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--POSTSEASON
FORMATS: Text
• WITH: BBO--ALCS-GUARDIANS-RAYS
o DESCRIPTION: ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Freddy Peralta takes the mound for the Rays, who lead the series 3-2 and need one more victory over the Guardians to capture their third AL pennant. By Rob Maaddi. 600 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 8:08 p.m. EDT.
o UPCOMING: By 10/19/2026 11:30 p.m. EDT
• WITH: BBO--BREWERS-BULLISH ON BULLPEN
o DESCRIPTION: MILWAUKEE - The NL champion Milwaukee Brewers keep winning close games in this postseason thanks in part to a bullpen that has been virtually unhittable. That bullpen strength has the Brewers believing they can win the first World Series title in franchise history. By Steve Megargee. UPCOMING: 700 words, with photos.
o UPCOMING: By 10/19/2026 11:30 p.m. EDT
• WITH: BBO--WORLD SERIES
o DESCRIPTION: A Milwaukee Brewers-Tampa Bay Rays World Series would feature two low-payroll teams seeking their first title and likely baseball’s first all-indoor championship. By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum, 1,000 words, will move if Rays win Monday.
o UPCOMING: By 10/19/2026 11:30 p.m. EDT
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FBN--COMMANDERS-49ERS
DESCRIPTION: Washington Commanders plays San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 700 words, more on merit.
UPCOMING: By 10/19/2026 11:30 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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BKL--WNBA FINALS
DESCRIPTION: Gabby Williams and the Valkyries host the Atlanta Dream in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals. Game starts at 8 p.m. EDT By Janie McCauley. — With separates on merit
UPCOMING: By 10/19/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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CAR--NASCAR-PHOENIX-LARSON
DESCRIPTION: Kyle Larson looked nearly invincible through six races in NASCAR’s postseason race before Sunday’s debacle in Phoenix. Now there’s seven drivers within striking distance for the top spot with three races remaining, starting with Talladega next weekend. By David Brandt. 600 words, photos by 11 a.m. PT.
UPCOMING: By 10/19/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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FBN--JETS-ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTION: The final two minutes of each half have been an alarming issue for the New York Jets under Aaron Glenn. In his two seasons as head coach, Glenn’s squad has been outscored 119-49 in the last two minutes of the second and fourth quarters, according to ESPN Research. By Pro Football Writer Dennis Waszak Jr.
UPCOMING: By 10/19/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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BKN--NBA-BETTING
DESCRIPTION: The New York Knicks are the reigning champions, but LeBron James’ trade to Philadelphia has made the 76ers the betting favorites in the Eastern Conference.
UPCOMING: By 10/19/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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BBO--BREWERS-BULLISH ON BULLPEN
Milwaukee’s dominant bullpen has the Brewers believing they could win their first World Series title
SUMMARY: Aaron Ashby believes the trust among the Milwaukee Brewers relievers enables each of them to take the mound without having too much of a weight on their shoulders. That bullpen has done much of the heavy lifting in getting the Brewers to their first World Series since 1982. Relievers allowed just six runs over 40 2/3 innings during Milwaukee’s 3-1 series victory over the San Diego Padres in the NL Division Series and four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series. The Brewers open the World Series on Friday by hosting either Tampa Bay or Cleveland.
WORDS: 768 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 12:45 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bf2257cff27d0e3f08d5af95b7aadb4a&mediaType=text
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BKL--WNBA FINALS-FREEDOM
Enes Kanter Freedom says he will attend WNBA Finals Game 3 in Atlanta
SUMMARY: Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom announced on social media that he plans to attend Game 3 of the WNBA Finals in Atlanta on Wednesday as a fan. Freedom last was at a WNBA game in late August when he went to see Chicago host Indiana. He was ejected from the game and banned from the arena for getting into a heated interaction with Sky guard Natasha Cloud. The league declined to comment on Freedom potentially attending the Finals.
WORDS: 280 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 12:42 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fd3c82431629126c274a971a6ba8eb54&mediaType=text
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BKC--T25-MENS POLL
Florida is No. 1 in preseason AP Top 25 men’s poll as Duke, Illini also receive first-place votes
SUMMARY: Florida starts the men’s college basketball season ranked No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25. Coach Todd Golden says the ranking is expected, as the team aims for another national championship. Duke and Illinois are next while UConn and Arizona round out the top five. Michigan State, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia and Houston finish out the top 10,
WORDS: 925 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:982b01c92f181da50646b3a2cc8c7c9d&mediaType=text
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SOC--FRANCE-PROTESTS-PSG
PSG-Barcelona match in Champions League to go ahead amid shock over France’s violent unrest
SUMMARY: The French interior minister has confirmed the Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona will proceed as planned on Tuesday in Paris. The decision comes despite recent protests marred by violence and looting across France. On Monday Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu instructed prefects to impose localized curfews to prevent further unrest. The violence has targeted city halls, public buildings, and businesses, leading to over 2,000 arrests. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez says the possibility of canceling events was discussed but does not apply to Tuesday’s match. Other European matches to be played in France this week will also proceed as planned.
WORDS: 469 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 11:41 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3fad648a867e4d615a7e684cd4e274e4&mediaType=text
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FBN--EAGLES-HURTS
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts 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 Monday on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of a health matter. The team placed Hurts on injured reserve Saturday after revealing he has a blood clot in his calf. On Monday, the Eagles 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: 447 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 11:33 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d92af6b7ce495640139dd66a39f1ee86&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: 810 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 10:59 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3e950c4f7890662c7f43950f561f8423&mediaType=text
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BKN--NBA-SEASON PREVIEW
NBA tips off, with many contenders in place to chase the champion New York Knicks
WORDS: 891 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 10:18 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4645b4efee6a95ac7bba59b1d8a8e341&mediaType=text
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SOC-FRANCE-PROTESTS-CLUBS
Soccer clubs Marseille and Lille close shops after vandalism and looting in France protests
SUMMARY: Soccer clubs Marseille and Lille report their shops have been vandalized during protests in France. Demonstrations against rising living costs and poor school conditions involved over half a million mainly peaceful protesters. However, small groups set fires and looted businesses in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Marseille says looters caused significant damage to its store on La Canebière, which is now temporarily closed. Lille’s city center store also suffered extensive damage and looting.
WORDS: 197 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 10:11 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4cec6219ec494454de5a3e40e42722af&mediaType=text
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FBC--T25-COLLEGE FOOTBALL POLL-ANALYSIS
SEC upheaval opens door for Big 12 to put 3 teams in top 10 of AP poll and Miami to take over No. 1
WORDS: 875 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 9:45 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7e02997d82930199aea7d30836a902e9&mediaType=text
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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-COMEBACKS
Comeback stories, trouble in LA and a messy NFC East highlight Week 6
SUMMARY: Deshaun Watson owned the fourth quarter again. Caleb Williams was nearly flawless in his return from injury. Aaron Rodgers is still making late-game magic. NFL comebacks come in different forms. Written off after four disastrous seasons in Cleveland, Watson won the starting job in training camp and has made the most of what likely was going to be his last shot. Watson overcame a rough three quarters to lead his fourth winning drive in the fourth quarter Sunday, helping the Browns beat the Baltimore Ravens 13-10 to improve to 4-2.
WORDS: 924 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ac741064106ff9461d12c9081efe0c03&mediaType=text
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BKN--76ERS-JAMES-BY THE NUMBERS
LeBron James, by the numbers going into Year 24 of his one-of-a-kind NBA career
SUMMARY: There isn’t much for Philadelphia forward LeBron James to chase this season, at least from a statistical standpoint. He’s already the NBA’s career scoring leader. The leader in games, minutes, field goals and field goals attempted, too. And he’s entering Year 24 of his career — another record, one he took sole possession of last year because nobody ever topped 22 seasons before he came along.
WORDS: 831 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f7d32b679bc3998818b7893d45824fab&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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BBO--BREWERS-BULLISH ON BULLPEN
MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Brewers keep producing comeback victories this postseason in part because their bullpen has been virtually unhittable. That bullpen strength has the Brewers believing they can win the first World Series title in franchise history. By Steve Megargee.
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BKL--WNBA FINALS
Coverage of the WNBA finals.
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BKW--T25-WOMENS POLL
The AP releases its preseason Top 25 women’s college basketball poll. By Doug Feinberg.
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