MCLAURIN
Commanders WR Terry McLaurin suffers knee injury vs. 49ers that team fears is serious
SUMMARY: The Washington Commanders are concerned that wide receiver Terry McLaurin has a serious knee injury. McLaurin was taken off the field on a cart Monday night with the injury to his left knee. He was running a pattern in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers when he went down with the injury. His knee appeared to buckle as he tried to get free from cornerback Deommodore Lenoir. McLaurin stayed down while teammates knelt nearby before he was driven off the field. He was immediately ruled out for the game. Coach Dan Quinn says the injury “could be significant.”
WORDS: 245 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 12:53 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a53bfdf1f51a9b5bdb1241a01935ccac&mediaType=text
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BBO--WORLD SERIES-LOOKAHEAD
Brewers-Rays will produce a first-time champion, and maybe the first all-indoor World Series
SUMMARY: The Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays will meet in a Suds vs. Sun World Series, which starts begins Friday night in Milwaukee. Both teams are seeking their first title, with the Brewers last reaching the Series in 1982 and the Rays in 2020. This matchup likely will be the first all-indoor championship, with both teams playing in ballparks with roofs. The Brewers and Rays become the first teams in the bottom half of payrolls to meet in the championship since 1991. It will mark the first World Series between two teams seeking their first title since the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Kansas City Royals in 1980.
WORDS: 1467 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 12:21 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8f2bc398982fa35f75ea4be189da0b20&mediaType=text
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BKL--WNBA FINALS
Angel Reese has 30 points, 16 rebounds as Dream beat Valkyries 79-65 to even WNBA Finals at 1-1
SUMMARY: Angel Reese had 30 points and 16 rebounds, Allisha Gray added 18 points and the Atlanta Dream stymied Golden State on both ends in the second half, beating the Valkyries 79-65 to even the WNBA Finals at one game apiece. Rhyne Howard set a Finals record with six steals, while Jordin Canada contributed 13 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds as the Dream earned the franchise’s first Finals victory after going winless in three previous trips. They now head home having salvaged a split in front of the boisterous “Ballhalla” crowd at Chase Center. Reese became the third player with at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a Finals game.
WORDS: 695 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 11:36 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8561417b17cc6fb3e3e890e331fb6525&mediaType=text
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FBN--EAGLES-HURTS
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the rest of the season with blood clots, AP source says
SUMMARY: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the rest of the season because of blood clots in his lungs, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because of the sensitivity of the health matter. The Eagles placed Hurts on injured reserve Saturday after revealing he has a blood clot in his calf. On Monday, the team and Hurts’ agent provided more details. Hurts has deep vein thrombosis and a bilateral pulmonary emboli, meaning a clot has traveled from his legs to his lungs. His treatment involves blood thinners, and he cannot participate in football activities until he’s off them.
WORDS: 692 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 6:47 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d92af6b7ce495640139dd66a39f1ee86&mediaType=text
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BBO--ALCS-DIAZ’S GUARANTEE
Yandy Díaz’s guarantee the Rays will win Game 6 doesn’t rile up the Guardians
SUMMARY: Yandy Díaz’s guarantee that the Tampa Bay Rays would win Game 6 of the AL Championship series didn’t turn into bulletin-board material. The Rays led the Cleveland Guardians 3-2 in their best-of-seven series and had a chance to close it out Monday night. Díaz, who had three hits in a 3-1 victory Sunday, was asked after that game how he looked at the opportunity to go to the World Series. He said the ALCS would end Monday with a win by the Rays. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt wasn’t even aware Díaz made those comments.
WORDS: 365 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 6:46 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d067fd76b19c77de0d6c90c78ef75293&mediaType=text
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FBN--EAGLES-HURTS-BLOOD CLOT EXPLAINER
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts joins list of athletes diagnosed with blood clots
SUMMARY: Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles is the latest professional athlete to be diagnosed with blood clots. The one-time Super Bowl MVP is expected to miss the rest of the season because of blood clots in his lungs, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Monday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of a health matter. Victor Wembanyama, Damian Lillard, Chris Bosh and Nelly Korda are among the other athletes who have had blood clots.
WORDS: 1065 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 6:35 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4df65e45d6862a0f47d54fa1e92dd5b8&mediaType=text
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FBN--BILLS-GARDNER-JOHNSON-SUSPENSION
NFL suspends Bills safety Gardner-Johnson for 1 game for spitting at Raiders
SUMMARY: The NFL suspended Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardiner-Johnson for one game without pay for spitting in the direction of Las Vegas Raiders players during a game a day earlier. Gardiner-Johnson was ejected late in the second quarter for unsportsmanlike conduct following an exchange with a group of Raiders players, including tight end Brock Bowers. With Buffalo entering its bye week, Gardiner-Johnson’s suspension will begin on Oct. 26 and run through Nov. 2, a day after the Bills host the Baltimore Ravens. The player has the right to appeal the suspension.
WORDS: 535 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 6:31 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1a542dba68b9b6b90aa3e6271f4546ef&mediaType=text
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FBC--OBIT-AMATO
Former NC State football coach, longtime Florida State assistant Chuck Amato dies at 80
SUMMARY: Former N.C. State football coach Chuck Amato has died at the age of 80. The school announced on its athletics website that Amato died early Monday at his Raleigh home under hospice care. Amato had previously battled throat cancer and eventually lost his voice. Amato was a defensive assistant under the late Bobby Bowden during Florida State’s peak run of the 1990s before returning to N.C. State as head coach. As a player, Amato was a linebacker who was part of a team that shared an Atlantic Coast Conference title. He also was an ACC champion wrestler at N.C. State.
WORDS: 556 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 6:07 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:60722d2abb1231f7733eef176aa5f997&mediaType=text
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FBN--RAMS INJURIES
Rams WR Davante Adams out 6-10 weeks with hamstring injury. DT Poona Ford out for season
SUMMARY: Rams receiver Davante Adams will be out for six to 10 weeks with a serious hamstring injury. Los Angeles coach Sean McVay made the announcement Monday. The Rams also lost veteran defensive tackle Poona Ford for the season due to a ruptured triceps. Adams is a six-time Pro Bowl selection and the NFL’s leader in touchdown catches last season. He apparently got hurt on the Rams’ penultimate offensive snap in their 18-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. The injury happened on a noncontact play, with Adams pulling up and hobbling to the sideline.
WORDS: 493 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 5:49 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b8140c5993e799a0c5a44dab5e8b87b2&mediaType=text
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SOC--PORTUGAL-RONALDO
Ronaldo suspended for 30 days and fined for walking out on Portugal camp
SUMMARY: Walking out on the Portugal camp has earned Cristiano Ronaldo a 30-day suspension and 255 euros fine from the national federation. The Portuguese soccer federation had provisionally suspended Ronaldo and on Monday called the punishment “adequate and sufficient.” The federation says Ronaldo fully admitted to the facts underlying the charges through a formal statement submitted on Friday. It says his confession and clean disciplinary record helped to reduce the punishment. The fine was the maximum allowable by the federation after mitigating circumstances were taken into account.
WORDS: 216 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 5:24 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bb5ad2495eb4b0e5e471e7d5667d7f22&mediaType=text
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BKN--NBA-BETTING
LeBron James’ move to Philadelphia makes 76ers the betting favorite out of the East
SUMMARY: LeBron James shifted the NBA landscape by leaving the Los Angeles Lakers for the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers are now favorites in the East, even ahead of the defending champion New York Knicks. BetMGM Sportsbook reported significant betting interest in Philadelphia. James, at 41, remains a top player. But Joel Embiid’s health is crucial for the team’s success. The Knicks are also strong contenders. In the West, the Spurs and Thunder are co-favorites. Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton returns to boost the Pacers’ hopes. The Jazz, with new talent, could surprise this season.
WORDS: 837 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 5:02 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cccd62389b01bcb75fe438e9b03246c9&mediaType=text
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FBN--COLTS-BALLARD FIRED
Colts fire general manager Chris Ballard amid 2-4 start and loss to previously winless Titans
SUMMARY: The Indianapolis Colts have fired general manager Chris Ballard. The moves one day after fans booed the team resoundingly and chanted “Fire Ballard” during Sunday’s 26-20 loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans. Team co-owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon said in January that the urgency to field a playoff team this season could not be greater. In making the announcement Monday, she says the decision could not wait until the offseason. She says a “thorough search” for a successor would begin immediately.
WORDS: 999 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 3:23 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3e950c4f7890662c7f43950f561f8423&mediaType=text
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FBC--FLORIDA STATE-NORVELL
Florida State coach Mike Norvell rips ACC officials, says holding call in OT was ‘an absolute joke’
SUMMARY: Florida State coach Mike Norvell expressed frustration with the Atlantic Coast Conference officiating crew that oversaw his team’s 43-35 loss at Miami in double overtime, calling a late holding penalty “an absolute joke.” Norvell also questioned the interception that ended the game. Norvell says he spoke with ACC Supervisor of Football Officials Gary Patterson but has not heard “his final review” of the game. On the first of two “Hail Mary” attempts in the waning seconds, FSU’s Ashton Daniels completed a pass to Micahi Danzy in the end zone, but the completion was waved off because left tackle Xavier Chaplin was flagged for holding.
WORDS: 530 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 3:14 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4e3c0547557491400b079b730e4a529d&mediaType=text
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CAR--NASCAR-PHOENIX-LARSON
Larson finally stumbles in NASCAR’s championship. Was it just a bad day or sign of serious trouble?
SUMMARY: Kyle Larson’s Cup Series championship hopes took a hit at Phoenix Raceway after a flat tire led to a 34th-place finish. Despite a strong playoff performance, Larson struggled, qualifying 22nd and falling behind during the race. Tyler Reddick won, with Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott following. Larson remains in the championship hunt, leading by 5 points over Christopher Bell with three races remaining. Reddick’s win boosts his momentum, while Chase Briscoe and Denny Hamlin also remain contenders. Toyota celebrated winning the NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturers’ Championship with 18 victories this season. The postseason remains wide open as the teams head to Talladega.
WORDS: 784 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 2:33 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9ee112723b57df8cfd5c0d2e42e83c47&mediaType=text
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FBC--DUKE-ROBINSON
Duke’s Robinson apologizes for on-field incident with female training staffer during injury stoppage
SUMMARY: Duke cornerback Kimari Robinson has apologized for aggressively swatting away the hand of a member of the team’s training staff as she arrived to tend to an injured teammate on the field during the Blue Devils’ loss to rival North Carolina. Robinson posted a statement of apology on social media Sunday evening. Coach Manny Diaz said Monday afternoon that Robinson has also apologized privately. Diaz said the team will handle the matter internally, but wouldn’t elaborate on specifics of any potential discipline or other steps to address the incident.
WORDS: 424 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 2:06 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:880643cd5e7a6b90ec44c2c6fbb42236&mediaType=text
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