EDITOR’S NOTE
There’s nothing like a nail-biting soccer match to make me miss my playing days (I was a midfielder). To catch you up: England’s performance in the Euros (shoutout to the Lionesses) has been so full of surprises, some are even asking, “Is this a movie?” Nope, it’s very much real life. Even Prince William is getting in on the hype. Speaking of soccer, Ted Lasso might want to pick up some coaching pointers from England for its next season. In other news, I am not a golfer — but I’d be lying if I said Zac Efron’s shirtless venture on the green hasn’t inspired me. (Just keep doing what you’re doing, Zac.) Now, let’s get to some more sports highlights…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
Let's Discuss
What to look out for in our latest episode.
WNBA Stars Balled Out, Then Spoke Up
What's going on: What happens in Indy doesn’t stay in Indy — especially when the WNBA All-Stars are in town. From the orange carpet (shoutout to Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier’s sheer black ensemble) to Caitlin Clark’s sideline coaching shenanigans, the WNBA All-Star Weekend had it all. Just ask the “StudBudz” — Lynx players Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman — who went viral for all their behind-the-scenes antics and even got WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to drop it low. As for the actual game itself, congratulations are in order for Team Collier, thanks in part to this historic four-point shot from Paige Bueckers (who also seemed to confirm these romance rumors). Love and basketball — what more do fans need?
Tell me more: It wasn’t all fun and games — players also used one of the WNBA’s biggest weekends to stand on business. Ahead of the Team Collier and Team Clark matchup, the players unveiled T-shirts with a message the league couldn’t ignore: “Pay Us What You Owe Us.” The statement comes as the league and the players’ union remain at an impasse over a new collective bargaining agreement. So, what are the players demanding? Higher salaries, increased revenue sharing, and better benefits (and for some, even more rest around the ASG — not just one day). With just three months left to reach a deal, fans — and even the bro-iest of podcast bros — are backing the players’ calls. If not, a walkout could be on the horizon.
Related: Wait, Why Did Caitlin Clark Just Clap Back at Kelsey Plum? (Well Played)
Pick Six
More sports talkers you don't want to miss.
🎾 Venus Williams’s comeback match drew roars — and reminded fans that legends don’t age, they evolve. (CNN)
🎥 Happy Gilmore 2 is here — and so are the 47 (or so) celebrity cameos. Bad Bunny, is that you? (Well Played)
✈️ Women are booking more vacations to play which sport? Time to get the polos ready. (Vogue)
♥️ Scottie Scheffler wiped the floor at The Open — but it’s what he said about being a dad that really won the day. (Well Played)
👨❤️👨 Travis Kelce might’ve won a few Super Bowls, but his dad’s still starstruck by Taylor Swift and said the sweetest words about her. (People)
😅 Out of all Coldplay kiss-cam reenactments, the Phillie Phanatics really committed to the bit. (Well Played)
Timeout...
Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.
Think of training camp as a combination of boot camp and tryouts. About 90 players are aiming to land a spot on the official NFL roster by the end of August, before the league’s regular season kicks off. They’ll have to prove themselves in workouts, scrimmages, joint practices, and preseason games — but only 53 of them will the cut. It’s a great opportunity for rookies who didn’t get signed to a team during the NFL Draft to show what they are capable of. Special shoutout to QB Aaron Rodgers, who is the oldest active player to report to training camp, with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
FEATURED EXPERT:
Caroline Hendershot
Reporter for the New York Jets and co-host of Well Played
The Press Box
Who can forget that 28-3 Super Bowl comeback? Or his five-time Super Bowl MVPs? Yes, we’re talking about NFL legend Tom Brady. He spoke with Skimm Sports about what it’s like watching from the sidelines, the women athletes who inspire him, and whether he’d ever come out of retirement.
Q: What’s your GOAT getting-ready song?
A: “Public Service Announcement” by Jay-Z.
Q: Who are the women athletes redefining their sport?
A: Serena Williams changed the game forever. Simone Biles is redefining greatness. Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson are showing how bright the future of women’s sports is.
Q: How has broadcasting given you a different perspective on football?
A: As a player, you’re locked in on your assignment — now in this new role, I get to share my love of the game with a wider audience. It’s made me appreciate the chess match of the game even more.
Q: Would you come out of retirement to play flag football at the next Olympics?
A: I’m pretty happy just talking about football right now and not getting run over by 300-pound linemen… but hey, I guess in flag, I’d be a little safer.
This interview was edited for clarity.
Just Trust Us
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
Our favorite athleisure is the kind you can take from court to cocktails in a matter of minutes, just like this classic, pleated skirt.
If you’re looking for durable, second-skin-like leggings that won’t bankrupt you, we’ve found just the thing.
Football season will be here before you know it, and we can already tell we’ll be living in this cozy sweatshirt through next spring.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
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