The last time the Knicks made the NBA finals, Britney Spears dropped the generation-defining Baby One More Time, Napster gave us permission to illegally download music, and T9 word just became a thing. Fast forward to this past Monday when the Knicks swept their series against the Cavaliers – and all of New York is ready to party like it's 1999. 

In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: 

• Timothee Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, Travis Kelce, and Taylor Swift walk into a bar…we mean the Cavs courtside

• Why OG Anunoby and Martha Stewart are on their way to a Skechers collab 

• How the Salesian sisters gained their basketball wings at the Spurs game 

• Why Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner, and Aryna Sabalenka only gave 15 minutes of press time at Roland Garros

PS: We really, really want to hear from you. Like really bad. Please DM us with any sports questions, comments, or concerns on Instagram @blaakkkke, @cghendy, or @wellplayedbytheskimm. We read each and every one and it means a lot to us. 

Send Its:

• Kathy Hilton just gave us a new theme song: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DYk5taIxZCk/ 

• Do Azzi and Paige share a wardrobe?: https://www.instagram.com/p/DYnXD47ATQi/

• Sue Bird refuses to be bad: https://www.instagram.com/p/DYpd3PVFd89/ 

• Bryce Harper’s problematic toothpaste application: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYzo8SjDVul/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 

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Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift not only made an appearance in Bushwick, Brooklyn – because apparently that’s where A-list weddings are now. Even wilder: the event took place at Blake’s former workplace. She shares the inside scoop on their attendance, while Caroline shares everything we know about the Royal American wedding. Meanwhile, Shakira’s back in her World Cup era after being acquitted for tax fraud. As for Gerard Piqué, her soccer star ex-husband? Shakira’s hips may not lie, but this man does – and we explain why.

In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: 

• How tall Wemby’s Wemby would have to be (shout out @nbaresdev)
• Dak Prescott getting spotted with his ex-fiancées bridesmaid at a pro-bull rider event
• Tom Brady coming for Gisele Bundchen’s job on the Gucci runway 
• Why Dave Portnoy thinks the WNBA hates Caitlin Clark 
• Who are the Salesian sisters – and why are they so invested in the Spurs winning it all?

Thanks to our presenting sponsor Ally Bank! Visit Ally.com to learn more.

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The 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue hits newsstands on Thursday. This year’s cover stars departed from what we’re used to seeing from on the cover of the swimsuit issue in recent years – diverse ages, races, and especially body sizes. With conversations around GLP-1s, the death of body positivity in our culture, and the general shrinking of high profile women that’s hard to ignore, Blake and Caroline wonder: why the sudden shift?

In this episode of Well Played, we also cover:

• Whether Justin Herbert will be the next victim of the “music video curse”
• Olivia Culpo’s controversial baby announcement ft. a donut cake and a used pregnancy test
• The WNBA’s 30th season kickoff – and whether we’re in a post-Caitlin Clark era
• Why Caroline wouldn’t call her ex, even if it guaranteed a Jets Super Bowl win
• Carlos Alcaraz showing off his tush – we mean talents, in his Vanity Fair cover story

Send Its:

• The 17-month-old baby ball knower https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYGE6nBADWI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Pope Leo is all in on Nike: https://www.gq.com/story/pope-leo-xiv-wore-nikes
• Bennett Scheffler attends PGA Championship in full PJs: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYM9v2lREw8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Vanity Fair Carlos Alcaraz edition: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/carlos-alcaraz-cover-story

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The “Devil Wears Prada 2” movie features two athlete cameos – one is a player from Anne Hathaway’s favorite basketball team and the other is a golfer who we wouldn’t blink twice at. Blake spotted both of them during the film, proving that Well Played works, y’all. In other sporty news, we learned nepo babies – or should we say horsies? – exist everywhere, and Ed Sheeran’s football club is the new A-Team.

In this episode of Well Played, we also cover:

• Tom Holland’s “Bero Padel Classic” ft. a Zendaya wardrobe malfunction
• Why Ashton Kutcher walked so Anthony Davis could run
• Serena Williams’ heartfelt post from the Miami Grand Prix about her longtime F1 friend
• Our favorite athlete looks from the Met Gala

Send Its:

• Tom Holland helps Zendaya: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXwsrHIOzeA/
• Lola Tung and Kelley O’Hara team up for a sapphic soccer movie: https://www.them.us/story/lola-tung-ripe-kelley-ohara-casting
• Ed Sheeran celebrates with Ipswich town: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DX2cgpCBO34/
• Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis prank A’ja Wilson: https://youtu.be/r4E-oW3iCi8?si=Ki_D1wnpPsEiTxnm

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The takeaway from this week’s sports and pop culture news is that love isn’t real. From the romance rumors between Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini to Megan thee Stallion breaking up with Klay Thompson over cheating allegations, we’ve lost all faith in men…except Myles Garrett. He can stay.

In this episode of Well Played, we also cover:

• A breakdown of all of the photos and rumors surrounding Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini
• Our favorite picks from the 2026 NFL draft (based on vibes only)
• Why Myles Garrett picked up Chloe Kim on the Time 100 Gala red carpet
• Trinity Rodman’s moisturizer of choice, plus her inspo for her first goal of the season celly
• Caroline shows off her broadcaster voice growth, eight years later

Send Its:

• Myles Garrett gives Chloe Kim princess treatment: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXhXzDijqQb/
• Cynthia Erivo defies gravity – and notches a personal best: https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/cynthia-erivo-london-marathon-wicked-defying-gravity-1236232574/
• Trinity Rodman’s 100th appearance + goal celly: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/matchweek-3-wrapped-angel-city-s-record-stays-perfect-denver-smashes-attendance-record-and-milestone-moments
• She also uses this for moisturizer: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXnpJW8jJjC/
• Caroline’s first on-air appearance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtRkZ5bethI

Chapters

• 00:00 - Welcome and catch-up
• 01:29 - The Vrabel & Russini Rumors
• 14:09 - NFL Insiders vs. Reporters
• 21:28 - Gender Dynamics in Sports Media
• 25:20 - Klay Thompson & Megan Thee Stallion Breakup
• 32:45 - Tennis News: Morgan Riddle & Taylor Fritz
• 33:46 - Stomach Bug at the Madrid Open
• 34:43 - NFL Draft Highlights & Emotions
• 44:04 - Chloe Kim & Myles Garrett at Time 100
• 45:55 - Trinity Rodman: Beef Tallow & Milestones
• 47:34 - Cynthia Erivo Defies Gravity at the London Marathon
• 49:16 - Breaking the 2-Hour Marathon Record
• 51:00 - Broadcast Voices & Instructor Persona
• 56:10 - Wrap Up and Personal Updates

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Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird announced that after a decade together, they’re separating. Excuse us while we fly our flags at half staff. On the opposite end of the love spectrum, Olympic track and field athlete Noah Lyles got married – and probably fired his videographer after sharing the absolute flop of a first look at his bride. Let’s just hope his wife’s love language isn’t “words of affirmation.” 

In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: 

• The controversial question a reported asked Azzi Fudd in her first Dallas Wings press conference

• Which Olympian-producing women’s sport Quinnipiac University downgraded from D1 to club level

• The WNBA’s Natasha Cloud is teamless – and why the new CBA could have something to do with it

• Whether Dexter “Sexy Dexy” Lawrence could help Joe Burrow finally get a ring

• The iconic story behind the Boston Marathon’s first woman runner – and how she’s honoring herself 60 years later 

Send Its:

• Noah Lyles first look flop: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/p/DXHhjx5jez_/⁠⁠ 
• Bobbi Gibb statue: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/p/DXU3OgxE9Kg/⁠⁠

• Erin Andrews does IVF at 47: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/zZga9XWSyZU?si=VQJvJjh_UTOYIea9&t=1923⁠⁠ 

• Victoria Beckham goes Gap: ⁠⁠https://www.gapinc.com/en-gb/articles/2026/04/gap-and-victoria-beckham-announce-multi-season-col⁠⁠ 

Topics

⁠02:07⁠ - Amanda Batula & West Wilson at the Yankees Game

⁠05:44⁠ - Megan Rapinoe & Sue Bird Breakup

⁠08:11⁠ - Azzi Fudd’s Awkward Press Conference

⁠17:29⁠ - "Sexy Dexy" to the Bengals

⁠24:55⁠ - Noah Lyles’ Wedding "First Look" Fail

⁠28:46⁠ - The Iconic Boston Marathon Sculpture

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Coco Gauff sported her natural hair in a recent ad for Miu Miu and the internet showed us why we can’t have nice things. The no. 3 ranked tennis player shut down criticism about her appearance and more importantly, to encourage young Black girls to embrace their natural hair. Meanwhile, the WNBA rolled out its orange carpet for the 2026 draft, and this year’s draftees showed up and showed out on one of the biggest nights of their lives. 

In this episode, we also cover:

• Propaganda we’re falling for, AKA Hudson Williams’ Peloton ad

• Well Played friends of the pod who showed up to Coachella

• The Australian runner who beat Usain Bolt’s 20-year record in the 200m sprint

• The shocking pay difference between the 2025 and 2026 WNBA draft class, thanks to the league’s new CBA 

• A self-indulgent recap of the Alix Earle and Alex Cooper beef

Send It:

• Meet Gout Gout: https://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/article/australian-sprinter-gout-gout-breaks-under-20-record-with-blazing-200m-time-surpassing-legendary-olympian-usain-bolt-184411317.html 

• Pope Leo balls out with Harlem Globetrotters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IYKsgfO0HQ 

• Laufey, Hudson Williams, and the Council of Wasia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNa8jP4zoJo&list=RDyNa8jP4zoJo&start_radio=1 

• This couple at the Pacers game is all of us: https://www.threads.com/@thedankbrew/post/DW__SuSEZJE?xmt=AQF0MSzRnAYJn5UQchQP8TGsWhUf5ilzN3tp0mLpbd49Ot5K5HfogDuEUdsLI0GQi_giHrRo&slof=1

• Plus, when Shaq offered to buy their engagement ring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVxAaY4ZBss 

Follow Well Played: @wellplayedbytheskimm

Follow Blake: @blaaakkkke

Follow Caroline: @cghendy

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This March Madness, the category was “upset.” At least on the women’s side. South Carolina upset UCONN — the overwhelming favorite on the women’s side – which failed on its mission to win the natty two years in a row. Then, UCONN coach Geno Auriemma literally upset South Carolina coach Dawn Staley in a post-game screaming match. We dive into his allegations, his half-assed apology, and why we’re tired of seeing women have to take the higher road. 

In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: 

• Angel Reese kicks off WNBA free agency trade, going from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream 

• Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom share the reality behind Odom’s addiction in a new episode of “Untold”

• Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld’s first public engagement after having their baby girl 

• Rapper J. Cole’s new sporty side quest that literally no one asked for 

• Madison Keys recaps the Amanda Batula and West Wilson drama 

Send It:

• Royal Baby of Buffalo enters the chat: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWpTKnYkk9G/ 

• Rory McIlroy’s Masters Menu: https://www.masters.com/en_US/news/articles/2026-03-18/for_mcilroy_a_masterful_menu_with_a_touch_of_home.html 

• J. Cole off to China: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48374160/rapper-j-cole-signs-chinese-league-nanjing-monkey-kings 

• Madison Keys on the Summer House drama for The Tennis Channel: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWsJINjDngv/ 

Other links:

• Lauren Betts’ The Player’s Tribune essay “I Want to Be Here’: https://www.theplayerstribune.com/lauren-betts-ncaa-basketball-ucla 

• Kyle Cook’s messy rant: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jIQsRMg6V8s 

• Geno Auriemma, updated apology post recording: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/geno-auriemma-sparks-backlash-incomplete-193229146.html 

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Marathoner Emma Bates went viral after sharing that her sponsor, UCan, dropped her once they learned she was pregnant. While UCan denied the allegation, it still reminded us of an unfortunate reality for women athletes – that the “pregnancy penalty” still exists. We break down what the penalty is, why some women athletes view pregnancy as a “death sentence” to their career, and how athletes like Allyson Felix have fought to stop it.

In this episode, we also cover:

• Naomi Osaka retirement rumors swirling after her comments around motherhood and her tennis career
• Shaq addressing the AI-generated texts between him and Sabrina Carpenter
• NWSL smashing record attendance (again) – and the Denver Summit player who proved representation does matter

Which teams made it to the Final Four, and how Blake and Caroline’s brackets are doing

Send Its:

• Carson Pickett’s heartwarming moment with young fan: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DWcSRqXEjN_/
• Shaq’s AI-generated texts: https://youtu.be/rOxlgU75f7w?si=D7XQPSA24hqA5wqz&t=18
• The Stewart-Brunson fracture: https://people.com/martha-stewart-said-nba-player-broke-her-toe-courtside-11871039
• Miss Thailand contestant breaks it down: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWeaQ_PDRRM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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It finally happened – the WNBA voted to ratify its new collective bargaining agreement, months after the deadline passed. It’s a major win for professional women’s basketball players and the league, which will offer what it calls “the first comprehensive revenue-sharing model in women's professional sports history.” With just weeks until the season starts, the off-season – and free agency chaos – begins. 

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The internet was all in on Timothée Chalamet’s Oscars run last year for “Marty Supreme” (guilty as charged). The Academy? Not so much. The ping-pong flick struck out, Chalamet walked back his ballet take, and he left empty-handed. Meanwhile, ballerina Misty Copeland had a front-row seat, performing onstage during Sinners’ “I Lied to You.” She joins us on Well Played to talk about getting the call from Ryan Coogler, what society gets wrong about women’s strength, and her journey back after hip replacement surgery.

In this episode of Well Played, we also cover:

• Chloe Kim and Myles Garett’s unlikely matchmaker 
• Boston Legacy’s record-breaking home opener – and why the record won’t last long
• Misty Copeland on how she gained a newfound strength post-retirement
• How Oksana Masters went from orphan in Ukraine to most decorated Paralympian
• Where to find our March Madness brackets

Send Its: 

• Dua Lipa, Callum Turner, and Jannik Sinner give us a lesson in body language: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV4oi-7D4DV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 
• Indian Wells’ Whitney Houston challenge: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV1Xi3GigJ7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 
• Learn about Chandler Bing: https://vucommodores.com/roster/chandler-bing/ 
• Christian McCaffrey goes to (fashion) jail: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV0Apt5jR1j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 
• Bonus: Oksana Masters article from “The Player’s Tribune” https://projects.theplayerstribune.com/oksana-masters-the-hard-part-out-loud/p/1 

Follow Misty Copeland: @mistyonpointe Learn about Aveeno x Togethxr's "The Strength Issue":  @aveeno   @Togethxr  Follow Well Played: @wellplayedbytheskimm Follow Blake: @blaaakkkke Follow Caroline: @cghendy

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