Well Played

EDITOR’S NOTE

The heat in NYC broke long enough to finally enjoy a perfect summer day at the ballpark, so my friends and I celebrated with a Mets game. This delightful (and embarrassing) promotion sealed the deal, because we certainly weren't there for the on-field product. Plus, I got this ridiculously refreshing concession, which I demand every stadium stock up on immediately. But the real unexpected win this week? Erling Haaland's meme-worthy reactions getting the internet treatment they deserve. (Honestly, if they somehow get men to understand anything about women’s bodies, we'll take it.) Enough about the men. My countdown to the 2027 Women's World Cup is officially underway...and already stressful. Yesterday, Gotham FC announced Emily Sonnett underwent surgery, with approximately zero other details. Will she be healed by next year to take the pitch for the US? Call me Kristie Mewis, because I am not having an OK time with this news at all. Until we get more, I'll be self-soothing with the team at the center of the new Ted Lasso trailer — and applauding the extra step they took to ensure the show felt authentic. Talk about nailing the final touch.

— Mallory Simon / Writer / New York, NY

Let's Discuss

Instant Lore

We've seen enough: WNBA All-Star Weekend is officially the best weekend on the sports calendar. All-Star games are never expected to be grueling, but the W's version has always been unabashedly about the vibes and side quests. Like 2025, this year's event generated enough new inside jokes and gloriously messy moments to hold us over until next year. In case you missed the antics, and because All-Star weekends are not created equal, here's our extremely serious ranking of the best moments from what one fan called a "big *ss girls weekend that we get to tune into.”

Honorable mention: The Aces coach who earned most valuable assist — all in the name of making sure her team looked perfect. A leadership clinic.

10. Dominique Malonga became the youngest player ever to dunk in a WNBA All-Star Game. Angel Reese set it up and had the best reaction.

9. Paige Bueckers deep in her feels during the postgame celebration. Not to be outdone by superreporter Holly Rowe's highlight-reel moves.

8. How Flau'jae Johnson's little brother, Aydin, showed off his “drippy” fit. Every league needs a fave little man, and he might be the Keyne of the W.

7. The way Kiki Iriafen introduced herself to former President Barack Obama when he stopped by All-Star practice should be studied. And, of course, he couldn't resist a few battles on the hardcourt himself.

6. When Gabby Williams called Marine Johannès her All-Star … and then hit her partner’s signature one-legged 3. That's how you say "je t'aime" in basketball.

5. The ways Azzi Fudd made 23 look deeply unfair. She stayed on the StudBudz stream until 3 am, showed up the next day looking flawless, and, oh yeah, won the 3-point contest.

4. How Bueckers solved the pay gap with girl math. Her explanation is all vibes, no economics. Yet we detect zero lies.

3. The late-breaking, alleged infidelity bombshell. One player's Threads post early Sunday morning accused her ex — also a WNBA player — of cheating with multiple other athletes around the league had the internet getting out its whiteboard.

2. A'ja Wilson’s reaction when she learned her Gen Z All-Star teammate’s birth year deserves a permanent spot as a text-GIF response.

1. The StudBudz again turned their livestream into the show of the weekend. Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman (aka Stud 1 and Stud 2) gave us surprise celeb drop-ins, late-night chaos, and the inevitable (and hilarious) IV drip cameos. Special flowers (literally) to Natisha for buying all the bouquets from this little boy.

Pick Six

More sports talkers you don't want to miss.

🕶️ Uh-oh. Simone Biles says a famous singer left Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding with her designer sunglasses.

🌴 The Beckhams' Ibiza trip came with one legendary surprise. We'd pay good money to hear that lunch conversation.

♥️ New dad Josh Allen has already learned some tricks on the job, and our Well Played cohosts love this little detail.

😆 Watch Ilona Maher learn the hard way that golf doesn't care whether or not you have an Olympic medal. You miss 100% of the swings you don't take?

💪 Lenny Kravitz shared his fitness philosophy. We can't promise we heard a word because the visuals were.... distracting.

💍 Madison Beer and Justin Herbert are engaged — and even jewelers can't stop talking about one vintage-inspired detail on her ring.

In Our Rotation

If you’re struggling to get quality sleep, try these gummies. They’re made with magnesium, melatonin, and soothing botanicals, and won’t make you feel groggy in the morning.

No matter where you land on the low-rise jeans debate, these $15 barrel jeans will most definitely catch your eye.

Keep scrolling...more recs below

On Our Calendar

Wednesday, July 29

⚽ MLS All-Star Game

The league’s top players face off in Charlotte at 8 pm ET — and one top dog will be missed. Catch it on Apple TV.

Saturday, Aug 1

🐶 World Dog Surfing Championships

The doggy paddle? Please. These talented pups head to Pacifica, CA, for the annual competition with categories for size, tandem riding, paddleboarding, and, naturally, fashion. Take a sneak peek.

🚴‍♀️ Tour de France Femmes

Nine days, 154 cyclists, 730 miles. Exhausting? Maybe for us — but not these top riders, hoping to secure the win.

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.

Why on Earth did LeBron pick Philly?

LeBron James is officially becoming LeJawn James. Yes, that's right, he signed a two-year, $8 million dollar deal with the Philadelphia 76ers for his final chapter. The decision confused many...just not former President Barack Obama. When he was asked about James's big "MNBA" move, Obama explained the strategy and how it makes sense. With Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Jaylen Brown as his teammates, LeBron will add offensive firepower rather than relying on a younger developmental supporting cast like he had to with the Lakers. This group gives him the best chance to win a ring before he retires — for himself and for a passionate Philadelphia fan base who hasn’t won an NBA championship in 43 years.

Related: Who Deserves to Be the Face of the NBA? (CBS Sports)

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

Caroline Hendershot

Caroline Hendershot, reporter for the New York Jets and Well Played co-host, tackles listener Qs.

In Our Rotation

Do one-size bathing suits actually fit everyone? Three editors found out.

Just dropped: a pair of sleek, colorful, ultra cushioned sneakers for your daily walks.

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

We Needed This

Tell Us

Paige Bueckers's newest Nike shoe is inspired by which of her favorite things?

A. Movie theater butter popcorn

B. Shirley Temples

C. Watermelon Sour Patch Kids

Who stole Simone Biles's YSLs?