Well Played

EDITOR’S NOTE

Women’s college basketball returned Sunday, and it’s already given us plenty to talk about. Notre Dame and Villanova tipped off in Rome (yes, as in Italy), where Hannah Hidalgo scored 32 points and delivered a defensive play straight out of the NFL. Even the pope got in on the action when the Wildcats, his alma mater, presented him with a golden basketball. His Holiness showed off a little handle — days before he graced the cover of Sports Illustrated. Stateside, Tennessee took the idea of a fresh start to a whole new level, with not a single returning player from last season's roster. And UConn will barely get a chance to settle in before a pair of serious tests. The Huskies face Michigan on Thursday and Iowa on Sunday, two of the week's most anticipated matchups. If this is where we’re at in early November, I can only imagine what’s in store come March. Now, let's get to the rest of the sports news.

— Jordan Galloway / Editor / Katonah, NY

Let's Discuss

A League of Unfinished Business

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) playoffs kick off on Friday, and there's more than a trophy at stake. From old friends turned rivals to a Hollywood-worthy comeback, here are three storylines to keep your eye on.

The team with something to prove: Gotham FC knows how to crash a playoff party. The two-time champs won both titles as the lowest seeds in the mix. But this year, the Bats claimed their first-ever NWSL Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record. Now comes the real test. Only two clubs have won that trophy and the championship in the same season. As Midge Purce put it, “I mean, I like the Shield. I'm American though. I want the championship.”

A friendly faceoff: Olympic gold medalists and Triple Espresso stars Trinity Rodman and Sophia Wilson conquered the world together. The pair are so close that earlier this year, Sophia brought her daughter Gigi to cheer on Rodman, who once joked about becoming Wilson’s baby. Now they're on opposite sides as Rodman's Washington Spirit (whose fans have taken their devotion to adorable new heights) face Wilson's Portland Thorns. Rodman wants redemption after Washington lost two straight championship games, while Wilson returned from maternity leave to score a career-high 15 goals. Only one can advance. At least give us a joint TikTok afterward?

The Hollywood comeback you couldn't script: Angel City FC's star-studded season nearly became a box-office flop. After one win in eight games and a slide to 12th place, the club fired its coach. His replacement, a licensed psychologist, emphasized a team-first mentality and defense. The result? A 10-match unbeaten streak and Angel City's first playoff berth since 2023. But the next obstacle is formidable. Kansas City Current hasn’t lost at home in an NWSL-record 32 matches. Two impressive streaks, one semifinal spot. Can Angel City pull off another plot twist?

Related: Jess Fishlock Helped Build the NWSL. Can She Finally Win Its Biggest Prize? (The New York Times gift link)

Pick Six

⛸️ Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu will get her own Bratz doll, complete with her signature halo hair, gold-medal outfit, and tiny ice skates. Lace up, Barbie, you’ve got competition.

🏈 Kylie Kelce's Eagles loyalty knows no bounds. Travis Kelce says his sister-in-law would tell him exactly where to go if the Birds faced his Chiefs. Family first? Not on game day.

⚽ Prince William took Prince George to Barcelona to cheer on Aston Villa, only to watch a 3-0 Champions League loss in the pouring rain. Nothing like father-son bonding over sports trauma.

🍿 Anaheim unveiled new jerseys straight out of The Mighty Ducks, complete with the green, purple, and gold from the ’90s movie. Time to break out the Flying V.

🗽 The New York Liberty is on the hunt for its third coach in three and a half years. Job requirements? Win championships, keep Stewie happy, and get along with Ellie.

🤳 Everyone wants to make Instagram casual again, including athletes. See how Angel Reese and Coco Gauff actually make it happen.

In Our Rotation

It’s time to replenish your workout wardrobe, starting with these flattering high-waisted leggings.

Don’t forget to pack this strengthening leave-in conditioner the next time you’re showering at the gym. Trust us.

Keep scrolling...more recs below

On Our Calendar

Thursday, November 5

🏈 American Football Day

A day to celebrate the sport. Our contribution: highlighting the NFL’s sexy game of the week.

🎁 Second Chance Holiday debuts

It’s Holiday Movie Season™ and Ayesha Curry stars in this Roku Channel original. She plays a dating expert whose high school sweetheart suddenly pops back up. Cue the awkward run-ins.

Friday, November 6

⚽ NWSL playoffs begin

The quarterfinal round kicks off today, with eight teams battling for four semifinal spots. First up: Trinity Byars and the San Diego Wave — no. 2 in the league — take on Cloé Lacasse and the Utah Royals at home. Catch it on Prime Video at 10 pm ET.

🏒 Heated Rivalry in theaters

No it’s not a movie (yet), but our fave steamy hockey series is screening in two-episode pairs at Regal Cinemas through Nov 30. Score.

Saturday, November 7

🏀 NBA’s Mexico City Game

The league heads south for its annual game in Mexico, with the Denver Nuggets facing off against the Indiana Pacers at 5 pm ET on NBA TV. Next stop: expansion team?

Sunday, November 8

🎾 WTA Finals start

The best women in tennis take the court in Indian Wells, CA, for the last tournament of the 2026 season. On the roster: Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, and Jessica Pegula, who may keep using this strategy to stay calm. Watch on the Tennis Channel.

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

Timeout...

College football feels more unpredictable than ever this year. Have NIL and the transfer portal actually leveled the playing field, or is this season just a fluke?

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

With the first College Football Playoff rankings out this week, the sport's shifting power dynamics are on full display. Name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal haven't necessarily eliminated superteams. But they've made it harder for traditional powerhouses to stay on top. Talent is no longer concentrated at a handful of schools, like Alabama and Ohio State. The portal gives players more freedom to switch programs and teams a chance to fill roster gaps. The catch? It's also harder to keep stars who don't get the playing time or opportunities they want. Look at UCLA. First-year coach Bob Chesney brought in 42 transfers, which helped the Bruins crack the AP top five for the first time since 2001. That's how quickly a roster can change. Of course, money still talks. Wealthier schools have an edge when it comes to recruiting elite talent. But prestige and tradition alone? Those aren't enough anymore.

Featured Expert

Caroline Hendershot

Co-host of Well Played and reporter for the New York Jets

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

Happy vest season to all who celebrate. We’re currently cozying up in this one on long walks and errands.

A spacious gym bag with tons of pockets for under $50? Yeah, we’ll take one.

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

The last five WNBA championship teams all have one thing in common. What is it?

A. They won at least 30 regular-season games

B. Their head coach was a woman

C. The league's MVP was on their roster

Prince William's father-son outing went south