Well Played

EDITOR’S NOTE

Grab the sage, because it seems some sports leagues are in serious need of a cleanse. The Angels-Braves game is going viral for the full-on brawl that broke out midplay — stick to throwing pitches, not punches, guys. Daniil Medvedev’s on-court meltdown is also raising eyebrows. RIP to that racket. Meanwhile, soccer fans are having a field day after FIFA’s latest controversial play. Guess I should be grateful I didn’t score tickets after all… Not helping: The USMNT just lost one of its strikers to injury, and he’s now out for the World Cup. Sounds like we could all use some more-positive vibes. So let’s channel Dawn Staley’s energy and cue up Michigan’s playlist — it might bring us some wins. Now, here’s what else is making sports headlines…

— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI

Let's Discuss

The Next Big Play in Women's Sports

What’s going on: One of the fastest-growing sports in the US just planted its next flag — with major backing from the NFL. Flag football — yes, the sport from that one gym class unit with the funky belts — is getting a new professional women’s and men’s league. The NFL’s 32 teams are all in, along with a roster of hall of fame-level investors: Alex Morgan, Serena Williams, Billie Jean King, the Mannings, and Tom Brady. The momentum is real, especially in the women’s sports arena. The New York Jets are helping launch the largest collegiate women’s flag league in the US. And the Kansas City Chiefs kicked off a campaign to get the state to sanction girls’ flag football at the high school level — which would make it the 18th state. At least 65 NCAA schools already sponsor club or varsity teams. All roads lead to LA 2028, where men’s and women’s flag football will make its Olympic debut.

And the game plan is…: This is about more than just seizing the moment — it’s about creating a pipeline of opportunity for girls in the sport. It could soon be possible to go from a high school state championship to a college scholarship to the Olympics, and then into a pro league. For organizations like the NFL, it represents a major revenue opportunity. But investment or not, participation in the sport is skyrocketing, with many parents seeing it as a much safer alternative to tackle football. A CDC study found that youth tackle football athletes had up to 15 times more head impacts than flag football players. And a separate study found that girls who play flag show improvements in energy levels compared to nonplayers. Sounds like plenty of green flags to us.

Pick Six

More sports talkers you don't want to miss.

😎 Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld’s big night out proved that they’re not just regular parents, they’re cool parents.

👟 Jennifer Lawrence is already sporting the latest sneaker trend, and it might be inspired by the Adidas World Cup streetwear collection.

🤔 See which millennial-favorite artist has six platinum albums, multiple Grammys, and… a new pro basketball contract in China.

👠 Angel Reese scored in a major trade, then showed up to Victoria’s Secret Fifth Avenue looking like she manifested all of it. Dream week, indeed.

⚽ NWSL star Marta shows us why it’s important to meet your (female) heroes. We can’t tell who was more excited.

💔 Remember the pommel horse Olympian? His girlfriend posted a relationship update — and this dismount sounds messy.

Timeout...

Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.

Why does the PWHL have everyone saying, “puck yeah”?

The Professional Women’s Hockey League set a new attendance record when it sold out Madison Square Garden (MSG) over the weekend. The highlights: A crowd of 18,006 people watched the New York Sirens take on the Seattle Torrent on Saturday. Not bad for a league that barely even existed three years ago. The organization’s growth has only intensified after Team USA won gold at the Milan Olympics. The icon herself, Billie Jean King, not only is on the advisory board but was also at MSG for the puck drop. Just another day for iconic women in sports breaking barriers and setting records.

Featured Expert

Caroline Hendershot

Host of Well Played & Reporter for NY Jets

In Our Rotation

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

Soccer moms (and all moms really) can’t stop buying this jelly tote. It’s easy to clean and fits almost anything — Mary Poppins-style.

Those chic, coveted track pants you can wear out to dinner and drinks? We found them.

Finally, a one-stop shop for all sports gear — official jerseys included. Just select your favorite team.

Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).

No Notes

"Would love to be the taste tester"

— Caitlin Clark after the Chicago Cubs made this call to action. Does she need a teammate?

Tell Us

According to Front Office Sports, how much would it cost if you bought every concession item available at the Masters?

A. $78.75

B. $81.25

C. $93.50

A Jennifer Lawrence and World Cup collab?