Well Played

EDITOR’S NOTE

I don’t know if it’s the change of seasons, but it feels like a new chapter in sports is upon us. The US men’s national soccer team might have something cooking, thanks to a few fresh faces who seem genuinely excited to be there. (I’m still scarred from the World Cup.) LeBron James unveiled his new jersey in Philadelphia, then admitted he’d actually pictured his final NBA season with the Knicks. Maybe don’t tell your new team about the one that got away? In the MLB, one new beginning should have come with a box of tissues. Detroit Tigers pitcher and likely future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander closed out his 21-year career with a little help from his 7-year-old daughter. It was the perfect bookend to this viral dugout clip from his early days with now-wife Kate Upton. And no sports story is complete without a plot twist: The eighth-seeded Liberty swept the No. 1 Lynx to pull off a WNBA first, while Caitlin Clark’s record-setting double-double helped the Fever beat the Aces and stave off elimination. The semifinals start this weekend, so brush up with our WNBA playoffs guide. Now let’s get to the rest of the sports news…

— Mallory Simon / Writer / New York, NY

Let's Discuss

Go Big or Go Own

What’s going on: Never underestimate a sports mom who sees room for improvement. Savannah James invested in a new Los Angeles volleyball team after her 11-year-old daughter, Zhuri, fell in love with the game. She joins Issa Rae and Alexis Ohanian as financial backers of the franchise, which will debut next year at the LA Clippers’ Intuit Dome. It’s one of the latest additions to League One Volleyball (LOVB), the US women’s pro organization that was founded in 2025 and will expand to 10 teams when its third season begins Dec. 16. LOVB started at the youth level, and now has 98 clubs and more than 27,500 players across its network. That gives it a pipeline from juniors to the pros, plus a built-in community around the sport. Savannah, who played high school softball, says she wants to help build something “girls like Zhuri can aspire to be part of one day.”

An ace move: LA isn’t the only LOVB team with famous names behind it. The league has raised more than $160 million from backers that include Candace Parker, Kevin Durant, Lindsey Vonn, and Chelsea Handler. There’s a precedent for that. In the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Angel City FC launched with high-profile backers that included Billie Jean King, Natalie Portman, and Ohanian. The club was valued at $250 million when Bob Iger and Willow Bay acquired a controlling stake in 2024. NWSL expansion fees have since climbed as high as $205 million. LOVB took notes — and hired the investment bank that advised the NWSL to help guide its own growth. Plus, there’s an audience to build on: LOVB estimates 46 million volleyball fans in the US. Parker has already made her prediction that “volleyball is next.”

In Her Court

Simone Biles’s spending rule is simple: “If you can't buy it two or three times, probably don't purchase it.” Even though she still consults her parents about big purchases, there was one she recently tried to sneak past her dad. Let’s just say it didn’t stay secret for long.

Pick Six

More sports talkers you don't want to miss.

🎮 A glitch in EA Sports FC 27 left some women players in their underwear. Apparently, a fix is on the way, but our question is: Why did this happen in the first place?

⛳ Long before Hollywood, Sharon Stone claims she threatened to sue her high school for the right to try out for the boys’ golf team, then made it. Always been fore the girls.

⚽ England soccer captain Harry Kane’s personal chef revealed bone-broth lasagna is one of the star striker’s favorite recovery meals. He even requested it for Christmas dinner.

🎾 Naomi Osaka’s latest opponent? Milan Fashion Week, where she swapped her tennis fits for head-to-toe Ferragamo and a front-row seat. No offseason for serving.

🏛️ This week, the Senate passed a bipartisan bill that could reshape how college athletes get paid and transfer schools. Next stop: the House.

🏟️ Move over, tallboy. The Tall Girl has arrived. See why we want this upgraded stadium drink on every menu.

In Our Rotation

Behind every great team is a great support system. Here’s how one partnership is rewriting what that actually means for female athletes.*

Now’s a great time to stock up on wallet-friendly athleisure, courtesy of Old Navy. You can get up to 50% off some of our fall favorites, including these breezy joggers. PS: Use code EXTRA for an extra 30% off.

Keep scrolling...more recs below

On Our Calendar

Wednesday, September 30

💪 National Women’s Health and Fitness Day

One routine to steal: Mariska Hargitay’s self-care practice.

🎤 New episode of Well Played out

Cohosts Blake and Caroline review Jalen Brunson’s SNL debut, break down the WNBA playoffs, and give a shout-out to the woman who makes beer-carrying look like a professional sport. Catch it on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Saturday, October 3

🏀 NBA preseason starts

Consider this the warm-up. The Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat tip off in Quebec City at 7 pm ET. Catch it on NBA TV, then get up to speed on the biggest offseason shake-ups — including LeBron in Philly and Giannis in Miami.

⚾ MLB Division Series starts

Batter up — it’s time for the next round of playoffs, with the best-of-five American League and National League Division Series. The brackets aren’t set yet, but experts say this team could take it all the way to the championship.

Sunday, October 4

🚶‍♀️World Walking Day

The goal: Get people across 100 countries moving. Track your steps here — weighted vest optional.

Tuesday, October 6

⚽ Lionel Messi’s last match with Argentina

Messi says farewell to Argentina’s national team in Buenos Aires with one last game, but you can still catch him on the pitch in Miami through 2028 — or maybe longer.

Psst... See what else is happening this week so you never miss a moment.

Timeout...

Can the Giants’ new QB save their season?

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

With 14 games left in the season, the Giants aren’t ready to throw in the towel. But with starting QB Jaxson Dart likely out for the year and backup Jameis Winston yet to fully prove himself, they need another option. That’s why a trade for Vikings QB JJ McCarthy is one of the best moves they could make right now. Among the available quarterbacks, the former No. 10 overall pick makes sense, especially given his connection to Giants head coach John Harbaugh. McCarthy played at Michigan for Harbaugh’s brother, Jim, and the pair won the 2023 national championship. A fresh start could also help after more than two injury-riddled, rocky years in Minnesota dropped him to third string. Similar things happened when former Vikings QBs Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones both found success with new teams. Now the Giants hope McCarthy can do the same.

Featured Expert

Caroline Hendershot

Reporter for the New York Jets and Well Played co-host.

PS: Sound off on the sports stories keeping you up at night. Call Well Played at (828) 412-4825 to leave your questions, rants, or rule checks. You could end up on next week's show — and we'd love to hear from you.

In Our Rotation

We didn’t think comfortable sports bras existed — until we found this under-$20 one.

Happy vest season to all who celebrate. Today’s star? This plush, double-sided sherpa fleece option from Quince.

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

Sisters Alyssa and Gisele Thompson both made the USWNT’s new October roster. How many sets of sisters have represented the national team to date?

Naomi Osaka serves at Fashion Week