EDITOR’S NOTE
There’s nothing like a heat wave to throw off your summer training schedule. Let’s just say my motivation for outdoor workouts is giving more of this sleepy courtside energy at the NBA Finals than actual hustle. Someone who’s still giving it their all? A’ja Wilson, whose zebra-inspired tunnel fit had the internet buzzing. Meanwhile, Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon isn’t letting anything slow her down as she sets off to become the first woman to run a sub-four-minute mile. (If my running shoes could sigh… they would.) Until I decide to get back out there, I’m seriously considering Emma Roberts’s latest sports hobby — or whether Brad Pitt (and his press tour outfits) can actually get me interested in F1. Now, let’s get to some other sports highlights…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
Let's Discuss
What to look out for in our latest episode.
Are the WNBA Refs Quiet Quitting?
What's going on: Calls for better officiating across the WNBA are getting louder from players, coaches, and even fans. Complaints about refs aren’t new in sports, but a recent game between the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun poured gasoline on the fire. That matchup ended with numerous technicals, two flagrant fouls, and three players ejected. The general consensus? The refs didn’t make the right calls and let the game spiral out of control — part of a larger pattern that players are tired of. At one point, Fever guard Sophie Cunningham literally took matters (or rather, opponent Jacy Sheldon’s head) into her own hands while defending teammate Caitlin Clark.
Our take: This might be less about judgment calls, more about the league’s resources. Unlike some in the NBA, Sports Illustrated reports that refs in the WNBA aren’t salaried employees — many have to take on other jobs, like officiating NCAA games. Another major difference? While NBA refs have a NASA-worthy high-tech replay center in New Jersey to review their calls, WNBA refs often review their own footage. As the league continues to grow, some sports analysts say it’s time for larger structural changes — or fans and players may experience the same old problems.
Related: Did These Basketball Stars Just Hard Launch Their Relationship? (Well Played)
Psst… WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert sat down for the latest episode of 9 to 5ish. Listen now.
Pick Six
More sports talkers you don't want to miss.
🤔 Tennis star Emma Raducanu praised Wimbledon for stopping her stalker from buying tickets — wait, why isn’t this the norm already?
🏀 Kylie Kelce has her eyes set on the WNBA — just not in the way you think. Time to manifest.
👀 Simone Biles’s recent IG message is adding more fuel to ongoing feud rumors.
😂 If we learned anything from Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski’s reunion, it’s that even Super Bowl champions can still drop the ball.
🛌 A neurologist is sharing the sleep hacks he gives pro athletes. If it works before a big game, it’ll work for us.
✨ Serena Williams took her husband to Beyoncé’s Paris Cowboy Carter show — and fans were living for the live updates.
Timeout...
Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.
Three NBA athletes have injured their Achilles during this year's playoffs — including Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. It's raised a tough question: Is the league pushing players past their limits?
With the game getting more physical, the schedule leaving little time for rest, and the culture causing competitors to train year-round, today’s athletes are worn down. The NBA has played 82-game seasons since the 1960s, and that’s not expected to change any time soon. Many say the league has to shift its approach to protect players — because no one wants to see them miss out on games due to preventable injuries.
FEATURED EXPERT:
Caroline Hendershot
Reporter for NY Jets and co-host of Well Played
Just Trust Us
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
If a good night’s rest feels like a far-fetched dream (without the dreaming part), try this editor’s obsession. Better yet? Skimm’rs can get 25% off with SKIMM25.
Heat Week is here, and we’ve rounded up the best clothes, accessories, and products to help you sweat less.
Another way to beat the heat? This chic inflatable pool lounger. It has two cup holders, a removable pillow, and is currently under $35.
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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