AP – Sports
September 18, 2026
College sports bill inches ahead in the Senate even as Congress punts other issues
WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress has struggled to pass major legislation this year, putting off debates on spending, defense, cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence. But in its final weeks in session as the midterm elections approach, the Senate can agree on one thing — addressing college sports. The Senate voted twice this week to move forward on legislation to overhaul the rules and financing around the nation’s college sports. It’s an effort to put guardrails around skyrocketing spending, prevent constant legal battles and restore order to what the bill’s supporters say is chaos in athletic programs. More than 70 senators are already backing the bill, and final votes could come as soon as next week.
They’re not playing our song! North Korean anthem played at South Korean field hockey match
NAGOYA, Japan (AP) — South Korean field hockey players were perplexed when the national anthem of North Korea was played instead of their own before a men’s field hockey match against Bangladesh at the Asian Games. South Korean players looked on, unsure of how to respond Friday. Many South Korean players stood at attention, some ran their hands through their hair, and some left their right hand over their heart as the music played. Organizers quickly corrected the mistake and played the correct anthem. South Korea won the match 5-0.
Officials defend using temporary containers, cruise ship as lodging at Asian Games
NAGOYA, Japan (AP) — The Olympic Council of Asia is attempting to quell complaints about lodging for athletes and officials at the Asian Games. It said Friday that all “17,000-plus athletes and officials” that registered by the entry deadline in July have been provided “games-appropriate accommodation.” The games open officially on Saturday and run through Oct. 4 and feature at least 11,000 athletes, more than the Summer Olympics. Japanese officials decided against building a dedicated athletes villages and opted for accommodation on a cruise ship, in hotel rooms and temporary wood containers. There have been complaints from some countries.
Infantino’s opponents at FIFA call for $10M payments to federations from post-World Cup reserves
GENEVA (AP) — FIFA’s vice presidents from Europe and North America have said in a letter to its president Gianni Infantino that each of the world soccer body’s member federations should each get an extra $10 million from its rising cash reserves. UEFA’s president Aleksander Ceferin and CONCACAF’s leader Victor Montagliani want to oust Infantino for trying to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. They have told Infantino in a letter seen by The Associated Press that FIFA’s $6 billion reserves can fund such a “one-off release.” Their message appears to be reassuring FIFA members they’ll get increased funding even without Infantino as president.
Leah Pruett is stepping away from NHRA to focus on having a second child with Tony Stewart
Leah Pruett, in contention for her first NHRA Top Fuel championship, will step away from the drag-racing series at the end of this season to focus on having a second child with husband Tony Stewart. Pruett was a spectator in 2024 and 2025 while they started a family. She gave birth to their son, Dominic James Stewart, in November 2024. Tony Stewart, a three-time NASCAR champion and one-time IndyCar champion, filled in for her both seasons. Pruett returned this year, and Stewart moved to Elite Motorsports. They currently rank third and fourth, respectively, as the series begins its six-race playoffs. Eight-time Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher will slide into her seat beginning next season.
Jon Rahm shoots 78-77 and in last place at BMW PGA Championship
VIRGINIA WATER, England (AP) — Jon Rahm will miss the cut at the BMW PGA Championship after shooting 78-77 at Wentworth. It leaves him in last place among the 140 players to play the first 36 holes in the European tour’s flagship event. Rahm’s 6-over 78 in the first round on Thursday was his highest score in a non-major since a 78 in the opening round of the Andalucia Masters in 2021. A day later, the Spaniard hit his first shot into a bunker and went on to make five bogeys and a double on the way to a 77. Rahm was 21 shots off the clubhouse lead midway through the second round.
South Korea leads India 2-0 in Davis Cup; Shelton to play for US at Czech Republic
South Korea moved within one victory of becoming the first Asian nation to reach the Davis Cup Final 8 after taking a 2-0 lead over India in the final qualifying round. The Koreans came from a set down in both matches. Kwon Soon-woo beat Suresh Dhakshineswar 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 and then Hyeon Chung beat Sumit Nagal 2-6, 6-4, 7-5 at Seoul’s Olympic tennis center. Learner Tien beat Jakub Mensik 6-2, 6-4 in his Davis Cup debut to give the 32-time champion United States a 1-0 lead over the Czech Republic. U.S. Open finalist Ben Shelton was up next against Jiri Lehecka. The other qualifiers are: Chile vs. Spain; Germany vs. Croatia; Britain vs. Ecuador; Austria vs. Belgium; and Canada vs. France. The winning teams advance to the finals in Bologna, Italy, in November.
Saddiq Bey, Pelicans agree on a 3-year, $55.5 million contract extension
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Saddiq Bey has agreed to a three-year contract extension with the New Orleans Pelicans that will pay the veteran power forward $55.5 million. Bey’s agents with Excel Sports Management announced the extension, which was first reported by ESPN. Bey averaged 17.7 points and 5.6 rebounds last season, his first in New Orleans and also his first season since missing all of the 2024-25 campaign with a torn ligament in his left knee.
Macklin Celebrini and the Sharks enter contender stage after long rebuild
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks are entering a new phase after a tear down and rebuild led to seven straight seasons without a playoff berth. With one of the game’s top young stars leading the way, the anticipation for this season is high and Celebrini sees it almost everywhere he goes around the Bay Area from taking batting practice before a recent San Francisco Giants game to his day-to-day life. The excitement in the Bay Area comes with good reason thanks in large part to Celebrini.
A new stage for ‘¡GOOOOL!’: Andrés Cantor’s next move is to Netflix for Women’s World Cup
Andrés Cantor and his iconic “¡GOOOOL!” call will be part of Netflix’s coverage of next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The streaming giant has added Cantor to its broadcast team for its Spanish and English broadcasts in the United States and Canada. Cantor had been with Telemundo since 2000 after 13 years with Univision. Netflix gained the rights to the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World Cups in December 2024. It also marked the first time that FIFA had unbundled the men’s and women’s World Cup broadcast rights. Fox carried the previous three Women’s World Cups in English while Telemundo had the Spanish-language broadcasts.
