Confidence Boost
Why Team Europe is wearing cheeseheads, the US Olympic Committee is taking a stand on vaccinations, WNBA playoffs are on, and everyone is watching.
No one exudes confidence like you after reading today's weekend preview.
Look out world,
The Last Night's Game Team
WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association)
The WNBA playoffs have begun with the Phoenix Mercury and Chicago Sky winning round one of the single-elimination games. The action on the court is must-see, and the viewership numbers prove it. The regular season viewership numbers are up 49% this season over last. The Las Vegas Aces and defending champion Seattle Storm are the favorites to win it all. WATCH THEM SOAR
Overtime
The Summer Olympics just wrapped up, but that doesn't mean we can't start talking about the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Team USA announced that they will only consider vaccinated athletes for the 2022 Games. LINE IN THE SAND
Sideline stat
Typically when the City of Chicago celebrates the Irish, they dye the river green but not this weekend. The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame will take on Wisconsin at Soldier Field in Chicago. It's the first time these two teams have played in 57 years, and tickets are sold out, with the average StubHub resale ticket price running at $400. ESPN College GameDay will also be broadcasting live from the stadium on Saturday morning. BE THERE OR BE SQUARE
Coaches' corner
The Ryder Cup (golf) is underway, and Team Europe is deep in enemy territory. Their players are trying to win over the fans in Wisconsin (home of the 2021 Ryder Cup) while defending their title. The fans are expected to be a game-changer for Team USA at this year's tournament. In an attempt to make new friends, the players from the European team showed up wearing cheesehead hats – the unofficial headgear of Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin fans. WORTH A SHOT
The Ryder Cup is a biennial competition between the US and Europe and could be one of the most contentious sporting events around. Check out our five things you need to know to learn a little more about why there's no prize money and who could come to blows over a golf game.
The Rundown: Making Connections
Conquer your Monday with the same swagger and confidence as Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps, who will be racing a great white shark during Shark Week in July.
Now that’s what we’re talking about (at the watercooler),
The Last Night’s Game Team
MLB (Major League Baseball)
- Making it look easy. Colorado Rockies standout third baseman Nolan Arenado achieved the tough feat of hitting for the cycle yesterday, completing it with a game winning walk-off home run. Arenado cut his face during the celebration, completing his postgame interviews in a lovely bloody jersey. (Click here for more on a walk-off and see below for more on hitting for the cycle).
WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association)
- Leading the pack. Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi made history yesterday. The Olympic and WNBA Champion is now the all-time leading scorer in WNBA history.
Overtime
- Former UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) fighter Tim Hague, 34, died yesterday just two days after a knockout loss in a boxing match. It's tough news for the boxing world that has been reveling in the buzz surrounding UFC Champion Conor McGregor’s switch over to boxing to fight Floyd Mayweather.
Sideline stat
- Golfer Brooks Koepka won his first major yesterday, the U.S. Open. He smoked his competition, winning by a massive margin (by U.S. Open standards) and collecting a record $2.16 million purse. Broadcaster Joe Buck did not take home a win yesterday, identifying Koepka's post-win kiss recipient as his ex-girlfriend and not his current one. That makes for an awkward moment.
Coaches’ corner
- What does it mean to ‘hit for the cycle?’ When a baseball player hits for the cycle it means in one game (and in no particular order) they hit a single (a hit where they made it to first base), double, triple and a home run.