The 5 Wackiest People To Own A Sports Team

And you thought the words eccentric and slightly crazy were only reserved for your family reunion. These guys take the cake.

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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 and make sure to leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

[Transcript]

1. James Dolan is frequently referred to as the worst owner in sports. While his New York Knicks (NBA – National Basketball Association) are amongst the most valuable sports franchises, they haven’t made the playoffs in six years. Dolan is known for his hatred of the media, tossing fans and banning former players for criticizing him. He’s the head of the family business, Madison Square Garden Company, which owns, to name a few, the Knicks and New York Rangers (NHL – National Hockey League). He was recently sued by his shareholders for spending too much time out of the office with his band where he’s the lead singer, guitarist and kazoo player. JUGGLING A LOT OF BALLS 

2. Mark Davis took over the Oakland Raiders (NFL - National Football League) from his controversial owner father Al Davis. The younger Davis is worth $500 million (the lowest net worth of any NFL owner), drives a 1997 Dodge Caravan, travels 400 miles to Palm Springs to get his hair cut (which resembles Jim Carrey in “Dumb and Dumber”) and eats at P.F. Chang’s every day. Luckily for him, there are plenty of Chang’s in Las Vegas where the team will be relocating in 2020. SO YOU‘RE SAYING THERE’S A CHANCE?

3. Taking over after his dad moved the Colts (NFL) from Baltimore to Indianapolis in the middle of the night, Jim Irsay has lived an unpredictable and fast life. He’s spent it partying (while picking up a few DUIs) and buying relics that some would admire (like John Lennon’s Sgt. Pepper Piano) and some unusual ones (like the founding documents for Alcoholics Anonymous at the cost of $2.4M). NOT A GET OUT OF JAIL FREE CARD

4. When researching Steve Ballmer, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), the words “he went bananas” appeared in far too many articles. The former Microsoft CEO and richest owner in the NBA's zest for life recently landed him the first meme of the NBA season during his very, very enthusiastic introduction of his team’s two new players. He’s screamed at games until he’s red in the face, danced at his courtside seats and his overall game day antics are better than watching the game itself. EXCITED IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT

5. Rounding out the list is Dallas Cowboys (NFL) owner Jerry Jones. When he bought the team 30 years ago for $140 million (now worth $5B), he promptly fired the only head coach Cowboys fans ever knew, Tom Landry. The team hasn’t won a Super Bowl since 1995 but surely that has nothing to do with the fact that he’s woven himself into personnel and on-the-field decisions, serving as the owner and the general manager. Not to be outdone, there’s his awkward take on contract negation discussions. Now he sails the seas on his new 357-foot-long, $250 Million super yacht. (The yacht is as long as a football field). SAILING TAKES ME AWAY

Help us help you by leaving us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

The Ridiculous Day That Is ESPN8: The Ocho - The 5 Things You Need To Know

One day of absurd sports from around the globe, bookended by “Dodgeball: The Movie.” From lawn mower racing to pizza acrobatics, how could you go wrong?

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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 and make sure to leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

[Transcript]

1. Inspired by the Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn flick “Dodgeball” The Movie,” ESPN8: The Ocho is in its third year. While the past two years have been on August 8 this year’s takeover is on August 7 because of preseason NFL (National Football League) football. It’s still the eighth month so guess we’ll let that slide. BOLD STRATEGY, COTTON

2. You knew your life was missing something and it was clearly lawn mower racing. Yes, racing around the track on riding lawn mowers. The mower must have originally been designed and sold commercially to mow lawns but the blades are removed for racing. Another interesting specification is that the mower must remain suitable for lawn cutting, with the exception of certain approved modifications. BURNING RUBBER

3. Since pizza isn’t fun enough, let’s talk pizza acrobatics, another event featured on The Ocho. This cheesy event, which has been around since the 80s, will feature the “LeBron James of pizza acrobatics,” five-time world champ Tony Gemignani. A pizza acrobatics routine features tricks like simultaneously rolling two pizza doughs across your shoulders, is typically 2-3 minutes long and is choreographed to music. NOT KETO FRIENDLY

4. Ever wondered what to do with those pits in the cherry? How about spit them for a world record? The Ocho will air the 46th Annual Cherry Pit Spitting Championship because why not? (Don’t Google it because it’s not airing live and it’ll spoil the surprise). There’s a men’s, women’s, dignitary and youth division. THAT’S A TALENT MADE FOR TAILGATING

5. Other events on Wednesday include spikeball, axe throwing, chess boxing, arm wrestling, Stupid Robot Fighting League and of course, dodgeball. The day will start and finish with a showing of “Dodgeball: The Movie” because what else are Wednesdays made for? BLOCKING OUT CALENDAR NOW

Help us help you by leaving us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Gnarly! The 5 Things You Need To Know About The X Games

Grab your helmet because it's about to get dangerous.

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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 and make sure to leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

[Transcript]

1. The first Extreme Games were started by ESPN in 1995 with the idea that they would be every two years. But the fans loved it and the games evolved into to an annual contest. In 1996, the X Games as we know it, became a reality with the first Winter Games taking place in 1997. This year’s Summer Games take place on August 1 - 4 in Minneapolis, MN. LET’S GET CRAZY 

2. At the heart of the X Games is the Shred Hate campaign. The campaign talks about how sports can provide a safe harbor from bullying or create it; that many of their athletes didn’t fit into traditional sports. So they created a campaign that takes a stand against bullying through partnerships with innovative bullying prevention programs in the country. TAKE A STAND

3. The popularity of the sport of skateboarding skyrocketed partly because of the X Games. Now skateboarding will make its Summer Olympics debut in Tokyo in 2020. Watch for the “Flying Tomato” himself, Shaun White, who is the first athlete to win in both the summer and winter X Games. It may be a long road as skateboarding Olympians will compete in street and park events and White’s expertise is the vert. Also look out for Brighton Zeuner. At age 13, she became the youngest athlete in the X Games’ 21-year history to take home gold and is hoping to qualify for Tokyo. GET IT GIRL

4. We all remember the man, the myth and the legend, Tony Hawk. Well, these games mark the 20th anniversary of his famed 900 (two-and-a-half rotations = 900 degrees) on a skateboard, something that had never been done before. It took him 10 years of practice, a broken rib, lost teeth and several concussions but in 1999, he landed the iconic trick. (Now the 1080 is the trick to land). PERSISTENCE IS EVERYTHING

5. Skateboarding isn’t the only soon-to-be global sport, BMX freestyle is coming to the 2020 Summer Olympics as well. BMX has grown faster than the CBD craze, with the first World Cup taking place in 2016. What is BMX freestyle? In two one-minute runs each, riders will be judged on the difficulty, originality, style, flow, risk, height and execution of their tricks and jumps. THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

Help us help you by leaving us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

5 Summer Olympic Storylines To Follow

This week marks one year until the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. They’re already off to a better start than Rio (although that’s probably no surprise to anyone) and there are new athletes and events in the spotlight.

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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 and make sure to leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

[Transcript]

1. Baseball and softball are on the dance card for the first time in 12 years. A women’s softball game will be the first event of the 2020 Olympics. It’s being held two days before the Opening Ceremony and will be played in Fukushima, the site of the 2011 nuclear plant meltdowns. YOU GLOW GIRL HAS A WHOLE NEW MEANING

2. Karate, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing will make their Olympic debuts. Hopes are that by adding these sports, more millennials fall in love with the Olympics but here’s one for the “old” guys. There’s talk that 47-year-old surfing icon Kelly Slater might make a run at the inaugural event in Tokyo. NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S GAMES

3. Some of your favorite Americans are expected to return to Tokyo. The U.S. women soccer team is eyeing their first World Cup-Olympic back-to-back championships, Simone Biles will be the veteran on the gymnastics team, the “Flying Tomato” Shaun White could swap a snowboard for a skateboard and the queen of track Allyson Felix, is on her journey back after an emergency C-section in November sidelined her.  HI OLD FRIEND

4. Sponsors are clearly excited about the games with $3 billion already spent on domestic sponsorships, a record three times more than any other Summer Olympics. Mother Earth is excited too because the medals will all be made out of recycled gadgets, i.e. that old cell phone. SPIRIT FINGERS

5. A storyline that has continued to surface in sports is inequality and it’s not bound to slow down with the Olympic games. The International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) limits the ability of certain athletes with high levels of testosterone to compete as women. Enter South African runner Caster Semenya who claims the IAAF used her as a guinea pig to see how regulating her testosterone levels via medication affected her performance on the track. Then there’s New Zealand’s Laurel Hubbard, who could become the first openly transgender athlete to compete in the Olympics. Hubbard, who formerly competed as Gavin Hubbard, began transitioning six years ago and has been taking the weightlifting world by storm. THE CENTER OF DISCUSSION

Help us help you by leaving us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

The 5 Things You Need To Know About The Tour De France

Booze, castles and cycling with reckless abandonment = the recipe for the perfect spectator sport. 

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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 and make sure to leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

[Transcript]

1. The average cyclist spends up to six hours a day on a bike and will burn 4,000 – 5,000 calories in each stage. By the end of the race they’ve burned the equivalent of 252 McDonald’s double cheeseburgers. The best diet was from the 1904 winner, Henri Cornet, who drank hot chocolate, champagne, tea and ate rice pudding as his food rations. CHAMPS ON A BIKE? AN AVERAGE SUNDAY FUNDAY

2. While the Peloton is what makes your thighs and buns burn during your home workout, in the Tour a peloton is the pack of lead riders grouped together. (Probably also makes the buns burn). Hopefully part of that peloton? The four cyclists from the U.S. that are in the race. Who won’t be? Chris Froome. The four-time winner is not racing this year after injuries sustained from a crash. WHAT GOES UP, MUST COME DOWN

3. Until the 1960s it was common for participants to drink alcohol to numb the pain. Despite its 'healing power,' alcohol was later banned because it's a stimulant. BOTTOMS UP

4. One of the crazier traditions of the Tour has nothing to do with the guys in the race. It has become an annual thing for mountain bikers to jump over the pack of riders during a stage of the race. Think Jackass meets big air. SAYONARA TEETH

5. To the riders, it’s not all about the Benjamins. After enduring 21 stages of 2,200 miles through two countries (Belgium and France) over 23 days with only two days of rest, the winner takes home a check for $560,620. (For comparison sake, the Wimbledon winners won $2.92 million). MIGHT WANT TO RAISE THAT HOURLY RATE

Want something a little more interactive or simply to relive what the Tour was like when drinking was allowed? Check out the Tour de Franzia - a drinking game that pays homage to the race with boxed wine.

Help us help you by leaving us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

5 Times Sports Imitated An Episode Of Real Housewives

You didn’t think Bravo was the only one with all the drama?

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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.

[Transcript]

1. The “Malice at the Palace” makes the infamous Teresa table flip look like child’s play. A 2004 tussle on the court led to a fan throwing a beer on Detroit Pistons’ Ron Artest (NBA – National Basketball Association). Instead of having security take care of it, Artest charged up into the stands and beat the crap out of said beer thrower. As you can imagine, the league didn’t think highly of this and Artest was suspended for the rest of the season (and the incident was about four weeks into the season). THERE’S NO “I” IN TEAM

2. “The Scum Bunch” might be how fans feel about some of the men on the series, but they had nothing on the dastardly deeds of the 1986 New York Mets team. (“The Scum Bunch” was the nicest thing that was said about the team that we could put in print). There were tales of members of the team destroying airplanes by throwing cake and steaks (different flights), doing performance enhancing drugs and massive lines of cocaine, drinking, chasing women, fighting and the list goes on. Somehow they still managed to get their butts on the field, play baseball and win a World Series. HEATHER DUBROW COULD TEACH THEM A THING OR TWO ABOUT CLASS

3. From diva behavior to seriously expensive cars to an extensive sneaker collection that even Lisa Vanderpump would envy, Antonio Brown is in a league of his own. The now member of the Oakland Raiders (NFL – National Football League) his former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, had no choice but to trade him. He was benched for one of the most important games of the season last year for his antics. He secretly recorded locker room talk, battled with his quarterback and in the off-season posted puzzling, cryptic Facebook posts like the one asking fans to call him “Mr. Big Chest.” He recently had a run in with the law for throwing furniture out of a high rise condo building balcony. SAVE THE DRAMA FOR YOUR MAMA

4. John McEnroe (tennis) was once described as “Pablo Picasso using a tennis racquet instead of a paintbrush.” While talented, he had a short fuse and was known for breaking rackets, massive fights with the umpires and a mouth that spouted obscenities like a fountain. Enter the McEnroe of this generation, Australian Nick Kyrgios, who doesn’t quite have the trophies McEnroe had to back it up. Known for his hot head, he stirred up controversy at Wimbledon by refusing to apologize for nailing his opponent, Rafael Nadal, with a forehand. Kyrgios later admitted he was trying to hit him but wouldn't apologize. (Kyrgios lost to Nadal). FOR BETTER OR WORSE, AT LEAST IT WASN’T A PROSTHETIC LEG

5. The 1985 Chicago Bears team was ahead of their time. They were essentially the love child of an Andy Cohen baby shower and "Animal House." It started a dominant defense, flamboyant and outspoken quarterback, Jim McMahon, a coaching staff with egos the size of Texas and then there was the partying. They were so sure of their Super Bowl win, that they spent the week before the game partying as hard as they could in New Orleans. They wrapped that season up with the infamous Super Bowl Shuffle rap song. (If you don’t know what we’re talking about, you have to watch this). AT LEAST THERE WE’RE NO CELLPHONE VIDEOS THEN

The 5 Most Memorable National Anthem Performances

For better or worse….

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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.

[Transcript]

1. College bands were originally called upon to play the Star-Spangled Banner before the Super Bowl. Diana Ross was the first pop star to sing the anthem before the big game in 1982. The longest rendition of the anthem at the Super Bowl? Alicia Keys at 156.4 seconds. Shortest? Billy Joel at 90 seconds. THAT WAS QUICK

2. Roseanne Barr’s performance at a San Diego Padres (MLB – Major League Baseball) game was not music to your ears. Her shrieking of the anthem (and crotch grab afterward) reminded us that she should never quit her day job. THIS IS WHY A MUTE BUTTON WAS INVENTED

3. Another not so fan favorite? Fergie’s “outside the box" rendition at the NBA (National Basketball Association) All-Star Game that had even the players trying not to laugh. LISTEN AT YOUR OWN RISK

4. That voice. The headband. The 90s jumpsuit. Whitney Houston’s performance of the anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl goes down as the best in the business. INSTANT CLASSIC

5. At 96-years-old, Pete DuPré dutifully represented the same country he pledged his life to by playing the national anthem on his harmonica. The WWII veteran, “Harmonica Pete,” as he is known, played a stunning rendition of the anthem before a U.S. Women’s Soccer game this year and of course brought the crowd to their feet. LEGENDARY

Thanks to ESPN and YouTube for the clips of these audio gems.

ACE THIS - THE 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WIMBLEDON

Because wearing your Wimbledon whites without the fear of bird poop is where it’s at. 

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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.

[Transcript]

1. The oldest tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledon, starts on July 1. It’s the only Grand Slam Tournament (one of four during the season) that takes place on a grass court. GET OFF MY LAWN

2. While the tourney isn’t generous with their trophies, they are progressive when it comes to equal pay. For the eighth year in a row, the prize money has increased with both the men’s and women’s winner taking home a check for $3.06 million. Although they don’t get the keep the trophy – the winner receives a replica. WIN SOME, LOSE SOME

3. There’s a strict dress code at the prestigious tournament, requiring players to wear all white. And we all know that nothing ruins your summer whites like bird poop. Luckily you don’t have to worry about that at Wimbledon. Rufus is a specially trained hawk that keeps other birds off of the courts. (Seriously, have they thought of everything)? EYES LIKE A HAWK

4. The tennis balls are replaced every seven to nine games to make sure they’re kept in perfect shape. It’s no wonder more than 54,000 tennis balls are used during the two week tournament. But did you know that tennis balls used to be white or black, not yellow. They were changed to yellow to make it easier for the TV viewer to see the ball, but Wimbledon was a late adopter to the color change, waiting until the 80s.  HOLY BALLS

5. Grunting is something no longer left to gremlins and grumpy old men. Even the classiest of tennis players vocalize their play. While you may think this is a new thing, Monica Seles and Jimmy Connors are known as the original creators of the tennis grunt. The loudest one on the court? Russia’s Maria Sharapova at 105 decibels – the equivalent of standing next to an accelerating motorcycle. THAT’S NOT AWKWARD AT ALL

Want to be able to dive into the details? Here’s how to speak tennis like the pros and keep score.

THE 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE COLLEGE WORLD SERIES

For many college is a time to experiment and life your best life. And then there are these overachievers.

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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.

[Transcript]

1. If you thought people only flocked to Omaha for the big Warren Buffett annual meeting, you’d be wrong. More than 350,000 fans with their economic impact of $70 million, head to Omaha to catch a game or two of the College Baseball World Series. The series has been played in the city since 1950 but wasn’t profitable for 10 of the first 12 years. Thanks to four generous Omahans, the series, which is now profitable, still calls the city home. ROLLING OUT THE WELCOME MAT

2. While the Reuben was created in Omaha, the stadium boasts other foodie favorites like lobster truffle fries, pimento cheese pretzels and massive nachos shaped like home plate. BUSTING THE BATHING SUIT BOD

3. Michigan should win the Miss Congeniality award of the tournament. Not only are they embracing their underdog role but their coach had everyone shaking their heads in agreement during an interview. He talked about how the cost of participating in sports is unachievable for so many kids. Therefore, he works hard when recruiting and awarding scholarships, saying “We think our roster should look like the United States of America.” MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE


4. Some of the highlights of the tournament so far are the fan who caught a home run and then valiantly chugged his beer. Not to be outdone, the worst slide you’ve ever seen. MEDIC STAT


5. There are eight teams in the double elimination tournament that started last week and runs through June 25. Keep an eye on Vanderbilt for two reasons. One, they’re the favorite to win it all. And two, the “Vandy whistler” (there’s actually two of them) are annoying the heck out of everyone and are on the verge of ejection. MAYBE THEY SHOULD FEED THEM SALTINE CRACKERS

THE 5 BEST ATHLETE DADS AND THEIR EQUALLY ATHLETIC KIDS

It runs in the family.

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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.

[Transcript]

1. Laila Ali had big shoes to fill when she followed in her dad’s footsteps. Her father was the one and only, the “World’s Greatest,” boxer Muhammed Ali. A boxing champion herself, she's also a television personality and fitness guru who has appeared on shows such as American Gladiator and Dancing With The Stars. LIGHT ON THEIR FEET

2. NASCAR’s (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) dynamic duo was Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Earnhardt Jr. Papa Earnhardt died from injuries sustained in a crash at the Daytona 500 at the age of 49. Earnhardt Jr. won that same race three years later in 2004. Earnhardt Jr.'s grandfather was also a NASCAR driver and his nephew races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. ONE FAST FAMILY

3. Basketball greatness runs in the family for the NBA (National Basketball Association) Champion and two-time league MVP, Stephen Curry. His father Dell, is the all-time leader in points and three pointers for the Charlotte Hornets. Steph’s youngest brother Seth plays basketball for the Portland Trail Blazers. They’re the first brothers to face off in the NBA conference finals. ONE OF THEM HAS TO BE YOUR FAVORITE KID

4. Her dad, two-time Hall of Famer Rick Flair, is considered one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, and wrestler Charlotte Flair is living up to his legacy. The college volleyball player turned WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) star has been a trailblazer for women in WWE, with nine championships to her name. “The Queen” was also the first WWE star to grace the pages of ESPN The Magazine’s Body Issue. ROYAL FAMILY

5. You can’t have a list of famous fathers and their kids without mentioning the ultimate trio – the Manning crew. Dad, Archie Manning was a NFL (National Football League) quarterback for 15 years. His quarterback sons Peyton and Eli have both won two Super Bowls. Their third brother Cooper, is ‘only’ a partner in a law firm and a TV personality. Cooper’s son, Arch, is keeping the family name alive as an impressive high school football prospect. A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK

The 5 Things You Need To Know About The Women's World Cup

Proud to "play like a girl."

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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.

[Transcript]

1. Starting on Friday, June 7, 24 teams representing their countries will take the field in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. Team U.S.A is the defending champion and they’re the favorite this year as well. Watch out for Germany which is also a strong contender. Games will be played in nine picturesque host cities - Grenoble, Le Havre, Lyon, Montpellier, Nice, Paris, Reims, Rennes and Valenciennes. WINE, CHEESE AND SOCCER 

2. Jamaica is the first Caribbean team to qualify for the Women’s World Cup. The team, known as the “Reggae Girlz,” was all but dismantled three years ago. With the help of Bob Marley’s daughter and the Bob Marley Foundation, the team will play in their first World Cup. Keep an eye on their star player Bunny Shaw. REDEMPTION SONG

 
3. Equal pay has been a huge point of contention in women’s soccer. Luna Bar has stepped in to pay the difference between the U.S. Men's and Women's World Cup bonuses ($31,250) and Adidas announced that their sponsored female athletes will receive the same bonuses as their male counterparts.

This year’s winning team will return home $4 million richer, with over $30 million in prize money being handed out. For comparison, the prize money for the 2018 Men's World Cup was $400 million, with winners France taking home $38 million. (Note - the U.S. Men’s team did not qualify for the 2018 World Cup). NOT QUITE THERE YET 

4. And because passion is so important, a chicken with "a passion for life and football (i.e. soccer)" named Ettie is the World Cup’s mascot. In case you thought they looked alike, yes Ettie is the daughter of the 1998 Men’s World Cup mascot. WHO YOU CALLING CHICKEN?

5. Instant gratification is coming to the World Cup. For the first time ever, the referees will have access to instant replay. (It was first used in the men’s tournament last year). YOU’RE ON CANDID CAMERA

5 Epic Adventures Of The Stanley Cup

In your next life you'll want to come back as the famed trophy.

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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.

[Transcript]

The Stanley Cup is likely the most recognized trophy in North America and it’s the trophy the NHL (National Hockey League) Champions receive. As we speak, the Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues are vying for the Stanley Cup in the NHL Finals. Each player on the winning team gets to spend a day with the trophy doing whatever they want. The trophy also has its own Twitter account so you can follow its wild, sometimes spring break-like adventures.

1. Last year’s Finals MVP, Alex Ovechkin from the Washington Capitals, has been waiting a long time for his chance with the Stanley Cup and he made it worth it. From keg stands, to filling it with caviar, then champagne and then taking it to the World Cup (soccer) in Russia. IN MY NEXT LIFE I WANT TO BE THE STANLEY CUP

2. The trophy and its handler since 1989, Phil Pritchard, have spent a lot of time with the military but in 2007, the Cup made its first visit to a combat zone when it visited Afghanistan. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

3. Spending the day with the trophy is an out of this world experience. The trophy spent time on the flight deck of the space shuttle Atlantis. INTERGALACTIC HOCKEY ANYONE?

4. Seriously, the Cup has seen it all including a strip club where it was used as part of a performance, a player’s shower, a star-studded Malibu house party and a proposal and it has been used as a baptismal font, a horse trough and a dog bowl. THE TROPHY HAS LIVED A FULL LIFE 

5. You’d think players would treat the coveted trophy with respect but it’s been left on the side of the road, set on fire and then peed on to put out the fire and forgotten in a garden after a photo shoot. SETTING THE WORLD ON FIRE

5 Things You Need To Know About The "Greatest Spectacle In Racing"

What milk, Danica Patrick and fighter jets have to do with the Indy 500.

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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.

[Transcript]

1. The iconic Indianapolis 500 is always a big celebrity draw. For the third time in her career, Kelly Clarkson will sing the national anthem and Christian Bale and Matt Damon will wave the green start flag. The two actors are using this huge honor to promote their upcoming film based on the 1966 24-hour Le Mans endurance race. (Different kind of car racing, but it’s still racing). DRIVERS, START YOUR ENGINES

2. Because life’s too short to have a boring race car. The car for Indiana native Conor Daly, who you might recognize from “Amazing Race,” will be painted to look like an Air Force fighter jet. COPS CAN’T CATCH HIM

3. He starts your mornings off right, so he seemed the logical choice to start the race. Al Roker from “The Today Show” had been pegged to drive the pace car but a last-minute conflict changed his plans. Stepping in is a guy who knows a little about racing, retired NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. Earnhardt will take a break from his broadcasting gig to spin around the track. (NASCAR is different than IndyCar. For more, click here). HERE’S WHAT’S GOING ON IN YOUR NECK OF THE WOODS

4. Joining Earnhardt in the broadcast booth is the first woman to ever lead a lap at the Indy 500, Danica Patrick. Patrick retired from her career in racing last year and has driven both in IndyCar and NASCAR. Another gal to keep an eye on is Pippa Mann, the only female driver in the race. ON THE FAST TRACK

5. Move over Gatorade, milk is the drink of the winners at International Motor Speedway. The tradition that involves the winner swigging milk began in 1936 with Louis Meyer, whose go to drink after a win was a refreshing glass of milk. The act was spotted by an overjoyed milk executive and the rest is history. MILK…IT QUENCHES YOUR THIRST, SAID NO ONE EVER

Behind The Whistle - 5 Things To Know About The Life Of An NBA Referee

Do you look good in stripes and are considering a career change? Update your LinkedIn profile because this job’s for you.

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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.

[Transcript]

1. While you’re going to have to work your way up through the system, NBA (National Basketball Association) referees take home anywhere between $150,000-$550,000, depending on experience. (That’s more than any WNBA – Women’s National Basketball Association - player makes). They receive bonuses for officiating playoff games and the dollar amount depends on the importance of the game (i.e. you make more money working the finals). NAME YOUR PRICE

2. Remember Billy Crystal traveling the nation as an NBA referee in the movie Forget Paris? It wasn’t his best flick but like his character, referees travel for work 25 days a month for eight months. That equates to calling 65-70 games in an 82-game season, not including playoffs. HIT THE ROAD JACK

3. Imagine being called out by your boss every time you present in a meeting. That’s what happens to the referees in the NBA’s two minute reports. The public report critiques the referees’ calls within the last two minutes of the game and overtime. The refs also review tape after games to make sure they’re at the top of their game. AND YOU THOUGHT YOUR ANNUAL REVIEW WAS TOUGH

4. It's not all mental. They have to be physically fit too because they’re running up and down the court for the entire 48 minutes alongside the players. Referees work on their fitness regimen in the off-season like any athlete would and they train their brains by utilizing virtual reality.  GAMING THE GAME

5. There are two women referees who take the court. Ashley Moyer-Gleich and Natalie Sago are the fourth and fifth women in NBA history to become a referee.  CLIMBING THE LADDER

The Fastest Sport On Grass – 5 Things You Need To Know About Lacrosse

Lacrosse is all the rage right now. It seems like everywhere you go (or maybe it’s just us), someone is off to their kid’s game or playing in an adult league. So what the heck is this net game with a stick?

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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.

[Transcript]

1. Lacrosse was started by the Native Americans and was known as stickball. It’s a contact sport with slashes and intense hits to the stick and body. There are 10 players per team – nine players and a goalie. It’s played with a ball (that’s solid rubber and really hard) and crosse (aka a lacrosse stick). Players cannot touch the ball with their hands (with exception of the goalie). SOLID START

2. Lacrosse is taking advantage of the decline in the number of youth playing football, with their numbers increasing over 35% in 5 years. Over 2.2 million Americans participate in the sport. COME ON IN, THE WATER’S FINE

3. The difference between men and women’s lacrosse? There is no body contact in the women’s version therefore body pads and big helmets aren’t required, where the men must wear padding and helmets. THE SMARTER SEX?

4. The Major League Lacrosse (MLL) has been around for years but a new lacrosse league, Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), starts on June1. Started by a former player (he’s also known as lacrosse’s LeBron James), they’ve disrupted the traditional sports business model with a tour-based league (i.e. - no home cities) and no team owners (more money to pay players). They’re also providing better salaries ($25,000 vs $8,000), health insurance and a vesting schedule to give players equity in the league. To top it off, they signed a TV deal with NBC. ROOT FOR THE HOME TEAM. OH WAIT…

5. The biggest lacrosse game of the year isn’t one you’d expect. The FBI will take on the team from the Secret Service in an epic game this weekend in Maryland. Imagine the intelligence that went into those scouting reports. ARE WIRE TAPS IN THE LOCKER ROOM ILLEGAL?

Pony Up - 5 Things You Need To Know About The Kentucky Derby

Ponies, booze and fashion, oh my! 

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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.

[Transcript]

1. The Derby is often referred to as the “most exciting two minutes in sports” because that’s how long it takes for the horses to run the 1¼ mile track. TIME YOUR BATHROOM TRIP RIGHT OR YOU’LL MISS THE WHOLE RACE

2. The favorite horse heading into Saturday’s race, Omaha Beach, was scratched this week before most people could even place their bets. Ever wonder how owners come up with these interesting names? There are a whole slew of rules set forth by the Jockey Club to abide by when naming a horse. Of course, nothing racy is approved but names like Hoochiecoochiemama, Bodacious Tatas and Hardawn (say it aloud) have slipped past the reviewers. WE’D PAY TO HEAR ANNOUNCERS READ THOSE NAMES ON TV

3. The horses are all three-year-old males. You’ll never see a horse win the Derby twice because they’re only allowed to race when they’re three and that’s it. The horses (and their jockey) are competing for the largest-ever guaranteed purse of $3 million, an increase of $1 million from last year. PEAKING EARLY IN LIFE

4. Ever wonder how these high-priced horses get from one race to another? Air Horse One. No, really. They fly on a Boeing 727 cargo plane nicknamed “Air Horse One.” It’s equipped with stalls built around the horse and even inflight snacks. AND YOU THOUGHT BUSINESS CLASS WAS EXPENSIVE

5. We’d be remiss if we didn’t discuss the hats. The long-standing tradition started with a goal to have high-class spectators attend the race. The Derby hat as we know it, didn’t come around until the 1960s when fashion norms loosened up and big, bright and festive were socially acceptable. THE BEST CELEBRITY DERBY HATS  

Watch the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4th live from Churchill Downs at 6:50 EST.

5 Things To Know About Nashville's Party Of The Year - The NFL Draft

Imagine that your entire career is on the line. And if you don't get the job, you'll have to start over. Oh and the entire world is watching. Welcome to the NFL Draft.

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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.

5 Things You Need To Know About The Masters

It's THE golf tournament of the season and the one everyone will be buzzing about.

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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.

The 5 Ballpark Foods To Eat Before You Die

Warning - these are not diet friendly and drooling may occur.

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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.

Batter Up - 5 Things You Need To Know About the 2019 MLB Season

The boys of summer are back so grab your peanuts and cracker jacks and join in Opening Day conversation.

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to 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.