Suppose there’s a silver lining to COVID rescheduling sports events because June is shaping up to be the hottest sports month of 2021. But don’t worry, no matter the sport, or even if you’re not into sports at all, there’s something for you.
Summer’s coming,
The Last Night’s Game Team
1. Something we never thought we’d report on – boxing legend Floyd Mayweather returning to the ring to fight YouTube star Logan Paul on June 6 in Miami. It could be spicy after Logan and his brother got into it with Mayweather’s entourage at their pre-fight press conference. After that, Paul had to hire round-the-clock security. It’s bound to be a one-sided fight, but that won’t stop us from tuning in. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMINS
2. After being canceled in 2020, the Baseball College World Series heads back to Omaha (June 19-30). The teams are, of course, happy to be back. Still, the City of Omaha is excited to have the economic driver of a tournament back. According to a study conducted by Creighton University, the tournament had an economic impact of $88.3 million and supported 1,103 year-round jobs in 2019, up from $63.7 million and 777 jobs in 2014. HOME RUN
3. Not to be outdone, the College Softball World Series is headed back to Oklahoma City (June 3-9). Don’t be surprised if you see the G.O.A.T. Tom Brady in the stands as his niece Maya Brady plays for UCLA, and he hasn’t been shy about his loyalty to the Bruins women. Oklahoma, Alabama, Oklahoma State, Florida State, Arizona, Georgia and James Madison all join UCLA in the hunt for a national title. LADIES WHO LOVE THE LONG BALL
4. Getting us excited for next month’s Summer Olympics, the U.S. Women’s National Team (soccer) will play in a Summer Series. They’ll play Portugal, Jamaica and Nigeria between June 10-16. Their matchup against Nigeria will be the first event to christen the new Austin FC stadium, of which the Minister of Culture himself, Matthew McConaughey, is an owner. BRING ‘EM OUT
5. Don’t forget the sports that are in the midst of the playoffs this month.
The NHL (National Hockey League) playoffs are in full swing, and so many teams with big-name players like Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins) are out, so it’s getting exciting. Last year's champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning, are looking to repeat when the Stanley Cup playoffs end July 15.
The NBA (National Basketball Association) playoffs are in full swing (they wrap July 23), and the rowdy and debaucherous fans have nothing on the drive on the court. So will defending champions LeBron James and his Los Angeles Lakers hoist the trophy again, or can the Brooklyn Nets, with their three superstars James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, win it all?