Well Played

EDITOR’S NOTE

We finally got that warm sunshine in New York — the kind that makes for a perfect trip to Yankee Stadium. But the Los Angeles Dodgers seem to be on a personal crusade to convert me, one themed souvenir night at a time. My loyalty (and Kuromi-loving heart) feels fragile. Don’t even get me started on the hoodie people lined up for before the game. Which is absolutely insane… and I need it. If we’re giving flowers this week — even to men — I have to nominate this sports dad who cooked up the most genius and lazy way to “coach” his son. But the biggest bouquet goes to the mom of this MLB player, who asked her on live TV to stop doing this one thing at his games. Her response? Genius. Now, onto the rest of the sports stories that got us talking this week.

— Mallory Simon / Writer / New York, New York

Let's Discuss

The Price Isn't Right

What’s going on: Less than 60 days from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and fans are giving out more red cards than a referee who skipped breakfast. One stadium renovation still isn’t finished, leaving the opening match in limbo — sound familiar? Then there’s the ticket mess that triggers full-on Ticketmaster trauma. Fans who paid up to thousands of dollars for prime seats say they ended up in corners, behind goals, or farther from the action than promised. FIFA added insult to injury after it unveiled a brand-new ticket category, with seats in the first few rows of lower-level sections. The price? Raised to nearly 50% of the original cost in some cases. Not exactly golden behavior. As one fan told The Athletic, many feel misled, confused, or just scammed. FIFA pushed back, citing strong demand and pointing the finger at host nations for distribution issues. Talk about a punt.

Our take: It’s been a minute since the US last hosted the World Cup in 1994 — when tickets ran $25 to $475. Even the Brazil vs. Italy final topped out around $1,500 (about $3,300 today). And it’s not just soccer. The Athletic reports that the average cost to attend an NFL or MLB game has jumped more than 300% since the early ‘90s — FIFA just took that trend and cranked it to 11. We love when global soccer gets its moment in the US spotlight — even if we’re really counting down to the women’s tournament. But no one asked FIFA to make it this inaccessible. The upside? Host cities will have watch parties and free events throughout — arguably just as fun to root against your enemies or for your adopted team. And if you really need to scratch the pitch itch? Tickets for the first-place San Diego Wave (and plenty of other NWSL teams) are still under $75. Just sayin.

Related: The US Soccer Federation Really Didn’t Need This Shakeup (USA Today)

Pick Six

More sports talkers you don't want to miss.

👀 Tom Brady just made Ryan Reynolds’ week a whole lot worse. The receipts are on Instagram.

🫶 Sabrina Carpenter has a new sports muse — and now we want to order an iced-triple-axel espresso. Call it our pick for the drink of summer ‘26.

👏 Watch how Coco Gauff served a very public clapback to critics of her high-fashion photoshoot. We can’t believe it needed to be said.

🏀 NBA star Tyrese Haliburton is getting honest about his shingles — and how Botox is helping to get it under control.

🥴 Gayle King may have thrown the absolute worst first pitch we’ve ever seen. Oprah, get your bestie practice time.

👕 Zendaya’s new sportswear collab makes a compelling case for the wrong shoe theory. They’re so ugly, they’re somehow cute.

Timeout...

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

Give me the highlights from the WNBA Draft…

UConn’s Azzi Fudd went number one to the Dallas Wings to reunite with her former teammate (and girlfriend?) Paige Bueckers. With back-to-back seasons of No. 1 draft picks plus strong free agency moves, the Wings might be the team to watch this year. The biggest head-scratcher came when the Golden State Valkyries selected Flau’jae Johnson, only to trade her rights for Marta Suárez. It was a bold move that raised questions about what the team’s long-term strategy is. But the real highlight? The looks. Every draftee showed up and showed out on the orange carpet, with some players sporting more than one look that night (this player’s nail tech deserves a raise).

PS: Check out our orange carpet coverage here.

Featured Expert

Blake Morgan

Well Played Co-Host

In Our Rotation

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

Finally, adhesive-free covers that are designed to last through a wedding, a workout, or just a really, really, hot day.

Big news: Nike’s MLB City Connect jerseys dropped for this year’s MLB season, and they’re just too good.

The best sunscreen for spending all day outdoors? So glad you asked. This editor fave is lightweight, won’t leave a white cast, and rings up at under $20.

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