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. 

In this episode of Well Played, we also cover:

• What the Fanatics Flag Football classic has to do with the LA28 Olympics
• The details of the WNBA CBA agreement – and why 2026 rookies should be happy
• Why a Brazilian soccer star called out Chappell Roan for shading…Jude Law’s daughter?
• Whether Alvaro Folgueiras actually threw a punch, and why he’s the Fernando Mendoza of college hoops

Send Its:

• Women’s hockey beer league: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWCNF-GjoE0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Sabrina Ionescu drains buckets and beers: https://www.reddit.com/r/wnba/comments/1s16hia/sabrina_ionescu_shotgunning_a_beer_wluke_combs/
• Alysa Liu and Fernando Mendoza team up to play…Fortnite?: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWMMcq1Eb2X/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Miami player’s first stop post-Purdue loss isn’t what you think: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWNevHRjL0l/
• Dr. Lemon, this TCU player needs an extension: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWO3GlekY3u/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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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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Mercury is in retrograde which can only mean one thing — breakups. From Dak Prescott and Sarah Jane Ramos calling off their wedding to Luka Dončić’s fiancée deleting all of her photos with the star hooper, this week gave us nothing but drama in the love department. Plus, Caroline recaps this week’s free agency frenzy and CBS’ betting analyst, Mackenzie Brooks, gives practical advice on how to actually win your March Madness pool. 

In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: 

• Who promptly shut down the Joe Burrow and Jessica Alba dating rumors

• Why some are mad after Sydney Leroux’s annual International Women’s Day post 

• How Tobin Heath’s jersey retirement came full circle, ft. Brandi Chastain 

• Why no one — not even elite athletes like Aryna Sabalenka — is safe from their moms comments on their appearance

Send Its:

• Italians at the World Baseball Classic: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVmhwuWDezX/?hl=en 
• Sydney Leroux’s iconic International Women’s Day post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVpJv2Bj8Fs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&img_index=6 
• Steven’s Institute lax bros support at spelling bee: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVoQ_QMDij2/ 
• Practicing sports is embarrassing: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVoQ_QMDij2/ 

Follow Mackenzie Brooks: @kenzbrooksbets

Follow Well Played: @wellplayedbytheskimm

Follow Blake: @blaaakkkke

Follow Caroline: @cghendy

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Harry Styles ran two marathons and all he got was peeing advice that we may or may not adopt. Heavy on the “may not”. Trinity Rodman and Cameron Brink reminded us that Gen Z almost always finds love using the internet, and made us yearn for the Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and JFK Jr. days of romance (are you team red roses or white orchids?). And in actual sports news, Caroline tells us who to look out for post-NFL Combine.

In this episode of Well Played, we also cover:

• Charles LeClerc’s first wedding – implying there is a second

• How Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong led UCONN women’s basketball to dominance this season

• Comparing the NBA and WNBA’s salary caps ahead of the women’s CBA deadline on March 10 

• Dawn Staley’s advice for Bam Adebayo when it comes to A’ja Wilson 

• A four-for-one Alysa Liu Send It, from her trip to “Watch What Happens Live” to meeting Daniel Radcliffe

Send Its:

• Soccer player gives seagull CPR: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/reels/DVXHV-vkxgj/⁠ 

• UCONN vs. UMass breakaway lights out: ⁠https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/uconn/article/hockey-umass-mullins-center-lights-viral-score-ot-21949129.php⁠ 

• Who’s Alysa Liu’s Olympic crush?: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/p/DVSW-YTFHTn/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=cd0deea4-8a44-408a-be19-2aafadcb19b8⁠ 

• And who’s the mascot who dressed like her?: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/shorts/q_wuyZ33cJs⁠ 

Follow Dawn Staley on IG: @staley05

Follow Well Played on IG: @wellplayedbytheskimm 

Follow Blake on IG: @blaaakkkke 

Follow Caroline on IG: @cghendy 

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Women won big time at the Winter Olympics, taking home more than half of Team USA’s gold medals. But a story involving President Trump and the US men’s hockey team has clouded the moment, raising questions about support for the women. After the team declined a White House visit, Flavor Flav offered to host them instead. Yes, really. Meanwhile, Megan Thee Stallion linked up with Laila Edwards, and figure skater Amber Glenn pushed for more conversation about competing on your period.

Send Its:

• Irvine PD curling PSA: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DU_3DPSElHu/ 

• Bratz Doll x Alysa Liu: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVFCiaFEp-x/?img_index=1 

• Myles Garrett’s poetry: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oJqb-h06gG0 

• Lindsay Vonn’s almost-amputation: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVGlrZuDYhq/ 

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(Almost) the entire pod is about the Olympics this week. Sorry, not sorry. Caroline and Blake beg the question: why are winter Olympic athletes so much more unhinged than the summer ones? From a Norwegian biathlete’s very public cheating confession to a gold medalist’s credit card fraud conviction, we dive deep into the most wild stories from the week.

In this episode, we also cover:

• Why the NFLPA can no longer publish its report cards publicly – and why that’s a loss for the league

• What Joe Judge gets wrong about fatherhood in Trinidad Chambliss’ eligibility testimony

• What Breanna Stewart’s off-season move to play in Turkey could mean for the WNBA season

• A Canadian curling scandal ft. the Swedish…surveillance state? 

Going for the Golds: 

• Milan-Cortina c*ndoms restocked at the village: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2026/02/17/winter-olympics-condom-supply-shortage/88715151007/

• Taylor Swift presents…the “Blade Angels”: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DU1aS--Aan4/?igsh=ZGg3Mm15aTc2NWJl

• Benoit Richaud’s changes outfits more than his skaters: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DU3CTbdjY95/ 

Follow Well Played on IG: @wellplayedbytheskimm 

Blake on IG: @blaaakkkke

Caroline on IG: @cghendy

theSkimm on IG: @theskimm

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After spending eight straight days together, Blake and Caroline are back in NYC with another episode of “Well Played.” We recap our Super Bowl experience with some exclusive intel on the Cardi B and Stefon Diggs break up, say goodnight to the NFL season, and send it to the Winter Olympics which is our collective fixation. 

In this episode, we also cover:

• A special giveaway for one new follower of @wellplayedbytheskimm on IG
• How Lindsay Vonn shut down armchair experts around her recent leg fracture
• Who Surya Bonaly is, and why she’s getting her flowers in the wake of Ilia Malinin’s backflip
• The extremely practical backstory of Bad Bunny’s bush people 
• The Dyson Air Wrap’s missed opportunity at the Winter Olympics

Going for the Golds: 

• Maddie Schiza’s professor is the MVP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PhOOl7PCvw 
• The Winn Brothers winning our hearts: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DUeuk7cjPth/ 
• The unsung hero of the ski jump: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DUcy2jeAq8w/ 
• NJ Devils are salty over these Team USA brothers: https://x.com/wyshynski/status/2020968647259304015?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2020968647259304015%7Ctwgr%5Ede395a3c80c9caf589ba60125b8775e96a2c3718%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fgonepuckwild.com%2Fdevils-quinn-hughes-photoshop-jack-hughes-wild-trade 

Follow Well Played on IG: @wellplayedbytheskimm 

Blake on IG: @blaaakkkke

Caroline on IG: @cghendy

theSkimm on IG: @theskimm

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