EDITOR’S NOTE
This week, the sports world showed us that greatness comes in many forms — on the court, on the red carpet, and in the family group chat. LeBron James scored numbers the NBA has never seen before, Coco Gauff served an Andie Anderson-approved Oscars moment, and Meghan Markle’s daughter might just have the coolest auntie of all time (what we’d do to play Candy Land with her). Meanwhile, looking for more ways to celebrate women in sports? Here are some events worth traveling for. Now, let’s get to other sports highlights…
— Claudia Rupcich / Writer / Richmond, VA
Let's Discuss
What to look out for in our latest episode.
The NFL Can Afford It — So Why Don't All Teams Provide Childcare?
What's going on: The NFL Players Association (the union that represents the league’s athletes) just dropped its annual report cards, revealing that some teams have a long way to go when it comes to supporting players’ families. Yes, there’s been progress: Two years ago, 11 teams didn’t offer game-day childcare, and now that number is down to three. Of the 29 NFL teams that provide childcare, 27 offer it for free, while the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams still charge families. Meanwhile, 10 teams don’t have a family room for game days. Wondering who the biggest offender is? The Cincinnati Bengals, which is the only team that offers neither. One Bengals player called it “almost disrespectful.” Almost?
Our take: This year's report card has many asking, why can’t the most profitable sports league in America provide childcare to all of its players? Others have figured this out. US Soccer covers travel for caregivers and children and provides childcare for senior national team training camps and matches. Unrivaled, the new women’s basketball league, offers nannies before, during, and after games and practices. Your move, NFL.
Pick Six
More sports talkers you don't want to miss.
🤸🏾♀️ What’s more exciting: landing Simone Biles’s floor move or hearing from the GOAT? This Clemson gymnast’s reaction says it all.
🏃🏻♂️ Harry Styles clocked an impressive finish time at the Tokyo Marathon, but we have questions about his playlist.
🏀 Serena Williams is taking her business talents to the WNBA. Let's just say, she broke the news in style.
🏈 Travis Kelce is sharing more insight on why he’s really returning to the NFL. Guess Hollywood will have to wait.
👀 Jennifer Hudson got hit in the face at a Knicks game, and the commentators weren’t impressed with her partner’s reaction.
⚽ New year, fresh kits. Here's how the 2025 NWSL uniforms rank — from the questionable to the works of art.
Timeout...
Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.
As the WNBA moves to larger venues, how are you feeling about the league's future?
I think the growth of the WNBA is coming at the perfect time. We are at a pivotal moment in society where there’s an intersection of sports and culture that we’ve never seen before. People are finally choosing to invest in and bet on women. With our collective bargaining agreement being negotiated as we speak, there will be a major shift in the WNBA, and I’m so excited to be part of it.
PS: Lexie talked to our Well Played hosts about WNBA trades, her love for Rihanna, and her partnership with the Love, Your Mind mental health campaign. Watch the entire interview here.
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