Gold Thongs, Chicken Parm + Dirty Drawers: Inside Sports Superstitions
Gold undies and four-sauce chicken parmesan.
Instagram/Michael Rubin
Gold thongs, table smashing, and four-sauce chicken parmesan.
Nope, not a new Vegas act, just a few of the superstitions we’re talking about in this week’s episode of Last Night’s Game. Join Amy and Scott as they unpack the wildest athlete routines and fan rituals, from Sidney Crosby’s no-mom rule to Tom Brady’s pregame naps.
We’ll cover:
The difference between a tradition and a superstition
Why fans refusing to move from the couch might be the real MVPs
The smelly, strange, and sometimes sweet logic behind pregame routines
Easy ways to spot and join in fan culture when you’re at a game
Whether you're superstitious or just a little stitious, this episode is full of fun, facts, and stories to steal for your next social gathering.
The Last Night's Game podcast is here to take the awkwardness out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email us at theteam@lastnightsgame.com.
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We know you're busy, so we've added a short 1-3 minute podcast on Monday and Friday so you can catch us on the go wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE
Check out our Tailgate Treats for our fan favorites. GOOD STUFF
From audibles to Omahas to helmets with the green dot, there is no need to break out your decoder rings. We're talking NFL play calling. How hard can it be? LISTEN
Who Owns Your Favorite Team? Inside The Celebrity Sports Team Takeover
Team Owners, But Make It Famous
From Tom Brady’s all-in on Las Vegas to Serena Williams buying into a new WNBA team, this week’s episode dives into the surprising list of athletes (and a few entertainers) who are calling the shots off the field.
We’re talking:
What it takes to buy into a sports team (spoiler: sometimes just oranges at halftime)
Why eSports is the new frontier for investor-athletes
How fan loyalty makes NASCAR a business worth watching
The smart plays behind Angel City FC, Inter Miami, and Wrexham
If you’ve ever watched a game and wondered who owns this team?, this one’s for you.
The Last Night's Game podcast is here to take the awkwardness out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email us at theteam@lastnightsgame.com.
Other posts you might enjoy
We know you're busy, so we've added a short 1-3 minute podcast on Monday and Friday so you can catch us on the go wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE
Check out our Tailgate Treats for our fan favorites. GOOD STUFF
From audibles to Omahas to helmets with the green dot, there is no need to break out your decoder rings. We're talking NFL play calling. How hard can it be? LISTEN
Athletes Who Own Professional Sports Teams
Only the best will do.
Photo: Instagram/David Beckham
(Podcast length - 5 mins)
Have money make money?
Transcript
1. Athletes and the biggest names in Hollywood love investing in women’s sports, especially the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League). Angel City FChas the most notable investors, including Jennifer Garner, Natalie Portman, Eva Longoria and athletes Mia Hamm, Serena Williams, Candace Parker and her daughter Lailaa and tennis icon and activist Billie Jean King. Not to be outdone, NHL (National Hockey League) superstar Alex Ovechkin (Washington Spirit) and the No. 2 tennis player in the world (and the highest-paid female athlete ever) Naomi Osaka, is now an owner of North Carolina Courage. SMART INVESTING
2. The hot ticket item (after an NWSL team) is buying a stake in a NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) team. Both Michael Jordan and Mr. Worldwide himself, Pitbull, became owners of a NASCAR team before this year’s season started. Jordan’s team is a new team led by the only Black driver in the pro circuit of NASCAR, Bubba Wallace. The car features Jordan’s longtime jersey number No. 23. Pitbull is the co-owner of the Trackhouse Racing Team, which has the No. 99 car of Daniel Suarez. FAST MONEY
3. Joining Justin Timberlake as an NBA (National Basketball Association) owner are the NFL’s (National Football League) Larry Fitzgerald (Phoenix Suns) and Aaron Rodgers (Milwaukee Bucks). Former NBA players Shaquille O’Neal (Sacramento Kings) and Dwyane Wade (Utah Jazz) have diversified their assets with team ownership. HOOP DREAMS
4. One sport that you might not think of is Esports. The sport is the fastest growing sport globally, with viewers watching more than 2.1 billion hours of Esports videos worldwide. You may have heard of cities across the country building dedicated Esports arenas, and that’s why. David Beckham, also the owner of Inter Miami CF (MLS), launched Guild Esports in 2020. The company has already gone public on the London Stock Exchange. He joins the long list of athlete investors in Esports, including Steph Curry (Team SoloMid), Alex Rodriguez (NRG Esports), Michael Jordan (aXiomatic), Michael Strahan (NRG Esports) and Mike Tyson (Team Fade 2 Karma). NUMBERS DON’T LIE
5. LeBron James has his hands in everything and it all seems to be turning to gold with his stake in Liverpool FC, who won the UEFA Championship in 2019. Also looking for a return on their investment is the NBA’s Kevin Durant, an owner of the Philadelphia Union (MLS – Major League Soccer). GOAL!
Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or a networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.
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Everyday They're Hustlin'
Athletes and the unique ways they make money off the court.
(Podcast length 4:53 - transcript is below)
Athletes make millions for their time spent on the field, but it’s how they parlay that into side hustles that ensures them a comfortable retirement.
Transcript
1. Just because they wear uniforms doesn’t mean these athletes aren’t into fashion. (It just takes them less time to get dressed for work than most of us). Led by Megan Rapinoe, four members of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team launched a gender-neutral clothing line earlier this year called Re—inc. On the men’s side, Russell Westbrook is known for his sometimes over-the-top postgame press conference looks. He launched Honor The Gift, featuring athleisure-driven clothing as well as high-end athletic wear called Westbrook XO for Barneys. Other proud owners of a fashion-related business are Serena Williams (Serena), Tony Hawk (Birdhouse and Hawk Clothing), Venus Williams (EleVen) and Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7). FASHION MEETS FITNESS
2. These athletes have an appetite for a return on investment. Enter in pizza. Yes, everyone’s favorite dinner is also a hot investment for these NBA players. If you eat at Blaze Pizza (LeBron James), Pieology (Kevin Durant), 800* (Dwyane Wade) or order from Papa John’s (Shaq) you’re supporting the cause. FAST CASUAL FTW
3. If sports are your life, why not buy part of a team? Diversifying their assets into an NBA (National Basketball Association) team, Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals bought into the Phoenix Suns and Aaron Rodgers owns a share of the Milwaukee Bucks. It seems like everyone joined Will Ferrell in buying a stake in a soccer team. Kevin Durant, Russell Wilson and Ciara, James Harden, Oscar De La Hoya and David Beckham are all partial owners of an MLS (Major League Soccer) team. LeBron James took it to another level investing $6.5M in Premiere League team, Liverpool FC in 2011. IN IT FOR THE GATORADE
4. Even though they’re used to being in the spotlight on the court, these basketball players are behind the scenes when it comes to movies. Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Steph Curry are all involved in production and entertainment companies that have their hands in movies. You might remember Steph Curry’s most recent work as executive producer of “Jump Shot: The Movie.” (Great movie BTW). ON THE SILVER SCREEN
5. Last year, people watched 6.6 billion hours of esports videos worldwide. Jumping on that trend with their wallets in hand are celebrities from Michael Jordan to Mark Cuban to Alex Rodriguez. These esports teams are so popular that they resemble a race car driver covered in sponsor logos when they play. These players are making a ton of money, with the top three players in the world pulling in $3.16M in prize earnings last year. HOPE IT PAYS DIVIDENDS
Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We breakdown what's happening in sports in an easy to understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or a networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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How Esports Saved The Day
While other sports are down and out, this sport is soaring. This isn’t your mama’s Mario Kart.
(Podcast length 4:35 - transcript is below)
Even with a massive fan base, this sport requires no social distancing. Prepare to have your mind blown.
Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We breakdown what's happening in sports in an easy to understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or a networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
[Transcript]
1. Esports are based on multiplayer video games. The profession as we know it started off in a league of their own, but traditional sports leagues have jumped on the bandwagon (see below). Professional gamers play in tournaments and online. Online play will attract over 100,000 viewers who watch through Twitch, owned by Amazon, or YouTube. If you think that’s odd, on Sundays we all gather around to watch guys play football on TV. SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT
2. Last year, people watched 6.6 billion hours of esports videos worldwide. The best part is that competition often doesn’t require hand washing or social distancing. Tournaments are often dictated by the game (i.e. Call of Duty) or esports gaming leagues (i.e. NBA 2K or Major League Gaming). Games are categorized by PC (computer) or console (i.e. Xbox). THESE GROWTH NUMBERS ARE CRAZY
3. Everyone wants a piece of the sport. Players resemble race car drivers with sponsor logos all over their tournament clothes. Coke and Nissan are on board and Red Bull has a massive portfolio of esports teams. And these players are making a ton of money, with the top three players in the world pulling in $3.16M in prize earnings last year. If that's not enough, universities are now offering esports scholarships. THIS AIN’T YOUR MAMA’S MARIO KART
4. This week the NBA (National Basketball Association) will launch a NBA 2k (a video game) tournament featuring 16 NBA players in a 10-day video game tournament that will air on ESPN. The league is hoping to bring “live basketball” back to your living room since we’re all feeling the void of professional sports. HITTING THE HARDWOOD
5. F1 (Formula One), MLB (Major League Baseball) and NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) are all jumping on board with leagues of their own. NASCAR broke its own viewership records with their new eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series – real drivers racing on real racetracks…virtually. The series is being covered live on Fox Sports. LET’S GO CRAZY