The Lead

Plus: LSU makes history at the MLB draft. And a true long shot contender takes home the prize at the U.S. Open See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A bunch of very wealthy Indian businessmen recently placed a very large bet on women’s cricket. The Women's Premier League launched in India in March, and by some measures it’s now the second most valuable women’s professional sports league in the world. Today, Mujib Mashal of the New York Times explains how the league came to be, and why it might line the pockets of the country’s elite, and give young girls in India a new vision for their future.Guest: Mujib Mashal - South Asia Bureau Chief, The New York TimesRead Mujib's full story about the WPL here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether you think it's a passing fad or the greatest thing to ever happen to sports, chances are you've heard about the fastest growing game in the United States: pickleball. And lately, a sport without much history appears to have found its biggest star, who's been crushing her competition even though she's barely old enough to drive. Today, the story of how Anna Leigh Waters went from a kid with college soccer dreams, to a dominant pickleball pro — in a few short years. Plus, the sport has already gotten buy-in from Tom Brady and LeBron James, but how sustainable is its long-term future?Guest: Jon Wertheim, Sports IllustratedRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Long-suffering fans of the Oakland As have had a roller coaster of a season. To express their ongoing frustration with owner John Fisher, they initially began boycotting games. Then, two weeks ago, they staged a dramatic "reverse boycott," packing the stands for a game on a Tuesday night, which resulted in a surprise victory over the best team in baseball, the Tampa Bay Rays. Now, with the city of Las Vegas appearing to have successfully lured the A's to a new stadium on the Strip, can Oakland fans do anything to save their beloved team?Guest: Melissa Lockard, The AthleticSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Connor Bedard, the presumed #1 pick in tonight's NHL Draft, is the most hyped hockey prospect we've seen since, well, some other guy named Connor. And there are those who believe Bedard could define a new era of the NHL. The Athletic's Dan Robson recently spoke with Bedard and his family at length, and he joins us today to discuss the 17-year-old's incredible rise as a player and the tragic loss that motivates him to this day.Guest: Dan Robson, The AthleticRead Dan's full story about Connor Bedard here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Atlanta pumps the breaks on baseball’s hottest young upstarts. And the Liberty get a gutty comeback win ahead of a pivotal Eastern Conference clash.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Earlier this summer in the MLB Draft League (a league for players looking to improve their draft outlook), a catcher from Uganda, Dennis Kasumba, stepped to the plate for the Frederick Keys… and struck out. For Kasumba, the result of the at-bat was a footnote — after a journey that took him from a slaughterhouse in Uganda to dreaming of Major League Baseball in the U.S. Today, the story of Kasumba’s baseball odyssey, the coach who believed the game could save him, and how a cell phone ultimately gave him a shot to pursue his dream. Guest: Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles TimesRead his full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Back in April, two young fighters -- Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia -- stepped into the ring in Las Vegas to determine the "new face of boxing". But before the first bell even rang, a theory had built in the boxing world that one of these fighters didn't really belong. That one of them was for real, and the other was a phony, about to be exposed in a potentially dangerous fight. Today, we go inside a young man's doomed quest for boxing credibility.Guest: Tyler R. Tynes, Los Angeles TimesRead Tyler's original story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The NBA Draft is less than one week away, and everyone expects French phenom Victor Wembanyama to go first overall. Everyone except Scoot Henderson. Two years ago, he became the youngest pro player in U.S. history when he joined the G League at age 17, and today, we look at the extreme steps that Henderson has taken as a player — and as a businessman — to guarantee NBA success.Guest: Mike Vorkunov, The AthleticRead his full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An unlikely love story has been playing out in the Nevada desert over the past six years, between the city of Las Vegas and its pro hockey team. With the Golden Knights now on the brink of winning the Stanley Cup, we explore the origins of that love affair, and explain how a shared tragedy forged a powerful bond between players and fans.Guest: Jesse Granger, The AthleticSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Andrew McCutchen continues to steer the Pirates forward with a historic homecoming season. And a Yankees legend takes a hit from the broadcasting booth. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As we get closer to the midway point of the MLB season, the Arizona Diamondbacks are a surprise leader in the NL West, ahead of the Dodgers, Padres and Giants. One big reason why is their undersized center fielder: the 5-foot-10, do-it-all dynamo, Corbin Carroll. Today, we look at how Carroll became an All-Star caliber player — despite the lingering questions about his height. The answer can be found in the way that Carroll has carried himself ever since he was a kid.Guest: Zach Buchanan, The AthleticRead his full story about Corbin Carroll hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Erling Haaland has shattered goal scoring records this season at Manchester City. But has he made his team any better? We dive into one of the more polarizing debates in soccer. Plus, a preview of this weekend's Champions League Final between Man City and Inter Milan. Guest: Sam Lee, The AthleticSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Heat Culture shines bright in the Mile High City. And a golfing phenom does something we haven’t seen in over 70 years.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bob Myers ended months of speculation this week by announcing that he is stepping down as the Golden State Warriors' GM. Myers, often called the architect of the Warriors dynasty, steered the team to four championships and six NBA Finals appearances over an eight-year period, and making some key trades along the way. Today, The Athletic's Sam Amick explains Bob Myers' magical touch as a GM, why he has meant so much to the organization, and what the Warriors' future will look like without him. (Original air date: Feb 1, 2023)Guest: Sam Amick, The AthleticSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Around this time last year, the Florida Panthers seemed to be at a crossroads. After posting the best regular season record in the NHL, they were swept in the second round by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Now, a year later, the Panthers are in the Stanley Cup Final, and Matthew Tkachuk is a big reason why. Today, we look at how Tkachuk — a guy who gets under his opponent's skin, and then silences them with huge goals — became both the hero, and the anti-hero, that Florida needed. Plus, why the man affectionately called “The Rat King” seemingly fits right in with the Panthers.Guest: Sean Gentille, The AthleticRead his full stories about Matthew Tkachuk here and hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Brown passed away at his home in Los Angeles last week at the age of 87. The Cleveland Browns legend and three-time NFL MVP made a name for himself as a football player, actor, and social activist, and also spent years working with gang leaders to try and prevent violence. But his reputation was also marred by a long series of domestic violence accusations. Today, how to make sense of Brown's complicated life and legacy.Guests: Steve Rushin, Sports IllustratedDave Zirin, Author of Jim Brown: Last Man StandingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After more than four decades of coming up short, the Denver Nuggets are finally playing in the NBA Finals for the first time. But despite a winning record in six consecutive seasons, most of those years for Denver have ended in heartbreak. Today, we look at how the Nuggets' foundation for winning has been built on a very large pile of past failures. Plus, what it will take for Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and head coach Michael Malone to bring Denver their first NBA title.Guest: Nick Kosmider, The AthleticRead his full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: It’s looking like sweep season in the NHL and NBA conference finals. And Breanna Stewart flashes her MVP credentials in her home debut. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last season, the Las Vegas Aces won the WNBA championship in style, especially when it came to their post-championship celebrations. But now, with the 2023 WNBA season about to tip off, the Aces find themselves wrapped up in not one but two controversies. Today, can the Aces move beyond their off-court problems and find a way to repeat? Or will the league's newest super team, the New York Liberty, come for their crown?Guest: Sabreena Merchant, The AthleticCheck out The Athletic's special WNBA coverage: "Super Squads"See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you say the name Darvin Ham to a basketball fan of a certain age, chances are they’ll think of the time he shattered a backboard playing for Texas Tech during the 1996 NCAA tournament. But what's less known about the Lakers’ first-year head coach is his life before all of this, in Saginaw, Michigan, a life that almost ended when he was just 14 years old. Today, we look at how Ham was shaped by the Midwest city he grew up in, and the tragic accident that nearly ended his life. Plus, can Ham steer the Lakers past Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets as they try to win an improbable NBA title?Guest: Dan Woike, Los Angeles TimesRead his full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Jonathan Marchessault delivers with an elimination-game silencer of his own. And Todd Bowles fulfills his mother’s dream decades in the making. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last weekend, a 15:1 long shot named Mage raced to a dramatic victory at the Kentucky Derby. But that feel-good story was largely overshadowed by a series of tragic -- and in some cases mysterious -- racehorse deaths. Today, we explore what could be behind those deaths, the progress that horse racing has and hasn’t made in terms of animal welfare, and why people inside the sport often fail to see eye to eye with people outside of it.Guest: Natalie Voss, The Paulick ReportSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After back-to-back 100-loss seasons, and with one of the lowest payrolls in Major League Baseball, life as a Pittsburgh Pirates fan has been pretty frustrating. However, this year, they started out as one of baseball's biggest surprises, with Bryan Reynolds and Andrew McCutchen helping to fuel a 20-8 start. Then came a recent seven-game losing streak — and fans were scratching their heads once again. Today, we look at the key factors behind the Pirates’ early success, the cause of their recent struggles, and what to make of this roller coaster season so far.Guest: Britt Ghiroli, The AthleticRead Britt's full story about the Pirates hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: The Devils bounce back to make it a series with Carolina. And college basketball’s most famous recruit finally announces where he’ll play next season. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week, we got the long awaited — and widely expected —answer of who would go first in the NFL Draft, when the Carolina Panthers selected Alabama quarterback Bryce Young. But the questions about Young, and specifically his height (5-10 1/8), are not going away soon. Today, we dive deep into the history of undersized quarterbacks to find out why some have succeeded where many others have failed. And, as we comb through the careers of Sonny Jurgensen, Russell Wilson, and Doug Flutie (among others), we attempt to answer the question of whether Bryce Young can write his name alongside the all-time greats. Guest: Dan Pompei, The AthleticRead his full story about Bryce Young hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Miami Heat head coach Eric Spoelstra has long been known as a fiery competitor who does not shy away from confrontations -- even with his own players. Today, with the Heat cruising through the playoffs, we explore the method to Erik Spoelstra’s madness and explain why the confrontations, along with a heavy dose of compassion, are all part of the plan.Guest: Jason Quick, The AthleticRead Jason' full story here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: The Bruins’ historic season ends with a whimper and the defending champs go down to a first timer. And a father-son phone call that will warm even the staunchest Cowboy hater’s heart. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Thursday night, the Boston Celtics — one of the favorites to win the NBA title — moved on to the Eastern Conference semifinals. But during their not-always-so-smooth first-round series against Atlanta, we got a reminder that there are still questions when it comes to their 34-year-old head coach, Joe Mazzulla, who took over after Ime Udoka’s sudden suspension in September. Today, we look at how the team’s identity on and off the floor have changed under Mazzulla’s intense leadership, and the one question that won’t go away: Is Mazzulla the right guy to lead this team to a title? Plus, a snapshot of team camaraderie through the eyes of the Celtics players who rarely get in the game — and the bus that bonds them together. Guest: Jared Weiss, The AthleticHear Jared on the NBA Daily Ding podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hockey fans are used to Connor McDavid being the undisputed best player in hockey. But this past season, he somehow took things to an even higher level, doing things that haven't been done since the 1980s. Today, how McDavid’s evolution off the ice has helped him reach new heights on it -- and how his growth can be traced, at least in part, to a six-year-old boy. Plus, what stands between McDavid and a highly coveted first Stanley Cup.Guest: Daniel Nugent-Bowman, The AthleticRead Daniel's original story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Steph Curry manages to avoid his own Chris Webber moment. And after more than decade, a career minor leaguer finally gets to The Show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So far this season, the Seattle Mariners have been getting big production from a former top prospect who roams their outfield. But if you're thinking of reigning AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez — think again. The guy who's been stealing the spotlight in Seattle so far is Jarred Kelenic. The 23-year-old came to Seattle in a blockbuster trade five years ago, but up until now, he has looked like a bust at the big league level. Today, we dig into the reasons behind Kelenic’s rapid rise, and whether this early season surge is for real.Guest: Corey Brock, The AthleticRead his stories on Kelenic here and hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alyssa Thompson's incredible soccer talent has already made her look like a future global star, even though she's just 18 years old. And her path to greatness, which included becoming the first girl to play on an MLS Next boys academy team (along with her sister, Giselle), has changed minds -- and the way that youth soccer clubs operate.Guest: Gwen OxenhamRead Gwen's full story about Alyssa Thompson in Sports Illustrated hereCheck out Gwen's new book, Pride Of A Nation and her podcast, Hustle RuleSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Two of hockey’s greatest rivals produce another in epic championship final. And A Yankees ace continues his electric start.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When the NBA playoffs get underway on Saturday, basketball fans will be witnessing history, as the Golden State Warriors are playing the Sacramento Kings in the postseason for the first time ever. These two teams famously share the same highway — the I-80 — but they took very different roads to get here. The Kings emerged as an offensive juggernaut under their defensive-minded head coach, Mike Brown, while the reigning NBA champs, the Warriors, had to fight just to avoid the play-in tournament. Today, we break down the key factors that could decide the series, including De’Aaron Fox’s knack for thriving in the clutch, and just how ready Andrew Wiggins will be after a long layoff for Golden State.Guest: Anthony Slater, The AthleticRead his full series preview hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There was a time when it looked like China was going to be the next big thing in world soccer. After the government published an elaborate 50-point plan back in 2015, billions of dollars was spent developing China's professional league, building youth soccer academies across the country, and recruiting foreign stars to China for huge sums of money. But now, that ambitious program is all but dead. Today we discuss the rise and fall of China's oversized soccer dream.Guest: Tariq Panja, The New York TimesRead Tariq's full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: The Timberwolves get punch drunk on the final day of the NBA season. And a baseball team manages to give up a crooked number while not allowing a hit.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

LeBron James's final wish as an NBA player is to suit up with his son LeBron James Jr, a.k.a. Bronny. When he made that intention clear last year, it was just the latest development in the incredibly well-documented basketball life of the 18-year-old Bronny, who has amassed a huge following of supporters, doubters, and people questioning what his dad is doing. Luca Evans, a reporter with the LA Times, recently spent months following Bronny’s high school basketball team, Sierra Canyon. Today, he shares stories from the young star’s senior season, discusses how Bronny has managed the incredible expectations around him, and explains who he really is as a basketball player.Guest: Luca Evans, Los Angeles TimesRead Luca's full story about Bronny here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With three weeks to go until the NFL Draft, there's a clear cut top four at the quarterback position, featuring Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson, and the former Kentucky Wildcat, Will Levis. Levis emerged as a college star — and likely first round NFL pick — during the last two years in Lexington. But before that, he was a college football journeyman, known more for his viral eating exploits than anything he'd done on the field. Today, we tell the story of Levis’s unlikely ascent from DoorDash driver — to potential NFL franchise savior. Guest: Kyle Tucker, The AthleticRead the full stories here (and here)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: KD shows why he makes the Suns the most dangerous team in the West. And a new spooky pitch has MLB hitters running in fear.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Boston Bruins have been making history this season. After becoming the fastest team in NHL history to rack up 50 wins, they might soon break the record for total points in a season. But what makes their success so incredible is the fact that almost no one saw it coming -- in fact, many people predicted they would miss the playoffs. Today, we break down the keys to Boston's unexpected greatness.Guest: Fluto Shinzawa, The AthleticRead Fluto's full breakdown of the B's success here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Major League Baseball Opening Day is Thursday, and the upcoming season begins with a lot of intriguing questions: Can the Astros repeat as World Series champs? What feats will we see from Shohei Ohtani (and Mike Trout) in Ohtani's final year before free agency? And, what does baseball’s wave of new rules mean for our experience watching the game? Today, the forecast for what 2023 could look like — with five bold predictions for the upcoming year.Guest: Eno Sarris, The AthleticRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Iowa’s maestro guides the Hawkeyes to its first Final Four in 30 years. And the Seahawks bring in an old stalwart to solidify their defense.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The World Baseball Classic, a tournament that many fans once viewed as a bunch of meaningless exhibition games, captivated the world over the past two weeks and culminated with an epic showdown between the two best players in the game. Today, how the WBC went from an afterthought to the best thing to happen to baseball in ages.Guest: Nick Groke, The AthleticRead more of Nick's WBC coverage here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With five weeks to go until the NFL Draft, there’s one player who’s arguably the most polarizing and intriguing prospect in the entire field: the dual threat quarterback out of the University of Florida, Anthony Richardson. Richardson wowed during his lone season as a full-time starter with the Gators, and at the NFL Combine, but the questions about how he’ll perform at the next level won’t go away. Today, we take a closer look at Richardson's tantalizing ceiling, and terrifying floor. Plus, the story of his not-too-distant past — as an aspiring firefighter.Guest: Nick Baumgardner, The AthleticRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: One of college basketball’s most storied programs misses the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in over a decade. And Trea Turner catches fire at the WBC.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Angelo Cataldi became Philadelphia's most popular sports radio personality by giving voice to the joys and frustrations of Philadelphia sports fans. And, along the way, he even saved a life or two -- literally. But his show was also criticized for being homophobic and misogynistic, and an event he founded, "Wing Bowl," eventually became a drunken public party that many Philadelphians despised. Today, we trace Cataldi's unlikely rise to radio stardom, and the complicated legacy he leaves behind.Guest: John GonzalezSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The NCAA tournament is finally here, which means that for the next three weeks, our lives will be consumed by college basketball’s biggest stars, its most surprising teams, and — hopefully — a bunch of buzzer beaters along the way. Today, we break down the favorites, surprises and some of the biggest storylines to follow in the men’s NCAA tournament, including an incredibly daunting West Region featuring Kansas, UCLA, UConn and Gonzaga — and the controversy surrounding top overall seed Alabama.  Guest: Eamonn Brennan, The AthleticSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: It’s time to fill out those office brackets after another Selection Sunday. And the Rams keep their ‘remodel’ going by sending a former-All Pro’s talents to South Beach. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In September of 2020, things began mysteriously disappearing from an MLB team's equipment bags. The ensuing investigation spanned six weeks and involved five Major League baseball teams, two police departments, and several very frustrated clubhouse managers.Guest: Stephanie Apstein, Sports IllustratedRead the original story: https://www.si.com/mlb/2023/02/27/mlb-great-jersey-caper-daily-coverSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.