Well Played

EDITOR’S NOTE

You don’t have to look too hard to see that women’s college volleyball is having a moment. I know it. Basketball legend Candace Parker knows it. And no team embodies the sport’s potential quite like No. 1, Nebraska, which swept archrival Texas at last weekend’s Players Era Volleyball Showcase in Las Vegas, avenging its loss to the Longhorns in the 2023 national championship. Tom Brady was there, much to several Huskers’ delight. Meanwhile, associate head coach Jaylen Reyes hearing out star Harper Murray was a lesson in active listening for us all. Like head coach Dani Busboom Kelly (winner of the most-bedazzled game-day kit contest), we’re curious what the two talked about. Missed it? Nebraska’s Big Red Road Show rolls into Wrigley Field this Sunday to face Missouri as part of the iconic ballpark’s first-ever volleyball matches. Consider this your sign to tune in. Now let’s get to the rest of the sports headlines…

— Jordan Galloway / Editor / Katonah, NY

Let's Discuss

Highs, Lows, and Honey Deuces

Apparently, the US Open isn’t trying to pace itself. In just the first round, we found a new favorite player, watched an all-time great look shockingly mortal, and witnessed the latest start time in tournament history. There’s plenty of tennis left, but the Open has already served up a little bit of everything.

The highs: Alex Eala’s bandwagon is at capacity. The 21-year-old Filipina has become one of the tournament’s hottest tickets, with scores of fans at her practices — one even brought a giant baby photo of her. So far, Eala’s lived up to the hype. She routed her first-round opponent, American qualifier Mary Stoiana 6-1, 6-2. She’ll try to keep the run alive Thursday in a must-watch match against Oleksandra Oliynykova, who beat her earlier this year. Off the court, the action has delivered, too. In news that’ll surprise no one, Naomi Osaka made the biggest fashion statement with her tribute to NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson (down to his signature cornrows and headband). Doubles partners Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz also got the basketball memo, with coordinating purple-and-black fits. Game recognizes game.

The lows: Tennis can be brutal — just ask Novak Djokovic. His almost-80-match streak of first-round Grand Slam wins came to a grueling end amid a health issue that he says has plagued him for several years. French player Térence Atmane had his own rough night. Cramps became so severe that he resorted to forehand serves and asked officials for medical help. They denied further treatment because tennis rules classify cramps differently from an injury. Ouch. Venus Williams, meanwhile, faced a different opponent: the clock. Her opening match against Sofia Kenin didn’t begin until 12:13 am, the latest in US Open history. “I just don’t know any other sport where you have to start that late,” Williams told reporters after the match. Hard to argue with that call.

Related: After Early US Open Exits, Two Legends Face the Same Question (Front Office Sports)

Pick Six

More sports talkers you don't want to miss.

🦋 Tennessee football will keep Dolly Parton close with a butterfly helmet sticker to honor her at every game this season. Please spiral-pass the tissues.

👏 Yankee Stadium now has an official period product, courtesy of MLB’s first tampon partnership. Put that in the win column.

🤔 A bronze bust of Olympic gymnast Suni Lee went missing from a Minnesota park last summer. Police just found it tucked away near a closet. Someone has some explaining to do.

🗽These photos from the NY Liberty’s recent “knit night” are so wholesome they make us want to pick up a new hobby. The fan who made the Ellie doll deserves an MVP award.

🏀 We didn’t have “Jordan Chiles announcing her Olympic intentions” on our bingo card this week, but here we are. Michael Jordan’s assist is chef's kiss.

⚾ The Chicago Cubs’ social team will hard launch its new TikTok rom-com Friday, a 17-part series about finding love in the stands. Fair or foul?

In Our Rotation

Big news: Supergoop!’s Friends & Family sale is officially on. Get 20% off sitewide from now until September 8.

Show your love of the game in the chicest way possible, with this basketball charm from Catbird’s WNBA collab.

Keep scrolling... more recs below

On Our Calendar

Thursday, September 3

🛍️ American Eagle x Lamine Yamal collection launches

The 25-piece collab with the World Cup superstar includes jeans, rugby shirts, and sweaters in men’s and unisex styles. Looks like a win to us.

Friday, September 4

🏀 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup begins

The 16-team tournament tips off in Berlin. Caitlin Clark, Breanna Stewart, Angel Reese, and the rest of Team USA take on China at 8:15 am ET — without these two standouts. Catch it on TNT and HBO Max.

Saturday, September 5

😋 National Tailgating Day

Football may not officially kick off until next week, but we’ll take any excuse to eat a game-day dish. Especially if it's number three.

Sunday, September 6

🏎️ F1 Italian Grand Prix

The 53-lap race begins in Monza at 9 am ET. Ferrari's drivers — including the one all over Kim Kardashian’s IG — will wear special uniforms in honor of this racing legend.

Tuesday, September 8

🎾 US Open Quarterfinals start

We don’t know who’s playing yet, but we do know they’ll take home $780K. Use this bracket to track every match.

Psst… this is just the preview: Subscribe to theSkimm app and never miss a moment.

TOGETHER WITH VISA

Beyond the Pitch

The minimum salary in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)? $50,500. Which means an additional $15k in compensation for each player isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a game changer. That’s why Visa invests in a first-of-its-kind program in the league that helps nearly all Bay FC players earn that additional $$$ every year.

It doesn't stop there. From charter flights to career development workshops, Visa’s partnership investment is building a support system that grows with players, both on and off the pitch. Because world-class athletes deserve world-class support.

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Timeout...

The Rams just signed a 35-year-old out of retirement. Why is the NFL sweating?

Imagine being the Super Bowl favorite and then one of the best players in NFL history returns to your roster. That’s where the Rams find themselves after Aaron Donald came out of retirement to sign a one-year, $20 million deal, with another $10 million possible in incentives. The defensive tackle (aka the guy whose job is to bulldoze his way to the quarterback), spent his entire 10-year career in LA, helped the Rams win a Super Bowl, and was still one of the league’s best when he retired in 2024. So why come back now? Donald has said Myles Garrett factored into his decision. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year broke the NFL’s single-season sack record, and now opposing offenses could have two generational defensive players to worry about at once. The big question is whether Donald can still dominate. If he’s anywhere close to his old self, Yahoo Sports says the pair could be “the greatest defensive line combination in league history.” Oh, and this year’s Super Bowl is in LA. Talk about home-field advantage.

Related: Is 35 the New 30 for NFL Linemen? (The Associated Press)

In Our Rotation

Traveling for LDW? Bring this blow-dryer brush with you — we promise it’s better than the hotel hair dryer.

Back-to-school shopping isn’t just for students. Check out the cute label-maker circulating in our office chat.

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

Tell us

Lionel Messi retired from Argentina’s national team this week after 21 years. How many goals did he score for his country?

Together with

Let's Discuss

Highs, Lows, and Honey Deuces

Pick Six

In Our Rotation

On Our Calendar

Thursday, September 3

🛍️ American Eagle x Lamine Yamal collection launches

Friday, September 4

🏀 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup begins

Saturday, September 5

😋 National Tailgating Day

Sunday, September 6

🏎️ F1 Italian Grand Prix

Tuesday, September 8

🎾 US Open Quarterfinals start

TOGETHER WITH VISA

Beyond the Pitch

Timeout...

The Rams just signed a 35-year-old out of retirement. Why is the NFL sweating?

In Our Rotation

No Notes

Tell us

Lionel Messi retired from Argentina’s national team this week after 21 years. How many goals did he score for his country?

A Jordan-Jordan assist