EDITOR’S NOTE
If you ever needed an example of what not to do in women’s sports, look no further than Sky Sports. Its TikTok channel, Halo, folded just three days after it launched, for reasons that were both obvious and clearly sexist. (As our Well Played cohosts put it, the Notes-app apology left much to the imagination.) If it never made it to your FYP, count yourself lucky. Instead of reducing women’s sports to “hot girl walks,” matcha lattes, and Barbies — here are some of the headlines Halo most likely missed:
Legendary moves: After two World Cup titles and multiple Olympic gold medals, this US Women’s National Team icon is officially getting inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Watch the emotional moment she learned about it (we love Cindy from New Jersey).
Time to play ball: The Women’s Pro Baseball League just announced the location for its inaugural season — and the symbolism hits it out of the park. Meanwhile, meet one of the players: a former Little League phenom who’s ready to take WPBL by storm.
Leaving it on the ice: Every time the Winter Olympics roll around, I’m reminded of how I still don’t know how to ice skate (is it too late to learn?). These Olympic hopefuls competing in Skate America 2025 are dropping incredible moves — and we hope to see many of them in Milan.
Now, let’s get to the rest of the sports headlines…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
Let's Discuss
It's Goal Time
What's going on: The 2025 NWSL Championship is officially set, and we somehow landed on the exact kind of chaos-friendly showdown this league was built for. Facing off on the pitch this weekend: Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit. Both teams fought their way into the championships in wildly dramatic fashion. Gotham defeated the reigning NWSL champs, the Orlando Pride, in the semifinals after rolling in with tunnel-fit swagger. Midfielder Jaedyn Shaw’s 97th-minute goal and Ann-Katrin Berger’s season-saving stop sealed the deal. Meanwhile, Washington got a massive lift from Trinity Rodman’s return (complete with a new hair color) against the Portland Thorns. And Croix Bethune’s tricks against the defense only made for the perfect finish.
Our take: Based on the semis, this championship is expected to be unpredictable, dramatic, and completely up for grabs. Washington looks whole again, Rodman is back in rhythm, and Bethune has big-stage confidence. A win would give the team its second title and close the loop on last season’s heartbreak. Gotham looks just as dangerous and ready to clinch its second title in three years. Oh, and in case you’re into sports superstitions… the last time Gotham came in as the lowest seed, it won the championship.
Related: Jaedyn Shaw Isn’t Here For Your Underdog Comments (Well Played)
Psst…Well Played cohosts, Caroline Hendershot and Blake Morgan, will be at NWSL Fan Fest to record a live podcast. Catch them Saturday at 2 pm PT — details here.
Pick Six
More sports talkers you don't want to miss.
🙏🏽 Fans are sharing their well wishes for Jets cornerback Kris Boyd, who was critically injured after being shot.
💚 Megan Thee Stallion’s SO is waving all the green flags with his latest clapback. Put him back in the starting five.
🥹 This might be the cutest moment on the Jumbotron we’ve ever seen. Don’t worry, the kiss cam isn’t involved.
👀 Is Jordan Chiles manifesting the WAG life? It is cuffing season after all.
🎨 Patrick and Brittany Mahomes painted each other’s portraits, and the results scream: Don’t quit your day job, Pat.
‼️ Walking in on Timothée Chalamet and Adam Sandler at your high school gym? How does it feel to live our dream.
Timeout...
Caroline Hendershot, Well Played cohost and NY Jets reporter, answers your biggest game-day questions.
Wait, what's this about Spitgate in the NFL?
I’m hoping this isn’t becoming a new norm, because this is something no one needs to see trending. It all happened on Sunday during the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals matchup. Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey punched Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase after alleging that Chase spit on him. Ramsey was ejected from the game. Despite Chase’s denial, game footage provided some clear evidence of what happened. The NFL has now suspended Chase for one game without pay. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Spitgate this year. Remember this Eagles-Cowboys matchup?
Related: Aaron Rodgers Didn’t Walk Away Completely Unscathed Either (CBS Sports)
Put Us in, Coach
This week on our sports and pop culture podcast Well Played:
The NBA is having a Freaky Friday moment, but is LeBron the Lindsay Lohan?
We can all agree it’s time to leave Ciara’s uterus alone.
Is the Chiefs’ dynasty done? We’ll remember it all too well…
TOGETHER WITH ALLY X NWSL
Bank On Women
You put in the work at your 9 to 5, so your bank should support you, too. Enter: Ally Bank. They’re passionate about investing in women from the boardroom to the locker room (yep, they’re proud partners of the NWSL). Ally’s smart savings tools automatically scan your spending to spot extra cash and move it straight into your savings — no spreadsheets required. Another perk? Ally Bank account holders get exclusive access to experiences like Ally House — a can’t-miss fan event at the NWSL Championship in San Jose this weekend. Consider it a win for your wallet and your weekend plans.
Boosters are a feature of Ally Bank’s Savings Account. Ally Bank, Member FDIC.
Just Trust Us
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
We found the luxurious skin-boosting serum WNBA star Angel Reese swears by — and it’s under $30.
Our favorite press-ons launched a collab with Fanatics, so you can support your favorite NFL, MLB, or college team in style.
If the guy on your gift list claims he “doesn’t want anything,” these under-$50 gifts will prove him wrong.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
No Notes
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