AP
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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BBO--WORLD SERIES
BBO--WORLD SERIES-SLOW TROTS
DESCRIPTION: Baseball is in a bat-flipping golden era, where players are encouraged to soak up their turns in the spotlight, and Junior Caminero, Yandy Diaz and William Contreras are taking bat tossing and slow celebratory trots to new levels this October. By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum. 760 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/23/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT
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BBO--WORLD SERIES
DESCRIPTION: Jacob Misiorowski pitches for the Milwaukee Brewers and Nick Martinez starts for the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the World Series. By Steve Megargee. 700 words, with photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/23/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT
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BKN--NBA-NEW LINEUPS
DESCRIPTION: Only two teams started this season with the same starting five that they had to open last season. Denver and Orlando stand alone this season, the only NBA teams to have the same starting five to open 2026-27 as they did in 2025-26. Most NBA teams have gone decades without bringing back the same opening lineup. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/23/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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US--TICKET COLLECTION-CAL RIPKEN JR.
DESCRIPTION: A man in Baltimore has spent the past 28 years trying to amass a collection of ticket stubs from each of Cal Ripken’s 2,632 Ironman streak of games. He is now only nine short. 1,150 word story
UPCOMING: By 10/23/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Video, Alternate Headlines, Photo, Text
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FBN-ON FOOTBALL-OFFENSIVE COORDINATORS
DESCRIPTION: It’s been a rough start for some high-profile offensive coordinators with new teams. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.
UPCOMING: By 10/23/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text
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SOC SPANISH COACHING BOOM
DESCRIPTION: How Spanish coaches became soccer’s hottest commodity. By Joe Wilson. 1,000 words.
UPCOMING: By 10/23/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Graphic, Text
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BKL--WNBA FINALS-DREAM-ATTENDANCE
DESCRIPTION: Only three years after the Atlanta Dream barely averaged 3,000 fans for the 2023 season, their march to the WNBA Finals has made them the hottest ticket in town. By Charles Odum. 670 words, photos
UPCOMING: By 10/23/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT
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FBN--STADE DE FRANCE
DESCRIPTION: The Stade de France has witness several sporting triumphs but also chaotic scenes, including one of the nation’s darkest days. By Jerome Pugmire. Home to many sporting triumphs the Stade de France has also witness chaotic scenes, including one of the nation’s darkest days. On Sunday the Pittsburgh Steelers face the New Orleans Saints in an NFL match at the 80,000-capacity stadium in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis, a 10-minute train ride from the city center. By Jerome Pugmire. UPCOMING.
UPCOMING: By 10/23/2026 7:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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SOC--BARCELONA-REAL MADRID-WHAT TO KNOW
DESCRIPTION: What to know about Barcelona’s “clasico” match against Real Madrid on Sunday. 500 words on what to know about Barcelona’s “clasico” match against Real Madrid on Sunday.
UPCOMING: By 10/23/2026 10:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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FBN--STEELERS-PARIS
DESCRIPTION: Pittsburgh Steelers hold practice and press conferences in Paris ahead of game against New Orleans Saints
UPCOMING: By 10/23/2026 11:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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GYM--WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the women’s all-around final at the 2026 world gymnastics championships. The women’s all-around final at the world gymnastics championships figures to be wide open. 400 words.
UPCOMING: By 10/23/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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CAR--F1-US GRAND PRIX
DESCRIPTION: A look ahead to the United States Grand Prix, the 18th round of the 2026 season. Includes coverage of both Friday practice sessions.
UPCOMING: By 10/23/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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CAR--NASCAR-TRUCKS-STEWART
DESCRIPTION: Three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart makes his second Truck Series start of the season in a partnership with Dodge, which also sponsors his new career in drag racing. By Nate Ryan. 350 words. Race begins at 4 p.m. Eastern.
UPCOMING: By 10/23/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, FilePhoto, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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FBN--PATRIOTS-BEARS
Caleb Williams throws 2 TD passes as the Bears beat Drake Maye and the Patriots 30-24
SUMMARY: Caleb Williams threw for 308 yards and two touchdowns, and the Chicago Bears cooled off Drake Maye and the New England Patriots with a 30-24 win. Williams was 22-for-33 passing in his second game back after being sidelined by a right hamstring injury. He became the first Bears quarterback to throw for more than 300 yards in consecutive games since Mitch Trubisky had a three-game run in 2018. Williams outdueled Maye in their second meeting since the longtime friends were part of the 2024 NFL Draft. Williams went No. 1 overall to Chicago, and Maye was selected by New England at No. 3.
WORDS: 909 - MOVED: 10/23/2026 1:39 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:94f35377be93e896e58bd7fc93dd4fb6&mediaType=text
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SOC--AFC-INFANTINO ENDORSEMENT
Gianni Infantino is endorsed by the Asian Football Confederation for another term as FIFA president
SUMMARY: The head of the Asian Football Confederation says the body is endorsing Gianni Infantino for another term as FIFA president. It would be Infantino’s fourth term. The AFC has 47 member confederations and, even if all confederations do not follow the direction of Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the AFC president, those votes could be a key to guaranteeing another mandate for Infantino, who leads the governing body of world soccer. The FIFA election is in March and the deadline for candidates to file against Infantino is Nov. 18. So far none has filed.
WORDS: 721 - MOVED: 10/23/2026 12:58 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:00ff82fbfab7535727846c016a0934dc&mediaType=text
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BKN--76ERS-LEBRON-TRUMP-ANTHEM
Trump blasts 76ers star LeBron James as ‘disgrace’ for not standing still during national anthem
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump has accused LeBron James of disrespecting the United States. This comes after James continued his warmups during the national anthem at a game on Tuesday. Trump shared a video of the incident on social media, calling James a “TOTAL DISGRACE” and demanding an apology. James responded by saying it “must be a slow news day.” He and Trump two have a history of public disagreements. James, known for his activism, has often spoken out on social issues and politics. He has previously criticized Trump and emphasized the importance of using his platform to inspire and empower others.
WORDS: 1069 - MOVED: 10/22/2026 11:12 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1853de6e80e3cce83b6452c7513f67c2&mediaType=text
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HKN--PANTHERS-BIG GOALIE
Florida Panthers rookie goalie Cooper Black — all 6-foot-9 of him — makes NHL history in debut
SUMMARY: Florida Panthers goalie Cooper Black made NHL history in his debut. The 6-foot-9 Black became the tallest goaltender to play in a regular-season game when he headed to the Florida net before the opening faceoff. The 25-year-old from Alpena, Michigan, impressed in his first period, stopping several shots before allowing a goal. Black was called up from Florida’s AHL affiliate after an injury to Jacob Markstrom. Panthers head coach Paul Maurice praised Black’s development, noting his impressive performance last season in Charlotte.
WORDS: 341 - MOVED: 10/22/2026 10:44 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8e428bda39d635f4e8d58416a268ad51&mediaType=text
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FBC--FAULK-PARKINSON’S
Hall of Famer and Southern coach Marshall Faulk says he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s
SUMMARY: Hall of Fame running back and Southern University coach Marshall Faulk has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Faulk revealed his diagnosis on the podcast “The Caring Neurologist.” The 53-year-old Faulk said he was not experiencing “issues” beyond hand rigidity and a few tremors, thanks to medication. He doesn’t believe his symptoms have gotten worse in the 18 months he’s been dealing with the disease. Faulk is in his first season as Southern’s head coach. He played 12 NFL seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
WORDS: 154 - MOVED: 10/22/2026 10:27 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e904a8e56107c91abef4e679548536a0&mediaType=text
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BKN--CAVALIERS-76ERS
James, Embiid, Maxey spark 76ers’ rally from 29 points down in home opener to stun Cavs 114-106
SUMMARY: Tyrese Maxey scored 32 points and Joel Embiid had 24 to help LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers wipe out a 29-point deficit in their home opener and stun the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-106. James had 17 points and 10 rebounds in the biggest comeback win of his career. Fellow newcomer Jaylen Brown had 21 points in game that already may be tough for the Sixers to top this season. Philadelphia has started the season with wins over the NBA champion Knicks and the Eastern Conference finalist Cavaliers. Donovan Mitchell scored 32 points for the Cavs in their season opener.
WORDS: 468 - MOVED: 10/22/2026 10:07 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7d0c8e69ce215b86f2e537fb48ee0b92&mediaType=text
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BBO--WORLD SERIES-LOOMING LOCKOUT
With lockout looming, the World Series could be Major League Baseball’s last games for a while
SUMMARY: Major League Baseball faces uncertainty as owners pushes for a salary cap, threatening a lockout starting Dec. 2. The work stoppage could lead to canceled games in 2027. Tampa Bay’s Drew Rasmussen says losing a season would be a “real bummer.” This World Series is the first since 1991 between teams in the bottom half of payrolls. MLB argues a cap is needed for better competition. The players’ association vows never to accept a cap. Negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement could become contentious.
WORDS: 625 - MOVED: 10/22/2026 9:16 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f81109906efde27cfc9e8bc2c5e421be&mediaType=text
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BBO--WORLD SERIES PREVIEW
World Series preview: Surprising Brewers-Rays matchup will open with Jacob Misiorowski’s record heat
SUMMARY: The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays are set to face off in a unique World Series. Jacob Misiorowski, known for his record-breaking fastball, will pitch for the Brewers on Friday night. Both teams are seeking their first championship, with the Brewers returning to the Series after 44 years. The Rays and Brewers have relied on a throwback style of play, focusing less on home runs. This is the first World Series with robot umpires, adding a new twist to the game. Both teams have modest payrolls, marking a shift from big-spending franchises.
WORDS: 1129 - MOVED: 10/22/2026 6:46 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bced0458cb037b8157dc41cd02e9b97f&mediaType=text
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FBN--EAGLES-HURTS
With Jalen Hurts recovering from blood clots, Eagles must try and find path to playoffs without him
SUMMARY: Jalen Hurts has been around the Eagles’ facility and could still be a resource for new No. 1 quarterback Tanner McKee or any other teammate who wants to talk to him. He’s just not taking any more snaps this season. The Eagles face a tough road to the playoffs without him. Philadelphia can at least move on to Monday night’s game against Dallas without Hurts’ playing status serving as a lingering question mark. Hurts is on injured reserve and expected to miss the rest of the season after a blood clot in his left calf traveled to his lungs. McKee will start Monday night at home against Dallas.
WORDS: 930 - MOVED: 10/22/2026 6:35 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:606e3d0acb4d42d80728894917b105ed&mediaType=text
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SOC--EUROPEAN ROUNDUP
Bournemouth beats 10-man Milan in Europa League after goalkeeper sent off. Juventus held to draw
SUMMARY: Bournemouth earned the biggest win of its first European campaign by beating 10-man AC Milan 3-0 in the Europa League after goalkeeper Mike Maignan was sent off for shoving an opponent in the face during a corner. Bournemouth had already taken the lead from a penalty when Maignan was shown a straight red card and conceded another spot kick by putting his gloves in the face of United States midfielder Tyler Adams and pushing him to the ground. Four other teams also have three wins from three, including Bayer Leverkusen after Jonas Hofmann scored twice in a three-minute span to secure a 2-0 victory at OFI Crete. But Juventus was held to a 2-2 draw by Rennes after having a late winner ruled out for offside.
WORDS: 649 - MOVED: 10/22/2026 5:49 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c7dd3b8960a32545db6a97a76f697fe7&mediaType=text
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BBO--WORLD SERIES-BREWERS-YELICH
Christian Yelich’s simple World Series message for title-less Brewers: Expect to be here
SUMMARY: Team captain Christian Yelich says he isn’t surprised the Milwaukee Brewers are in the World Series for the first time since 1982. Yelich and pitcher Brandon Woodruff are the only Brewers who have been on the roster throughout their run of eight playoff berths in nine seasons. The Brewers announced Yelich as the first captain in franchise history during the final weekend of the regular season. Yelich’s .315 on-base percentage and .692 OPS were career lows. Yet he still commands as much respect as anyone in the clubhouse. He also has stepped up his postseason production.
WORDS: 882 - MOVED: 10/22/2026 5:06 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8bb4b6432eacbcf3fac28a5f5eafd429&mediaType=text
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BKL--WNBA FINALS-DREAM PHYSICALITY
Atlanta Dream smother Golden State, riding a bruising defense to a 2-1 WNBA Finals lead
SUMMARY: The Atlanta Dream have imposed their will defensively on Golden State in the WNBA Finals so far, using their size and strength to dominate the Valkyries. That’s helped them take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series with Game 4 on Saturday. Golden State has averaged only 68 points in the Finals — 14 below their regular season mark. After only forcing 10 turnovers in the Game 1 loss, Atlanta has turned up its pressure and that’s led to easy points off Golden State miscues. Rhyne Howard has had back-to-back games with at least five steals.
WORDS: 646 - MOVED: 10/22/2026 4:13 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:41ec9f480b852981ca9de9d08e96433b&mediaType=text
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BBO-WORLD SERIES-RAYS-UNSUNG HEROES
Rays’ lineup is a mixture of star power and role players who do whatever it takes to win
SUMMARY: The Tampa Bay Rays led the American League in wins and are heading to the World Series with a non-traditional lineup that features a couple All-Stars and mostly unsung heroes who do whatever it takes to win games. They make contact, bunt and steal bases, but also can hit for power. The Rays finished second to the NL champion Brewers in batting average at .2581 to Milwaukee’s .2585. The Rays led the majors with 134 bunts during the regular season, had the fewest strikeouts and were 22nd in homers, playing their brand of small ball mixed in with some long ball provided mostly by Junior Caminero, Yandy Díaz and Jonathan Aranda.
WORDS: 1127 - MOVED: 10/22/2026 4:07 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bd440e2705eb400522815a26983db566&mediaType=text
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HKN--OBIT-DUGUAY
Former NHL player and longtime Rangers fan favorite Ron Duguay dies at 69
SUMMARY: Ron Duguay, whose long, wavy hair made him stick out on the ice during an era when helmets were not mandatory in hockey and who played nearly 1,000 games in the NHL from the late 1970s through the ’80s, has died of cancer. He was 69. Duguay for several years has been dating Alaska governor and 2008 Republican U.S. vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, who announced his death after being by his side throughout the illness. Duguay played his first six seasons with the Rangers. He also played with the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings.
WORDS: 437 - MOVED: 10/22/2026 3:01 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c50f2fc383f86416acc088a6911eb5ec&mediaType=text
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FBN--NFL-PARIS-FASHION
Fashion forward: Eyes on tunnel ‘fits’ when Saints and Steelers dress to impress for Paris game
SUMMARY: Fashion-conscious Steelers and Saints players will dress for the tunnel before they put on pads and uniforms for Sunday’s game in Paris. Fashion-conscious players arrive to stadiums dressed to impress. It’s another way to express their personality, plus brands and the NFL benefit by gaining visibility and a wider fan base. And where better than Paris to put your best fashion foot forward? Saints safety Justin Reid says he had a custom outfit made months ago for Sunday. The NFL has certainly ramped up its interest in fashion. It hired its first-ever fashion editor a couple of years ago.
WORDS: 800 - MOVED: 10/22/2026 2:23 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b1965a0624c11429377fd6313555880c&mediaType=text
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BKO--NCAA TOURNAMENT EXPANSION
March Madness is bigger for 2027. It’s unclear exactly how that will look in terms of who gets bids
SUMMARY: March Madness has grown to 76 teams for the men’s and women’s tournaments. Both events had been at 68 teams. It’s unclear whether football-playing power conferences will gobble up the added spots or if it will give more chances for mid-majors to claim bids that can lead to magic March moments. The men’s tournament had reached its modern era by growing to 64 teams in 1985, then made small gains to reach 68 by 2011. The women’s tournament began in 1982 and reached 64 teams in 1994, but it was unchanged until going to 68 teams in 2022.
WORDS: 1314 - MOVED: 10/22/2026 2:18 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8ea78abd32a9799a6d5737b2810aaecd&mediaType=text
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BBO--OBIT-BENZINGER
Todd Benzinger, a member of the Cincinnati Reds’ 1990 World Series championship team, dies at 63
SUMMARY: The Cincinnati Reds say 1990 World Series champion Todd Benzinger died Wednesday. He was 63. Benzinger played nine seasons in the major leagues, including with the Reds from 1989-91 that included that title run. The team notes his regular participation at multiple functions and that he had remained active in youth baseball in the Ohio town where he went to high school. Benzinger also played for the Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants.
WORDS: 266 - MOVED: 10/22/2026 1:46 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:940b9efc65c92b9ee1d02816964eab5f&mediaType=text