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--FLYERS-TOCCHET
DESCRIPTION: PHILADELPHIA -- The Flyers introduce new head coach Rick Tocchet, who is tasked with speeding up a rebuild and getting the franchise back in contention for the Stanley Cup. By Anthony SanFillipo. 10:30 a.m. ET news conference. 450 words, file photos.
UPCOMING: By 05/16/2025 2:30 p.m. EDT, Text
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HKO--WORLDS
DESCRIPTION: Sweden faces newcomer Slovenia and Switzerland plays Norway at the ice hockey world championship. Also, Denmark meets Hungary and Austria takes on France.
UPCOMING: By 05/16/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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HKN--FACEOFF
DESCRIPTION: DALLAS — The Jets have forced a Game 6 against the Dallas Stars. That means a must-win game on the road for Winnipeg and Connor Hellebuych after nine consecutive playoff losses away from home. By Stephen Hawkins. 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 05/16/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP
DESCRIPTION: LONDON - Fifth-place Chelsea and sixth-place Aston Villa continue their push for Champions League qualification by hosting Manchester United and Tottenham, respectively, in the Premier League. United and Spurs are playing their last games before meeting in the Europa League final on Wednesday. UPCOMING: 500 words by 2130 GMT, photos.
UPCOMING: By 05/16/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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US--NCAA SETTLEMENT
DESCRIPTION: The latest arguments regarding roster limits have been filed in the long-running, multibillion-dollar college sports lawsuit, once again leaving it to a federal judge to determine the next move. Predictably, attorneys arguing all sides of the issue warn of some version of chaos borne out of uncertainty if their side loses. By Eddie Pells. AP Photos.
UPCOMING: By 05/16/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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CAR--INDY 500
DESCRIPTION: INDIANAPOLIS -- It is Fast Friday at the Indianapolis 500, where teams will give their first true sign of how strong their cars are ahead of this weekend’s qualifying. Kyle Kirkwood, the only driver besides Alex Palou to win a race this season, firmly believes he and his Andretti Global teammates are solid candidates to win the pole. Two-time defending race winner Josef Newgarden has other ideas. By AP Auto Racing Writer Jenna Fryer.
UPCOMING: By 05/16/2025 6:30 p.m. EDT, Text
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BKN--NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE
FORMATS: Photo, Text
1. WITH: BKN--NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE
2. DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the second round of the NBA postseason
3. UPCOMING: By 05/16/2025 7:00 p.m. EDT
4. WITH: BKN--CELTICS-KNICKS
5. DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- The New York Knicks try again to knock out the defending champion Boston Celtics and reach the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years when the teams meet in Game 6. A Celtics win sets up a deciding game Monday in Boston. By Basketball Writer Brian Mahoney. UPCOMING: 450 words, photos.
6. UPCOMING: By 05/16/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT
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BBO--METS-YANKEES
DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK — Juan Soto returns to Yankee Stadium for the first time since leaving for a record $765 million, 15-year contract with the New York Mets. 300 words, photos, starts 7:05 p.m.
UPCOMING: By 05/16/2025 7:05 p.m. EDT, Text
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BKL--LYNX-WINGS
DESCRIPTION: DALLAS — Napheesa Collier and the Minnesota Lynx visit Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings in the teams’ WNBA season openers. By Schuyler Dixon. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos. Game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET — With: BKL--Wings-Buecker’s Debut
UPCOMING: By 05/16/2025 7:30 p.m. EDT, Text
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BBO--SOTO BACK IN BRONX
DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK — Juan Soto was the focus in the first Subway Series matchup this year, returning to Yankee Stadium for the first time since leaving for a record $765 million, 15-year contract with the Mets. By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum. 700 words, photos by 7:30 p.m.
UPCOMING: By 05/16/2025 7:30 p.m. EDT, Text
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GLF--PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
FORMATS: Text
7. WITH: GLF--PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
8. DESCRIPTION: CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Jhonattan Vegas is atop a surprising leaderboard of players who have never contended in majors. He leads the PGA Championship by two shots going into the second round. Upcoming: 800 words, photos.
9. UPCOMING: By 05/16/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT
10. WITH: GLF--PGA CHAMPIONSHIP-CUT
11. DESCRIPTION: CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Rory McIlroy is 10 shots behind in the PGA Championship. His first priority is making the cut, a scenario also facing Jordan Spieth.
12. UPCOMING: By 05/16/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT
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BBO--TWINS-BREWERS
DESCRIPTION: Minnesota plays Milwaukee at American Family Field. 150 words, more on merit.
UPCOMING: By 05/16/2025 8:10 p.m. EDT, Text
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BBO--ROCKIES-DIAMONDBACKS
DESCRIPTION: PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks open a three-game home series against the Colorado Rockies, who have the worst record in the majors at 7-36, on Friday night. By Baseball Writer David Brandt. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos from 6:40 p.m. first pitch.
UPCOMING: By 05/16/2025 9:40 p.m. EDT, Text
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BKL--VALKYRIES-HISTORIC OPENER
DESCRIPTION: SAN FRANCISCO — The Valkyries are expecting an energetic and engaged crowd during they play the first game in franchise history. By Josh Dubow. DEVELOPING
UPCOMING: By 05/16/2025 10:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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BKL--SPARKS-VALKYRIES
DESCRIPTION: SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Valkyries make their WNBA debut when they take on the Los Angeles Sparks. By Josh Dubow. 300 words — With: BKL--Valkyries-Historic Opener. DEVELOPING
UPCOMING: By 05/16/2025 10:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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BBO--ANGELS-DODGERS
DESCRIPTION: LOS ANGELES — Jack Kochanowicz starts for the Los Angeles Angels against Dustin May and the Dodgers in the series opener. By Beth Harris. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos. Begins 10 p.m. ET.
UPCOMING: By 05/16/2025 10:10 p.m. EDT, Text
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HKN--MAPLE LEAFS-PANTHERS
DESCRIPTION: SUNRISE, Fla. -- The Florida Panthers look to close out the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday night, when the teams play Game 6 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. Game begins 8 p.m. By Tim Reynolds. UPCOMING: 450 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 05/16/2025 10:30 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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US--RAFAEL FURCAL-ARREST
Former MLB star Rafael Furcal charged in rock-throwing road rage incident, police say
SUMMARY: Authorities say former major league shortstop Rafael Furcal threw rocks at another man during a road rage incident last month in South Florida. Court records show that the former All-Star turned himself in at the Broward County jail on Wednesday and was released on bond a short time later. He faces two felony charges. Court records didn’t list a defense attorney for Furcal. The Sunrise Police Department issued the warrant for Furcal’s arrest on Monday, two weeks after the confrontation. Furcal started with the Atlanta Braves in 2000, followed by stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the St. Louis Cardinals. He finished his professional baseball career with the Miami Marlins in 2014.
WORDS: 334 - MOVED: 05/16/2025 1:41 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:84d45518fa54d06605e4aef865844916&mediaType=text
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TEN--ITALIAN OPEN
Alcaraz advances to his 1st Italian Open final, will face Sinner or Paul for the title
SUMMARY: Carlos Alcaraz advanced to his first Italian Open final with a 6-3, 7-6 (4) victory over Lorenzo Musetti. It’s the third final in three clay-court events this season for Alcaraz. He won the Monte Carlo Masters and finished runner-up in the Barcelona Open before withdrawing from the Madrid Open because of injury. Alcaraz is preparing to defend his title at the French Open starting May 25. Alcaraz will face either top-ranked Jannik Sinner or No. 12 Tommy Paul in the final on Sunday. The women’s final on Saturday features Coco Gauff against Jasmine Paolini.
WORDS: 474 - MOVED: 05/16/2025 1:20 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1566c8efb8cfc1489a3a94b0d3e25f44&mediaType=text
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US--STADIUMS-ROYALS-CHIEFS
Missouri governor says he’ll bring lawmakers back to get a plan for keeping the Chiefs and Royals
SUMMARY: Missouri’s governor says he will call the Legislature into a special session to consider incentives aimed at keeping the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals from moving to Kansas. Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe’s pledge came Friday after lawmakers failed to pass a plan during their regular, annual session. Kehoe wants his state to help with a renovated or new stadium for pro football’s Chiefs and with a new venue for baseball’s Royals. A Kansas law enacted last year authorizes state bonds for 70% of the cost of a new stadium. Last year, voters in the county where the teams are located turned down a sales tax extension that would have helped finance stadium projects.
WORDS: 352 - MOVED: 05/16/2025 12:15 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6310387864635899b3a8237b75737fe3&mediaType=text
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RAC--PREAKNESS PREVIEW
Journalism is the horse to beat in the Preakness. But recent trends show it won’t be easy
SUMMARY: Journalism is the horse to beat in the Preakness Stakes after leading off the Triple Crown with a second-place finish to Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby. Sovereignty is not running on Saturday after his owners and trainer decided to skip it for extra rest and aim for the Belmont Stakes on June 7. Michael McCarthy’s Journalism was the 8-5 morning line favorite on Friday in the field of nine horses. Bob Baffert has won the middle leg of the Triple Crown a record eight times and would make it nine if Goal Oriented gets the job done from the inside No. 1 post.
WORDS: 861 - MOVED: 05/16/2025 12:02 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4e9f8530b302c28203191938bfb4402a&mediaType=text
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CAR--INDY 500-EXPECTED SELLOUT
Indianapolis 500 on pace for 1st sellout since 2016 and local television blackout will be lifted
SUMMARY: The Indianapolis 500 is expected to be sold out and the local blackout will be lifted so fans in the area unable to attend can watch it live. It will be the first grandstand sell-out since 2016, the 100th running of the Indy 500. If the grandstands don’t reach capacity, Indianapolis Motor Speedway implements a local television blackout in which the race can only be watched inside the city later that day on replay. The expected sell-out was announced Friday by IndyCar and IMS president Doug Boles. He says the race is expected to draw 350,000. The Indiana Pacers will also host an NBA playoff game that evening.
WORDS: 482 - MOVED: 05/16/2025 11:36 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:894f89186e4dcc1d7f997ce3ada1990a&mediaType=text
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BKL--WINGS-BUECKERS DEBUT
How to watch Paige Bueckers’ WNBA debut, as her hometown pregames with ‘Paige’s 3-Point Pale’ ale
SUMMARY: Paige Bueckers is set to make her highly anticipated WNBA regular-season debut. Expectations are high for Bueckers, who was picked by the Dallas Wings No. 1 overall in the 2025 draft after an impressive collegiate career at UConn. Bueckers comes off a National Championship victory against a dominant Dawn Staley-led South Carolina team, collecting 17 points and six rebounds to help the program to its 12th national title. The Wings tip off the WNBA season on Friday night against the Minnesota Lynx. In anticipation, Bueckers’ hometown of Hopkins, Minnesota, has renamed itself in her honor with a local brewery offering “Paige’s 3-Point Pale” ale.
WORDS: 187 - MOVED: 05/16/2025 11:30 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4876cf41689866af31a0eae1254f4e7e&mediaType=text
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SOC--BARCELONA-YAMAL’S RISE
Yamal’s rise helps Barcelona move beyond the post-Messi era
SUMMARY: When Lionel Messi left Barcelona it looked like generation would have to go by before another player of his incredible talent would don the burgundy and blue. It turned out a couple of years was enough. Lamine Yamal cemented his status as the Next Big Thing in global soccer by excelling in a season that saw Barcelona finish with treble of domestic titles. Fittingly enough, the 17-year-old scored the decisive goal to clinch the Spanish league crown on Thursday.
WORDS: 752 - MOVED: 05/16/2025 6:30 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:093f7d757eebf6c745767d693af13deb&mediaType=text
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BKL--WNBA SEASON-THINGS TO KNOW
WNBA set for new season with Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese leading the way
SUMMARY: There’s a lot of excitement and buzz around the WNBA as its set to tip off its 29th season on Friday night thanks in large part to last season’s rookie class led by Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. The league may have its most anticipated year ahead with the two second year players leading the way. The duo, who helped the league to record ratings and attendance. Their two teams — the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky — will face each other Saturday for the first of five matchups this season.
WORDS: 635 - MOVED: 05/16/2025 6:10 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2539542c6cb6cbd2d6df866f5edc8dc3&mediaType=text
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HKN--HURRICANES ADVANCE
Known for their shot volume, Hurricanes reach the East final by keeping the Capitals’ to a minimum
SUMMARY: The Carolina Hurricanes are known around the NHL for shooting the puck on net from every angle and piling up the shots. They eliminated the Washington Capitals in five games in the second round and moved on to the Eastern Conference final by keeping their opponent from doing anything close to that. They allowed fewer than 20 shots a night and held Washington to seven or fewer in 11 of the 15 regulation periods in the series. In control with the puck and suffocating without it, it was a masterclass of how coach Rod Brind’Amour wants his team to play.
WORDS: 738 - MOVED: 05/16/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ab481497072665b8fe6fa1eb48b0af3d&mediaType=text
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SOC--EVERTON-GOODISON PARK FAREWELL
Pele’s pain, Rooney’s rocket and great escapes: Everton bids farewell to Goodison Park
SUMMARY: The Grand Old Lady of English soccer is about to bid farewell to the men’s game. Goodison Park has been the home of Everton’s men’s team since 1892. The team is leaving Goodison at the end of this season to move to a new, state-of-the-art, 53,000-seat stadium at nearby Bramley-Moore Dock. The visit of Southampton on Sunday marks the men’s team’s final game at Goodison. The stadium will still live on but instead in the women’s game as the new home of Everton Women. Goodison has staged more top-flight men’s games than any other stadium in England. It was where Pele was kicked to pieces before losing a World Cup match with Brazil for the only time.
WORDS: 1069 - MOVED: 05/16/2025 4:41 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1ad3649d142503c0cb32fe9ab21a647d&mediaType=text
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HKN--STARS-JETS
Jets beat the Stars 4-0 to force Game 6 in the Western Conference semifinal series
SUMMARY: Connor Hellebuyck made 22 saves and the Winnipeg Jets beat the Dallas Stars 4-0 on Thursday night to force a sixth game in the Western Conference semifinal series. With Edmonton awaiting the winner in the conference final, the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Jets avoided elimination to send the series back to Dallas for Game 6 on Saturday night. Nikolaj Ehlers had two goals and Mark Scheifele and Vladislav Namestnikov also scored to back Hellebuyck. Jake Oettinger stopped 31 shots for Dallas. Stars captain Jamie Benn sucker-punched Scheifele during a late scrum, with Benn given a misconduct penalty and possibly facing a suspension for Game 6. Scheifele opened the scoring at 6:17 of the second period with a shot that deflected off two Dallas players.
WORDS: 477 - MOVED: 05/16/2025 2:40 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d2f176b08b95cd3c978d7a7e3508ae86&mediaType=text
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BBO--OHTANI’S SURPRISE STRIKEOUT
Surprise! Shohei Ohtani strikes out against Athletics’ position player
SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani had quite a game on his bobblehead night. Two home runs, six runs. Then Jhonny Pereda struck out him out. The Athletics’ backup catcher faced Ohtani in the eighth inning Thursday night. Pereda gave up three straight hits against the bottom of the Dodgers’ order. With Los Angeles leading 17-2, Ohtani came up with a chance to pile on. Pereda’s first four pitches were between 62 and 68 mph. Ohtani took a called first strike and fouled off the another pitch. Then Perada threw an 89-mph fastball. Ohtani’s foul tip was caught and one of the major leagues’ home-run leaders went down swinging. Perada kept the ball as a souvenir.
WORDS: 215 - MOVED: 05/16/2025 2:12 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c03cf6b46cb66a8ef1f17bfb019ff217&mediaType=text
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BKN--NUGGETS-BENCH BOOST
Strawther provides spark off the bench, even loses a tooth, as Nuggets force Game 7 against Thunder
SUMMARY: Now this was finally a role Julian Strawther could sink his teeth into, even if it cost him one. Playing meaningful extended minutes for first time in the series, the Denver Nuggets guard provided a spark off the bench as he scored all 15 of his points in the second half Thursday night. It helped propel Denver to a 119-107 win over the Thunder and force a decisive Game 7 Sunday in Oklahoma City. Strawther had his prosthetic tooth pop out in the fourth quarter when he took contact from an Oklahoma City player.
WORDS: 695 - MOVED: 05/16/2025 1:59 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9b43dbcf54c656c6cd7cdfb2fe6a010a&mediaType=text
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MOVING TOMORROW
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—NHL Playoffs
—WNBA, Reese vs. Clark
—Indy500 qualifying
—Preakness
