Wednesday Wisdom
Making sense of the world's most popular sporting league. Plus today's watercooler topics.
According to Retail Brew, you're about to see Heineken in a sports venue near you as they attempt to dive into the light beer space.
Cheers to happy hour options,
The Last Night's Game
Photo: Instagram/premierleague
The premier league and beyond
We're constantly receiving questions about the Premier League and European soccer, so this week's podcast is for you.
European soccer leagues are structured in tiers such as Premier League (England), La Liga (Spain), Bundesliga (Germany), and Serie A (Italy) are all examples of top-tier soccer federations in their respective countries. The Premier League, in particular, stands out for its immense popularity and worldwide viewership. It's important to note that these top-tier leagues are just the tip of the iceberg—with numerous lower-tier leagues beneath them, like the Championship League - home to Wrexham FC, creating a pyramid of competition that caters to clubs at all levels.
With the start of soccer (or football season if you're talking like a local), dive into this week's podcast, "Unraveling the World of European Soccer: A Beginner's Guide to Premier League and Beyond" for a fun, celeb-filled, insightful look into the world's most popular sports league. LISTEN UP
Short and Sweet
ESPN makes a landmark entry into sports betting. A product of the ESPN/Penn Entertainment betting deal, Dave Portnoy buys back shares and now owns 100% of Barstool Sports.
The new Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL - National Football League) facility is high-tech, with hydration sensors in the urinals.
Despite not winning a Super Bowl since 1996, the Dallas Cowboys (NFL) top the list of the most valuable sports franchise in the world at $9.2B. Golden State Warriors (NBA - National Basketball Association) are second at $7.56B.
Sports announcers everywhere are irate after the announcer for the Baltimore Orioles, Kevin Brown, was suspended by the team owner over his on-air reference to the team's previous poor record against the Tampa Bay Rays.
"3 Years, 8 Months, 2 Kids Later," former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki returns to tennis with a win.
Photo: instagram/thesavbananas
Photo by CA Creative on Unsplash
Wednesday Wisdom
Pickleball - hotter than a Taylor Swift concert ticket. Plus today's watercooler topics.
Whether surrounded by colleagues in the boardroom or sipping cocktails at a festive social gathering, there's a timeless icebreaker that never fails to ignite fascinating conversations: sports.
Great success,
The Last Night's Game
Photo: Just Paddles
PIckleball is still having a moment
Pickleball is still one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and so many of you have written us that you're curious about it. We love a sport you can play with your grandma (and she can kick your butt).
While everyone from Leonardo DiCaprio and Kim Kardashian is picking up a paddle, do you know where the name originated from? Although a great story, the game is not named after the founder, Congressman Joel Pritchard's family dog, Pickles (Pickles wasn't alive when the sport was created in 1965).
The sport's name is in reference to local pickle boat races. Yes, the college crew "Pickle Boats" inspired the game's name, but Joel Pritchard confessed he used to confirm the dog story as a funny newspaper interview hoax.
To answer questions like "Why do you yell 'pickle'" and "Why athletic ability isn't necessary," check out this week's podcast. LISTEN UP
Short and Sweet
The Orlando Magic (NBA - National Basketball Association), which touts Disney as a sponsor, donated $50,000 to the super PAC supporting Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' presidential campaign in June.
"ESPN8: The Ocho" returns tomorrow through Saturday. The "Dodgeball: The Movie"-inspired festivities feature athletic competitions you've likely never heard of. New additions this year include arm wrestling, auctioneering, corgi races and dog surfing.
Detroit Lions (NFL - National Football League) coach Dan Campbell wanted to spice things up by having a real Lion on the field, but the league said no. Boo.
The NFL is back with the Hall of Fame preseason game tomorrow night featuring the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns. It'll be Aaron Rodgers' first game as a Jet, but he likely won't play.
Photo: instagram/uswnt
Photo: SpoonfulofSi
Wednesday Wisdom
You agreed to what? Depicting athlete contracts. Plus, today's watercooler topics.
May your Wednesday be as exciting as a championship game but without as much drama as an episode of "Vanderpump Rules."
Smile like you mean it,
The Last Night's Game
Photo: Instagram/nyjets
Athlete contracts - did you know?
From weight loss incentives to mustache wax allowances, the strange clauses wrapped into athlete contracts add a touch of uniqueness and personalization.
Take, for instance, Michael Jordan. One of the greatest basketball players of all time had a clause in his contract that allowed him to play pick-up basketball games whenever he desired, which is a no-no for most players due to the risk of injury. This unusual inclusion showcased Jordan's love for the game and his desire to stay sharp and competitive even outside of official team practices and games.
Clauses may restrict athletes from participating in high-risk activities such as riding hot air balloons, skateboarding, or motorcycles but also provide them with significant incentives for performance. For more on odd inclusions and breaking down some of the terms often heard in the press, check out this week's podcast. LISTEN
Short and Sweet
The tragic news broke yesterday that Bronny, son of LeBron James, suffered cardiac arrest during a workout at USC. The sports world reacted to show support, including the NFL's (National Football League) Damar Hamlin, who went through the same thing. Bronny is out of the ICU and in stable condition.
Anthony Rizzo of the New York Yankees (MLB - Major League Baseball) changed his walk-up song to a Taylor Swift song, and he went 4-4 with a home run.
The USWNT takes on a tough Netherlands squad tonight in the World Cup. Keep your eye on Sophia Smith if she scores as her celebrations honor her late friend and goalkeeper, Katie Meyer.
Sens. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., and Joe Manchin, D-W. Va. introduced a bill regarding college sports, including athletes' activities in making money from their name, image and likeness (NIL).
Photo: instagram/uswnt
Photo by Mockup Graphics on Unsplash
Up Your Game
The world is watching. GUIDE TO THE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
game on
Greek fries with feta - this week's Tailgate Treat is everything you've dreamed of and more. DELISH