Well Played

EDITOR’S NOTE

I was fully prepared to spend this week in a post-World Cup slump, but luckily basketball stepped in to fill the void. Like everyone else (NBA commissioner Adam Silver included), I’m officially on LeBron James watch to see which team he ultimately signs with. It’s giving Bachelor vibes, but one contender may have accidentally dropped a hint. (Pretty sure an intern is getting fired somewhere.) If James’s drawn-out decision — and its potential impact on the upcoming schedule — is my thorn this week, then my rose is definitely the fact that this beloved dynamic duo will return to the WNBA All-Star Weekend. I’ve missed their particular brand of unfiltered commentary. Speaking of main attractions, the hottest ticket to this year’s competition isn’t even the game — another marquee event is drawing big numbers… despite the absence of a few major players. It just shows you how deep the W’s bench really is. Now, let’s get to the rest of the sports headlines…

— Jordan Galloway, Editor, Katonah, NY

Let's Discuss

Lurdes Gloria Manuel of Team Czech Republic

Eyes Up Here

What's going on: Female athletes have spent years competing against more than just their opponents. They've also had to contend with slow-motion replays, camera angles, and social media clips that often focus on their bodies instead of their performances. Now, European Athletics (EA) and several major European broadcasters want to change that. The organizations issued new production guidelines that urge camera crews to avoid unnecessary close-ups of athletes' chests, butts, or crotches before, during, and after competition. (Hard to believe that has to be said, but here we are.) The recommendations come after repeated complaints from athletes that coverage can feel more voyeuristic than sports-focused, especially once broadcast footage is reposted online, where athletes say it often takes on a life of its own. In the 23-page report, British Olympic pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw shared that she’d received social media abuse firsthand “when slow-motion content of us competing is captured.”

Changing the angle: This isn't the first attempt to rethink how women's sports are documented. Ahead of the Paris Olympics, broadcasters were also encouraged to film men and women similarly to avoid sexualizing female athletes. This time, though, EA and the European Broadcasting Union have gone a step further by publishing a formal playbook for the media. The recommendations aren't enforceable, and there's no comparable public standard among major US broadcasters. But they do establish a shared definition of what respectful coverage looks like — something that's been missing to date. It's also backed by years of print media research that finds female athletes are more likely than men to be portrayed in ways that emphasize their appearance over their athletic achievements. It's a pattern researchers say reinforces gender stereotypes and can overshadow their accomplishments. As women's sports enter a new commercial era, if broadcasters want viewers to see them as the elite competitors they are, then the camera should, too.

Related: Why the ESPYs Were a Big Win for Women's Sports (Forbes)

Pick Six

More sports talkers you don't want to miss.

⚾ A month ago, the Red Sox were the league's biggest disappointment, but they've just thrown a major curveball into the standings.

📸 Chloe Kim’s request to fans who ask her for photos is going viral, and all the Olympians in her comments have us cracking up.

💳 Jalen Brunson has one financial habit he hasn't outgrown — even after signing a $156 million deal.

🧾 See why we have some questions about the much-rumored Kendall Jenner-Lewis Hamilton… dating timeline? Yes, you read that right.

💨 We’re happy that Josh Kerr broke the men’s mile world record, but this side effect of pushing his body to its limits sounds terrifying.

📣 Do we have a heated rivalry between professional cheerleading squads on our hands… or is this just some friendly competition?

In Our Rotation

One of our shopping editors recently got these eye-catching sneakers and says they’re perfect for casual walks or dressing up a monochrome look.

Working on your golf game? These tops are super soft, breathable, and a stylish option for that early morning tee time.

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On Our Calendar

Thursday, July 23

🏀 WNBA All-Star Weekend tips off

Our Well Played podcast cohost Blake will be in Chicago talking to players and fans all weekend. Follow along here.

Friday, July 24

🎾 The Dink drops on Apple TV

Nick Miller — er, Jake Johnson — plays an injured former tennis prodigy whose doctor sends him to the pickleball court. There’s a crew of hilarious seniors and plenty of superstar support. (Hey, Ben Stiller.)

Saturday, July 25

🏊 World Drowning Prevention Day

Brush up on your water safety, including the swimsuit colors experts say to avoid.

Sunday, July 26

⚾ National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony

Three of baseball’s best snag their spot in Cooperstown, NY, with player-turned-broadcaster Bill White taking home a lifetime achievement award. Catch it at 1:30 pm ET on the MLB Network.

🚲 Tour de France wraps

It’s been a long three weeks, but someone’s bringing home €500,000 — and this Slovenian cyclist has a big lead (so far).

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

Timeout...

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

Hi, it’s Claire from Texas. I keep seeing the video of Tom Brady slapping Logan Paul, and I just need the TL;DR…

The “beef” between these two is (and isn’t) real. It all started a few months ago, when Tom Brady appeared on Logan Paul’s podcast to discuss the Fanatics Flag Football game they’d both be playing in back in March. Brady called the WWE (in which Paul competes) “cute,” but said that this is “real football” and a “real competition.” It sounds like Paul took those as fighting words. The tension hit a boiling point at Fanatics Fest, where Brady slapped Paul across the face on stage. I think the slap was real — and apparently so does Paul — but the drama is an act. Could this all be a lead-up to a WWE fight between Paul and Brady? Stranger things have happened.

PS: Need to sound off about your favorite athlete? Still don’t understand offsides? Call Well Played with your thoughts, questions, and concerns, at (828) 412-4825, and you might be featured in next week's episode. (Questions are lightly edited and condensed for clarity.)

Featured Expert

Caroline Hendershot

Caroline Hendershot, reporter for the New York Jets and Well Played co-host, tackles listener Qs.

In Our Rotation

Something you didn’t know you needed: a self-cleaning water bottle that’s great for travel.

We found the cutest gym bag that…doesn’t look like a gym bag. It’s filled with pockets and cute enough to wear out at night.

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

Athletic article on women Antarctica race

Tell us

Which women's college basketball program has the most alumni in this weekend's WNBA All-Star Game?

A. UConn

B. Notre Dame

C. South Carolina

A real-life “Bring It On” rivalry?