The Lead

The Los Angeles Angels have had arguably the two biggest stars in baseball, Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, on their roster for the past six years. And yet they have failed to make the playoffs -- or even record a winning season -- during that time. Today, with Ohtani on the verge of free agency, we explore his complicated relationship with the Angels, where he's likely to land next season, and why the Angels may have ultimately failed MLB's brightest star.Guest: Sam Blum, The AthleticSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The San Francisco 49ers are 2-0, and looking like a legitimate Super Bowl contender, heading into a matchup with the Giants on Thursday Night Football. And on a roster filled with stars, the guy who's in charge of keeping the high-powered offense running is the former Mr. Irrelevant, Brock Purdy. Today, we look at why Purdy has given himself a chance to stick as San Francisco's long-term QB when so many others have failed to live up to Kyle Shanahan's lofty standards. And, after moving on from C.J. Beathard, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Trey Lance, has Shanahan finally found his new Kirk Cousins?Guest: Matt Barrows, 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.

Five years ago, almost no one in basketball knew the name Austin Reaves. Now, the 25-year-old is an extremely rich and extremely popular member of the world's most famous basketball team. Today, we look at Austin Reaves' unlikely and sudden rise to stardom and fame, why he has become so beloved, and whether or not he could become the third star the Lakers have been seeking.Guest: Jovan Buha, The AthleticRead Jovan's recent feature about Austin Reaves hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two weeks into the college football season, it's fair to say that the most intriguing — and polarizing — team in the sport is Coach Prime's Colorado Buffaloes. Today, we look at how Deion Sanders has transformed Colorado — seemingly overnight — into arguably the most entertaining team that college football has ever seen. It's the story of a landscape-altering roster makeover, a team that is "unabashedly flashy", and grudges that seem to be leading directly to victories. Plus, how far can Coach Prime, Shedeur Sanders, and two-way superstar Travis Hunter take this resurgent team this season?Guest: David Ubben, The AthleticListen to the Until Saturday podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Georgia Bulldogs are aiming for some rare history this season — college football's first three-peat since the 1930's — and Kirby Smart's team has handed the keys to this emerging dynasty to a relative unknown at quarterback: Carson Beck. Today, we break down why Beck stayed with the Bulldogs for three years when he easily could have entered the transfer portal. And, can the unproven junior live up to the legacy that his predecessor, Stetson Bennett, left behind in Athens?Guest: Seth Emerson, 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.

Perhaps the biggest story of the NFL offseason has been star running backs trying – and failing – to get the big contracts they feel they deserve. That, plus the ever-shortening careers of running backs, has led some people to declare that we have reached the end of the NFL's star running back era. Today, a look at how we got here and what the changes we're seeing in football could mean for the future of the sport.Guest: Joe Rexrode, The AthleticRead Joe's story about Derrick Henry and the future of running backsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The last time the New York Jets made the NFL playoffs, Mark Sanchez was their quarterback, LaDainian Tomlinson was their leading rusher, and The Social Network was about to come out on DVD. Now, 13 years later, the Jets finally believe they've found the right guy to lead them back. Today, we look at the events that led Aaron Rodgers and the Jets to each other, and whether this football marriage — in a pressure cooker — is built to go the distance. Plus, the emerging connection between Aaron Rodgers and Garrett Wilson, and a potential drawback from the Jets' appearance on Hard Knocks this season.Guest: Zack Rosenblatt, The AthleticListen to the Can't Wait podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been one of the hottest teams in Major League Baseball lately, thanks in large part to a lineup featuring two front-runners for MVP: seven-time All-Star Mookie Betts, and their veteran first baseman with an unmistakable swing, Freddie Freeman. Today, we trace Freeman's origin story as a hitter all the way back to his dad's office overlooking a baseball field, and the family tragedy that made him dive even deeper into the sport. Plus, can the former MVP lead the Dodgers to a deep postseason run after two years of playoff disappointment?Guest: Jack Harris, Los Angeles TimesRead 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.

This summer, an eye-popping number of global soccer stars have signed huge contracts with teams in an unlikely place: Saudi Arabia. Today, we dive into the chaos of the Saudi soccer gold rush, the ways in which it has turned world football upside down, and why the league might be here to stay.Guest: Tariq Panja, The New York TimesRead Tariq'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.

Sports Explains the World unveils some of the wildest and most surprising sports stories you've never heard - And they're all true. From the teenager who wrote a Wikipedia page that got a young athlete signed to a million-dollar deal - to the Ugandan National basketball coach who was really an undercover agent for the CIA, these stories will amaze and move you at every turn. Reported by award-winning journalists across the globe, Sports Explains the World reveals the human side of athletics in provocative and unexpected ways. You'll never view sports the same way again.Enjoy Sports Explains the World on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts: wondery.fm/setw_ipYou can binge the first 9 episodes of Sports Explains the World right now ad-free on Wondery Plus. Get started with your free trial at Wondery.com/plus.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Twenty years ago, ESPN premiered a television drama called 'Playmakers'. It dove into a lot of edgy issues in football, and it was an instant hit with viewers. But after just one season, ESPN pulled the show from the airwaves, reportedly because the NFL was upset about it. Today, we bring you the story of a TV show that in many ways was ahead of its time, the role the NFL played in its demise, and think about how it should be remembered today.Guest: Chris Vannini, The AthleticRead Chris's full story about the rise and fall of PlaymakersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This past December, the Mississippi State football program and the college football world were hit with a tragedy, when head coach Mike Leach — the mastermind who made the ‘Air Raid' offense famous — died at the age of 61. Today, we look at how Mississippi State is moving forward after the sudden loss of the larger-than-life coaching icon. Plus, the aspects of Mike Leach's legacy the team plans to carry with them, and what they've decided to leave behind. Guest: Brody Miller, 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.

The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team was eliminated from the World Cup by Sweden in the Round of 16 last week. It was a stunning development that led to the resignation of head coach Vlatko Andonvoski, and a whole lot of criticism. Today, we explore what went wrong for the U.S., and why the rest of the world has caught up to the once untouchable team.Guest: Jeff Rueter, The AthleticSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our lasting memory of the Super Bowl back in February is Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Chiefs celebrating their second title in the last four seasons. But on the opposite end of all that excitement, for Nick Sirianni, Jalen Hurts and the Eagles, it was a loss that left them searching for answers. Today, we explain how the Eagles are using Kansas City's confetti as a driving force as they try to avoid the dreaded Super Bowl hangover. Plus, with the historical odds stacked against them, does this team have the talent — and the mindset — to take home the title they missed out on last year?Guest: Zach Berman, 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.

Late last week, the Pac-12 conference — which dates back more than a century — was suddenly showing signs of completely falling apart, with Oregon and Washington among the latest schools to leave. Today, we look at the rich history of a conference that produced John Elway, Aaron Rodgers, and Alex Morgan (among others), and how a strange combination of arrogance and apathy has brought it to the brink of extinction. Plus, what the mass Pac-12 exodus means for the teams that have left — and the ones left behind.Guest: Stewart Mandel, 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.

There's growing evidence that certain psychedelic drugs can have positive benefits for people suffering from PTSD, depression and other mental illnesses. Today, we explore why many former pro athletes are taking up the cause of psychedelic therapy, and how some of their lives have been transformed by their experiences with the drugs (This episode first aired in June, 2021)Guest: Dan Robson, The AthleticSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you've ever been bowling at your local lanes, and seen the strange sight of someone flinging the ball toward the pins with two hands, there are two possible explanations: Either they have no clue what they're doing, or they're emulating one of the game's most dominant players. Ever since he burst onto the scene 15 years ago, Jason Belmonte has been one of the best, and most polarizing, bowlers in the world. Today, we look at how the man known as Belmo broke the game, and the backlash from his peers that threatened to break him.Read the full story from Eric Wills in GQ hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the age of TikTok and Instagram, a new type of social media currency has become an important part of the recruiting process. Today, we venture into the strange world of recruit photo shoots -- a world filled with horses, Rolls Royces and spinning cameras... and a whole lot of frustrated coaches and administrators. (This episode originally aired in April, 2022)Guest: Ari Wasserman, The AthleticRead Ari and Antonio Morales's full story about recruit photoshoots here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Tour de France Femmes is happening right now, with Stage 6 out of 8 taking place today. But while many of the top female cyclists in the world are hard at work in the mountains, our podcasting team is on vacation, so we are replaying an episode about the Women's Tour that originally aired around this time last year. Reporter Maggie Mertens joined us to explain how the Women's Tour de France finally came to be, thanks to the grit and perseverance of many women, with an unexpected assist from an online gaming company.Guest: Maggie MertensRead Maggie's original Sports Illustrated story about the Women's Tour de France here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After helping the Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowl 57, and besting his big brother Jason in the process, Travis Kelce suddenly seemed to be everywhere: late night talk shows, MLB games, Saturday Night Live, even his own epic party in Kansas City -- Kelce Jam. Today, we explain Kelce's somewhat unlikely leap from star athlete to A-list celebrity, the source of his off-field ambitions, and what life after football might look like for the charismatic future tight end.Guest: Tom Kludt, Contributing Editor at Vanity FairRead Tom's full profile of Travis Kelce from Vanity Fair hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lionel Messi has arrived. The Argentine soccer star shocked the world last month by announcing that he was joining Inter Miami of Major League Soccer, and he was introduced to fans on a rain-soaked Sunday evening in Ft. Lauderdale this past weekend. Today, we bring you the inside story of how the biggest deal in MLS history got done, and the role that one particular man played in it.Guest: Paul Tenorio, Senior Writer at The AthleticRead Paul's full story about Inter Miami's courtship of Lionel Messi hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Earlier this year, things were looking pretty bleak for the Cincinnati Reds, with a lot of empty seats at Great American Ball Park coming off a 100-loss season. But this team has made a dramatic turnaround, and the catalyst has been a player who has wasted no time in electrifying the city — and the sport. Today, we take an in-depth look at the impact of Elly De La Cruz, the trends behind the scenes that paved the way for his arrival, and the dynamics between the 21-year-old, and a Reds veteran who's nearly twice his age: Joey Votto.Guest: C. Trent Rosecrans, 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.

Buckle up for a wild trip behind the scenes of one of the most exclusive clubs on earth: the world of professional sports owners. A mix of comedy, tragedy, and everything in between, OWNED is the first podcast ever to take listeners way above the court or field into the luxury boxes where billionaires roam. Each week, former NBA player (and current Twitter all-star) Rex Chapman is joined by a cast of reporters, athletes, and comedians to dissect the politics, scandals, and scores of these eccentric moguls who hold our hopes and dreams in their hands. It is fun, funny, dynamic, surprising, and based on incredible stories; a hybrid talk show that combines the wit and flair of SmartLess with the reporting, storytelling, and production muscle of Campside Media, creators of hit shows like Chameleon: Wild Boys, and Suspect.Listen to Owned with Rex Chapman: Wondery.fm/OwnedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team won its second straight World Cup in 2019. But since then, they've had a string of losses and injuries -- and the roster is now stretched thin. Today, we break down the USWNT's quest for an unprecedented third straight World Cup, the young stars who will have a chance to shine on the world's biggest stage, and the opponents that stand between the US and a shot at history.Guest: Jeff Rueter, The AthleticSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For football fans of a certain age, the name Adam “Pacman” Jones conjures up a certain set of memories. Jones was drafted sixth overall in 2005, and eventually became a Pro Bowler and All-Pro, but a wave of troubling off-the-field incidents trailed him during much of his career. However, what's less well known about Jones is the story of a loss that changed his life — and ultimately, his family life — forever. Today, we look at how Jones emerged as a devoted father, and why his complicated life prepared him for what came next.Guest: Zak Keefer, 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: 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.

Savage subtweets. Scathing diss tracks. Tell-all memoirs. These are the weapons that celebrities use to wage modern social warfare against each other. Feuds between celebrities captivate us like nothing else. Why are there so many fights that play out for everyone to watch? How do public figures tap into the arsenal of weapons at their disposal to come out on top? And why do we have such a hard time looking away?From Wondery, the makers of the hit series Scamfluencers and Even the Rich, comes Diss and Tell. Hosts Sydney Battle and Matt Bellassai take you deep into pop culture's most iconic celebrity feuds, from Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan to Hailey Bieber and Selena Gomez. Sydney and Matt unpack who fired the first shot, what happened, and how cultural phenomena and hidden forces influence not only these battles, but also the world we live in. Listen to Diss and Tell: Wondery.fm/Diss_and_TellSee 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.