Well Played

EDITOR’S NOTE

Typically I’m more team JOMO than FOMO. But when I saw that Tyrese Haliburton and Donovan Mitchell both hosted wedding celebrations this past Saturday, a part of me wished I was back in the Midwest. Had I been home, I could have celebrated with my fellow Cavs and Pacers fans… a group that apparently includes one hype man who can be found in the club — and the reception. Rumor has it, he was there to help Haliburton troll his New York rivals. But based on the now-viral video from Mitchell’s nuptials, it feels like it’d take a lot more than a sing-along to bring down Jalen Brunson’s “Knicks in five” high. May we all find someone who looks at us the way he looks at Jaylen Brown across a dance floor. The memes write themselves. Now, let’s get to the rest of the sports headlines…

— Jordan Galloway, Editor, Katonah, NY

Let's Discuss

An Old Debate Enters New Territory

What's going on: For years, few issues have sparked as much debate as whether or not transgender athletes should be able to participate in women’s sports. In many places, that question already has an answer. Almost 30 states now restrict transgender girls from girls' school sports, President Trump has ordered federal agencies to interpret Title IX similarly, and this summer, the Supreme Court let the state bans stand. But those decisions raise a new question: If governments and governing bodies determine trans women can't compete, how do they verify who can?

The next chapter: Last month, the Women’s Tennis Association told players they must pass a one-time genetic sex screening before competing. World Athletics introduced a similar measure last summer. This week, The Cut spotlighted a Washington state ballot initiative that critics say could require girls who play school sports to verify their sex through medical documentation. Proponents argue that's the logical next step if women's sports are going to be fair. Critics counter that policies aimed at a small number of transgender athletes (which available data suggests are a tiny fraction of competitors) could expand medical scrutiny to every girl who wants to participate, that includes athletes with naturally occurring genetic or hormonal differences. As more leagues and lawmakers redraw the rules, the next issue may not be who belongs in women's sports, but how much female athletes will be asked to prove before they can play.

Pick Six

More sports talkers you don't want to miss.

💦 After injuring her knee at Wimbledon, Serena Williams says these two workouts have her “feeling solid” in the run-up to the US Open. One requires a very ’80s piece of exercise equipment.

🔥 Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams being papped in Toronto twinning in muscle tees isn’t gonna help fans heed this warning from Heated Rivalry’s creator.

💸 LA28 is already expected to be a hot ticket, but these early price breakdowns boggle the mind.

🗽 Here’s everything we know about the breakup of this Brooklyn-basketball power couple and what it could mean for Liberty and Nets fans moving forward.

👀 See why we think Bradley Cooper is going to great lengths to recruit Eagles fans. Up first, his…fiancé?

⚽ Another day, another FIFA fallout. How much do US host cities say the soccer-governing body still owes them?

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Our favorite alternative to denim shorts? This standout hiking skort.

If you’re looking for breezy styles that are top-heavy friendly, here are 15 of our best recs.

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In Her Court

“I still had that instinct every time money came in.” — Jordan Chiles shares the financial lesson she learned the hard way.

On Our Calendar

Wednesday, August 5

⚽ Ted Lasso S4 drops on Apple TV

Fresh off his World Cup cameo, Ted Lasso returns to his old stomping grounds, where he’s set to take the helm of AFC Richmond’s new women’s soccer team. Here’s a look at who will – and who won’t — be back this season.

Thursday, August 6

🤸 US Gymnastics Championships start

The road to the next Olympics begins here. Watch some of the country's most elite women’s and men's gymnasts (including these famous Paris Olympians) compete in Phoenix through Sunday. 10/10.

Friday, August 7

⚽ NWSL: Gotham FC vs. San Diego Wave

First-place Gotham takes on the fourth-place Wave at home at 8 pm ET. Watch it live on Prime Video. Before the game, check out what happened the previous time they met. That last goal, though.

Saturday, August 8

🏈 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony

The Hall of Fame welcomes five new members, including New Orleans Saints Super Bowl-winning QB Drew Brees. Surprisingly, this famous coach didn’t make the cut.

⚽ NWSL: Washington Spirit vs. North Carolina Courage

Trinity Rodman and the Spirit take on Ashley Sanchez and the Courage at home. The match kicks off at 6:30 pm ET on Ion.

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.

Ted Lasso comes back this week, and it’s focusing on a women’s team. Are you excited about this new season?

I’m very excited about the new Ted Lasso. Last time we saw him, Ted had wrapped up his coaching job with AFC Richmond and moved back to Kansas to be closer to his son. This season opens with him working as a grocery store’s assistant manager — that is, until Keeley, Leslie, and Rebecca appear like friends trying to get you out on a school night, and beg him to come coach AFC Richmond’s just established women’s team. Expect to encounter a fresh squad of women footballers, many of whom I met at last night’s NYC premiere. My only worry is that the show pulls an Ocean’s 8 and treats the women’s team like a spin-off afterthought. But knowing Jason Sudeikis is an IRL women’s sports fan — who regularly cheers for the New York Liberty and KC Current — I trust this season will hit like the original Ted Lasso magic, and deliver pure joy and optimism.

PS: Need to sound off about your favorite athlete? Still don’t understand what being offside means? Call Well Played with your thoughts, questions, and concerns, at (828) 412-4825, and you might be featured in next week's episode.

Featured Expert

Blake Morgan

Well Played Co-Host

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It’s still hot out there. Go ahead and stock up on these cooling mineral-sunscreen sticks.

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

Before the Sirens, what was the name of Cleveland's first WNBA team?

A. The Rockers

B. The Steamers

C. The Waves

We Needed This

The “Heated Rivalry” boys are back