AP brings depth and color to college basketball’s Rome opener

AP turned a unique college basketball doubleheader in Rome into a rich, all-formats package connecting sport, faith and culture. Drawing on reporting in the U.S. and Italy and expertise in college sports and the Vatican, the reporting team delivered compelling stories well beyond the court. Close coordination between Sports, Religion and all formats in the Rome bureau ensured AP got access to the teams’ activities in the lead-up to the game, including on campus and the papal audience at the Vatican. The resulting stories explored the Catholic basketball legacy, the role of team chaplains and Pope Leo’s ties to Villanova University, his alma mater. That depth carried through to the actual coverage of both games, offering customers distinctive angles and entry points that reached beyond college basketball fans.