Well Played

EDITOR’S NOTE

It’s time for the Final Four. For me, that takes on double meaning — not only is it the next phase of the NCAA women’s and men’s basketball tournaments, it’s also the final four weeks of my pregnancy (unless, you know, there’s an early or late arrival). On the women’s side, this year’s matchups — all No. 1 seeds — are expected to be thrilling. Here’s hoping they deliver another hilarious TikTok trophy moment. On the men’s side, I’m not sure that anyone’s recovered from UConn’s game-winning shot — including this baby, who’s probably still hearing their dad’s disbelief in their dreams. Note to self: Keep child away from husband during next year’s March Madness. I’m sure that whatever happens, there will be another moment that leaves announcers almost too stunned to speak — and prompts another NSFW reaction from a coach’s mom. Now, here’s what else is making sports headlines…

— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI

Let's Discuss

What to look out for in our latest episode.

Did Pregnancy Cost This Runner a Sponsorship Deal?

What’s going on: Emma Bates is no casual runner. A US marathon champion, Bates placed second at Chicago in 2021 and fifth at Boston in 2023. In December, she finished another 26.2 miles in Valencia, clocking 2:25:51 — while pregnant. That remarkable feat may now be the least talked about part of her story. Last month, Bates publicly shared her pregnancy and alleged she lost an endorsement deal with energy product company UCan as a result. The company disputes that, saying the partnership ended before it knew that she’s expecting. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Unlike some professional athletes, runners often rely on their sponsorships to make a living — there's no guaranteed salary and no real union safety net.

Tell me more: This isn’t the first dispute of its kind — but it puts the so-called “pregnancy penalty” back in the spotlight. In 2019, Nike announced maternity protections after an elite group of track stars, including seven-time Olympic champion Allyson Felix, told The New York Times that the company tried to cut their pay during or after pregnancy. Athletes across other sports have faced similar challenges and pushed for change. The WNBA just added protections for expecting players in trade situations. In cycling, the Life Time Grand Prix now guarantees athletes reentry after they give birth. As more and more competitors show they don’t have to choose between being a mom and their sport (hi, Sophia Wilson), it’s time for leagues and brands to rewrite their playbooks, too.

Pick Six

More sports talkers you don't want to miss.

✨ And the Grand Prix trophy goes to Anya Taylor-Joy’s head-to-toe leather look. No notes on the vintage corset.

😬 NBC apologized after making a major mistake when it reported Tiger Woods’s rollover crash.

🥇 Simone Biles stuck the landing on her latest business venture. Yes, chef.

🚨 See why Martha Stewart won't make this courtside fashion mistake ever again. Ouch.

⚾ Is this $69 Shohei Ohtani cup the new Stanley? Spectacular, we’ll take 14 of them right now.

👀 The “most stupid and dangerous sport ever” has arrived, according to the internet. So there is a bar?

Timeout...

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

Are robots calling the MLB shots?

Sort of. The Automatic Ball-Strike system (ABS) — or “robot umpires,” as the kids call it — made its debut last month. The results speak for themselves: As of Tuesday night, 54% of the 286 calls were overturned, per The Athletic. One ump had this many in a single game. While most fans view ABS as a positive addition, many players and coaches don’t like the disruption it causes to the game’s flow (especially when those calls reverse inning-ending pitches). If you’re not a fan of ABS, don’t worry. The MLB still has a human umpire behind home plate at every game (even if they get caught with embarrassing hot mic moments).

Related: MLB's New System Casually Exposed Players Who Lied About Their Height (The Athletic Gift Link)

Featured Expert

Caroline Hendershot

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

The Press Box

Laila Edwards really is that girl. She went from winning Olympic gold with Team USA women’s hockey to clinching a national championship with the University of Wisconsin — roughly a month apart. And she’s made some famous friends along the way (hi, Megan Thee Stallion and the Kelce brothers). Edwards joined Well Played to talk about her standout year, her dream celeb intro, and what’s next for the college senior. Watch the full interview here.

In Our Rotation

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

Yankees fans are feeling extra cozy this MLB season, and honestly, we can’t blame them.

Our new hyperfixation running shoe just entered the chat. It’s cushioned to perfection and cute enough for errands.

Who said stadium-approved bags can’t be chic?

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

Tell Us

Move over, Patrick Mahomes. Brittany was inducted into her college's hall of fame for her accomplishments in this sport…

A. Tennis

B. Basketball

C. Soccer

Martha Stewart will never do that again