Wednesday Wisdom
Fantasy football debunked. Plus today's watercooler topics.
Happy 65th birthday to the one, the only Madonna. What does that have to do with sports? Well, below, we highlight another one-named superstar. That and Madonna has dated a few notable athletes, including Dennis Rodman and Alex Rodriguez.
Lucky star,
The Last Night's Game
Demystifying Fantasy FOotball
Being a fantasy football pro doesn't have to be a fantasy. So much of it is luck and knowing a few key strategies, but the best part might be picking your team name.
Remember, no one is intimidated by the "Unicorn Underdogs." Luckily, there are massive lists of names for inspiration and even a random name generator. Some of our favorites? Blitz Creek, Sacks and the City, Game of Throws, Drinkers with a Kicking Problem, Teddy Throwsevelt and Real Housewife Who Fantasizes.
With football season around the corner, dive into this week's podcast, "Demystifying Fantasy Football," where your favorite sibling cohosts share insights, hilarious strategies (auto draft can be your friend if you're allowed) and pitfalls of building your fantasy team. LISTEN UP
Short and Sweet
Last night the New York Liberty claimed the WNBA Commissioner's Cup (Women's National Basketball Association), beating the Las Vegas Aces. The Liberty won their share of $500,000 in prize money. This game was a prelude to what could be the WNBA Championship Finals, as both teams are the top teams in the league.
The Women's World Cup Final is set! Spain, whose players seriously dislike their coach, will take on England on Sunday at 6 am ET. You can tune into Friday's Weekend Preview podcast for all the excitement.
A private jet and a fully staffed mansion are just two of the inclusion in global soccer star Neymar's new $300M contract with the Saudi Arabian soccer team Al Hilal. Neymar, who has the potential to earn up to $400M, joins Cristiano Ronaldo as the latest soccer superstar to join the Saudi Arabian league.
The dark story behind "The Blind Side" is getting darker, with the Tuohy family alleging that Michael Oher tried to "shake them down" for $15M.
Photo: Unsplash
Photo: Instagram/premierleague
Monday Minute: The Matildas Are On Fire, "Cotton Eye Joe," + Gratitude Abounds At The Hall Of Fame
Back at it.
Photo: Instagram/mls
If you’re back to school this week, here’s something to talk about at dropoff.
For today's Monday Minute podcast episode or our podcast exclusive Weekend Preview, subscribe to the podcast or our YouTube channel.
Women's World Cup
The Matildas of Australia caused quite a stir this weekend. Australia and France played an epic match that took 20 penalty kicks to win, with the host country defeating France to advance to the semifinals for the first time. There were many videos of fans' anticipation and celebration over the win. On Wednesday, they will face an England team in Sydney. England will be without their star player Lauren James. England beat Columbia over the weekend. The winner heads to the finals.
NBA (National Basketball Association) Hall of Fame
Dwyane Wade gave credit to his dad in his Hall of Fame speech. He spoke to him during the last 2.5 minutes saying in part, "You pushed me to limits that I didn't know were inside of me. The hard work I put in was because I didn't want to let you down." He then invited his dad to the stage in a heartwarming moment that made social media melt.
Before we go
After the cardiac arrest on the field last season, Damar Hamlin made his preseason debut for the Buffalo Bills this weekend.
Lilia Vu started Sunday tied and then went on a heater to win the British Open by six shots. It's Vu's second major championship of the season, and she's happy about the prize money, up 23% from last year's Open. She's the first American woman to win multiple majors in the same season since 1999.
In the funniest story of the weekend, top-ranked American Jessica Pegula picked up one of the biggest career wins by upsetting No. 1 Iga Swiatek in set finals at the Canadian Open. However, the talk of the match is when "Cotton Eye Joe" randomly starts playing during a crucial point in the game. Pegula was obviously motivated by "Cotton Eye Joe" (how could you not be?) and won the title on Sunday, her first win of the season.
Have a great week ahead. If you want more of anything we discussed today, follow us on social media or lastnightsgame.com.
UP your game
Now that the US is out, here’s who else you might want to cheer for. READ ON
Photo: Instagram/newyorkjets
GAME CHANGER
Depicting Athletes' Contracts And Their Weird Inclusions - it’s not all spa treatments and tropical vacations. LISTEN TO THIS WEEK’S PODCAST EPISODE
Weekend Preview: World Cup Quarterfinals, Mickelson’s $1B Gambling Habit + A Golfer’s Maui Fire Pledge
The weekend is calling.
Photos: Instagram/philmickelson
This weekend promises unforgettable moments and remarkable stories that showcase the incredible spirit of competition, the pursuit of excellence, and the human stories that make sports a source of inspiration for millions worldwide.
Women's World Cup: Spain's Remarkable Triumph
Last night, history was made as Spain triumphed in the Women's World Cup, securing a spot in the semifinals for the first time. This monumental achievement is a testament to the team's dedication and skill. Don't miss the next exciting matchup, as England takes on Colombia this Saturday at 6:30 AM ET. However, England will be without star player Lauren James, who faces a two-game suspension for stepping on a Nigerian player while she was down in the previous match.
PGA Playoffs: FedEx St. Jude Championship Kicks Off
Golf enthusiasts, prepare for an exhilarating weekend as the PGA playoffs tee off with the 70-player FedEx St. Jude Championship. Wondering how the playoffs work? The field gradually narrows over three tournaments, culminating in a grand finale on August 27th. The playoffs champion will claim a staggering prize of $18 million, making it a high-stakes battle on the greens.
Golf for a Cause: Colin Morikawa's Pledge
As the PGA playoffs commence, keep an eye on Colin Morikawa, who has pledged to contribute $1,000 per birdie during the playoffs. This generous gesture aims to aid the recovery efforts on Maui, where devastating wildfires have taken a toll on the community. The spirit of giving back is alive in the world of sports, showcasing the positive impact athletes can make beyond the game.
Phil Mickelson's High-Stakes World: A Peek into "Gambler: Secrets from a Life at Risk"
While Phil Mickelson won't be competing in the PGA Championship due to his involvement in LIV golf, recent revelations have shed light on his extraordinary gambling habits. A former gambling partner has disclosed staggering figures, including losses nearing $100 million and over a billion dollars in wagers over three decades. This intriguing glimpse is from the new book, "The Gambling Partner," adding another layer of fascination to the golfer's life.
Before we go
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is stepping aside during Saturday’s preseason game to provide his assistant coach, Terrell Williams, with a valuable opportunity to gain head coaching experience.
This weekend, the NBA Hall of Fame inductions celebrate basketball greatness. Dwyane Wade, a three-time champion and NBA icon will be inducted alongside Becky Hammond, the remarkable head coach of the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA. Hammond's journey, from being undrafted to her coaching career alongside the legendary Greg Popovich, exemplifies the resilience and dedication of the basketball world. Big names like Paul Gasol, Tony Parker, and Dirk Nowitzki will also be immortalized in this prestigious class of inductees.
That's what you need to know for the weekend.
Make sure you catch up with us on social media at @lastnightsgame. We'll see you on your favorite podcast platform every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. If you need anything else, check us out at lastnightsgame.com.
Photo: Instagram/uswnt
A GUIDE TO THE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
The USWNT makes a historic bid in the southern hemisphere. READ ON
Photo: Unsplash
GAME CHANGER
Place your bets with confidence (or at least be prepared to talk shop) with our sports betting 101. THE MORE YOU KNOW