EDITOR’S NOTE
I’d never refer to myself as a golf fan, but that might change after hearing Caitlin Clark’s No. 1 reason why the Masters is her favorite sporting event. You know what I am a fan of? Seeing Lewis Hamilton grace the cover of Vogue (think I’ll follow the Met Gala just for him 👀). Meanwhile, Travis Kelce is out here staying in shape by out-hustling teenagers (or at least, trying), and Serena Williams spilled the real motivation behind her viral Super Bowl halftime dance (Spoiler: It has nothing to do with Drake). Oh, and if you need another reason to get excited for the WNBA season, the league announced the first-ever Rivals Week, and there’s about to be some drama with this matchup. But 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.
With the Rookie Class Set, the WNBA Faces Its Next Big Challenge
What’s going on: The 2025 WNBA Draft had it all — from glam red carpet looks to downright tearjerkers. The league welcomed 38 new rookies, including UConn’s Paige Bueckers, France’s Dominique Malonga, and TCU’s Hailey Van Lith (who will have the ultimate reunion with this ex-teammate). With the rosters set, the WNBA now faces its next hurdle: negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Players and the league have until October to reach a deal. If they don’t? There could be delays, sit-outs, or even a strike.
Our take: Last year, the WNBA saw record-breaking viewership and attendance. With the regular season tipping off next month, players seem to want more than just momentum. They’re pushing for higher pay, improved team facilities, and better parental and fertility benefits. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert says she’s “very optimistic” about reaching a deal, even calling the new CBA potentially “transformational.” But optimism doesn’t pay the bills — and this time, the players have the platform and the power to push for real change.
Related: Meanwhile, This Bag Said It All at the WNBA Draft (Well Played)
Pick Six
More sports talkers you don't want to miss.
🫶🏼 Fans are not OK after Stabler and Benson’s sweet courtside moment at the Knicks game. No law, no order — just love.
👀 The family of a San Francisco 49ers player is putting that Taylor Swift feud to bed — but will Swifties move on?
🎬 Serena Williams’s next grand slam: Bringing this bestselling novel to the small screen.
🫣 Zendaya’s new sporty look is so out of this world, we can’t look away.
🍗 What’s more impressive — Paige Bueckers’s game or her post-NCAA championship food delivery order?
🎾 A British tennis player is going viral after making a big stink at a match. But her opponent’s clapback is taking the real W.
Timeout...
Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.
Everyone is talking about Rory McIlroy's comeback at the Masters. Why was this win so significant?
He finally completed golf’s Grand Slam. That’s when a player wins all four major tournaments: the PGA Championship, the British Open, the US Open, and the Masters. McIlroy won three of the four majors between 2011 and 2014 — and people thought he could be the next Tiger Woods. Every year when the Masters rolled around, the question was always the same: Would McIlroy be able to complete the Grand Slam or would it haunt him for the rest of his career? It took him 11 years to finally win the Masters. Just like he told his 4-year-old daughter in his post-win speech, you should never give up on your dreams.
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