Well Played

EDITOR’S NOTE

One thing women's sports never seem to run short on: moments. Starting with Paige Bueckers, who delivered an incredible shot, then somehow topped it with what she did immediately after. (The Dallas Wings social team deserves overtime for that caption.) Hers ties Sabrina Ionescu’s iconic bucket for the top reasons we’d never challenge WNBA players to a game of HORSE. But what really got us were the two teen gymnasts who owned the all-around podium at the Pan American Championships, helping Team USA take gold. Finally, just in time for the weekend, the NWSL returns for the Challenge Cup — which means my favorite teams and players are back together and on their socials. The Washington Spirit cooked when it asked players to name foods people only pretend to like. The best part may be Trinity Rodman's answer… her face says it all. Now, let's get to the rest of the headlines…

— Mallory Simon / Writer / New York, New York

Let's Discuss

A Different Goal

What’s going on: Before his team’s debut World Cup match, Belgian player Jérémy Doku knew his first child might arrive during the tournament — and he planned to be there. “No father would want to miss that,” he told the media. Not everyone agreed. During FIFA coverage, a former Belgian player joked Doku would be a “spare wheel” in the delivery room. (How do you say “huge eye roll” in Flemish?) A French TV presenter went further, calling childbirth “a disgusting moment” and saying fathers are “completely useless” during labor. Both she and her network later apologized, but the comments sparked a wider debate about fatherhood, work, and what athletes owe fans vs. family. On Monday, Belgium announced Doku and his partner welcomed a healthy baby boy with a fitting name, and his dad rejoined his team this week.

Our take: It’s not surprising Doku wanted to be in the delivery room — what's bananas to us is that some still see dads as spectators during childbirth and early parenthood. Doku’s choice challenged that view on a global stage, though he's not the first: England's Fabian Delph left the 2018 World Cup for his daughter's birth. Rudy Gobert missed an NBA playoff game to welcome his child. Andy Murray once said he'd leave the Australian Open without hesitation if his wife went into labor. But this latest controversy highlights a divide between sports fans who believe athletes should sacrifice it all for the game and those who don’t believe winning is everything. We know which side we’re on.

Pick Six

More sports talkers you don't want to miss.

👗Taylor wore a printed dress to Travis’s Tight End University party that feels ripe for Easter egg hunting given the lore surrounding her past motifs. Your move, Swifties.

🎬 Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson’s Maui first look with his kids didn’t go as planned… honestly, we’d respond the same way.

🏆 Have a giggle at what this Knicks player told the cops who thought he was a wayward fan during the team’s victory parade.

👀 Would you wear Nike’s most-iconic shoe… if the brand added a square toe? We’re not sure how we feel about this one.

🎂 See why A’ja Wilson’s Pride cake reveal has her teammates ready to dig in. And yes, we have questions about the flavor.

🕷️ Zendaya sported a jersey on her Spider-Man press tour that featured a very specific number. Looks like her days of method dressing are far from over.

In Our Rotation

There’s nothing we love more than a good Walmart sale. This under-$50 collapsible wagon holds up to 330 pounds of beach or sports gear in one go.

Vera Wang for under $50? We’re sold. These flowy, cropped wide-leg pants are comfy, lightweight, and a great replacement for denim this summer.

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On Our Calendar

Wednesday, June 24

⚽️ Score tickets to a history-making match

The Queens Classic at Citi Field on July 15 is on track to break the record for the biggest NYC women’s sporting event, when Gotham FC takes on the Washington Spirit. Today only, Skimm'rs get tickets for under $30. Your sign to go.

Friday, June 26

💪 NWSL Challenge Cup

Gotham FC and the Kansas City Current face off for summer-season hardware — in a new stadium.

Sunday, June 28

🔥 World Cup knockout stage starts

The tournament drops from 48 teams to 32. Here’s who the USMNT could face.

Monday, June 29

🎾 Wimbledon begins

The world’s oldest tennis tournament is back: Serena is playing, Jannik is coming in hot, and you can already snag Naomi’s outfit.

Tuesday, June 30

📚 Big Stick Energy comes out

Sarina Bowen’s New York Legends series continues, with rink drama and at least one person pretending this is just about the sport.

Psst…this is just the preview: Subscribe to theSkimm app and never miss a moment.

Timeout...

Azzi Fudd just signed with Project B. What exactly is it?

Project B, a new basketball league set to launch this winter, is already luring top WNBA talent for the offseason with salaries rumored to reach as high as $2 million. Players for its direct competitor, Unrivaled, averaged six-figure salaries last season, and top recruits, like Paige Bueckers, reportedly took home $350,000. “When they’re offering that type of money, plus the signing bonus, plus having equity in the company, it’s a no-brainer,” Project B commit Sophie Cunningham told Front Office Sports. Whereas Unrivaled features a 3-on-3 setup, the fledgeling circuit sticks to the same 5-on-5 play of the WNBA, with six teams competing in two-week tournaments across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. (So far, Tokyo and Valencia are on the schedule.) Several high-profile players, like Alyssa Thomas, Alanna Smith, Nneka Ogwumike, Jonquel Jones, and Jewell Loyd, have signed with Project B. Azzi Fudd joining is another indication that Unrivaled now has serious competition. For fans, that should mean twice as much great basketball to watch.

In Our Rotation

If you’re over lathering up with sunscreen over and over again, try this quick-drying long-sleeve with UV protection.

It’s hot out. So we rounded up the most helpful products that’ll keep you cool, organized, and sweat-free all summer long.

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

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