Weekend Preview: Sailgating, Taylor’s Back + Creed Takes Us ‘Higher’
Freaky Friday.
Photo: Instagram/nfl
This weekend is about women taking center stage (yes, Taylor Swift was at the Kansas City Chiefs game last night), from heart-pounding WNBA finals to women shattering glass ceilings in the sports world. Let's dive into a weekend filled with sailgating, the ultimate showdowns, and a dash of nostalgia for good measure.
1. Aces in Command: Dominating the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association Finals
The Las Vegas Aces have been making headlines with their dominant performance in the WNBA Finals. With a convincing 2-0 lead in the series, they're headed to New York for Game 3 on Sunday. Even more impressive is that Game 1 became the most-watched WNBA Finals Game 1 ever on an ESPN network, peaking at 885,000 viewers! It's a thrilling time for women's basketball, and these athletes undoubtedly inspire women of all ages.
2. Astros vs. Rangers: A Texan Showdown
Heading to the baseball playoffs, the Texas Rangers anthem "Higher" by Creed has moved them onto the AL Championship Series against their instate rivals, the Houston Astros. Can you feel the excitement in the air? Both teams are arriving on Sunday "With arms wide open," ready to seize their chance and reach the World Series.
3. Lexi Thompson: Breaking Barriers in Golf
Lexi Thompson is about to make history on the greens at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas. At just 28 years old, this LPGA star is set to become one of only seven females to ever compete on the PGA Tour. Her determination to be the first female player in almost 80 years to make the cut at a PGA Tour tournament is genuinely awe-inspiring. We'll be cheering her on all weekend!
4. The Pacific-12 Rivals: Oregon vs. Washington
The weekend isn't just about basketball and baseball. College football is heating up as well. Oregon and Washington, both contenders for the College Football Playoff, are set to face off in Seattle on Saturday. With College GameDay in town, you can bet the sailgating scene will be top-notch.
5. NFL in London: Ravens vs. Titans
It's a special weekend for NFL fans, especially those across the pond in London. The Ravens and Titans are set to play the final London game of the season. The transformation of Hotspur's field to an NFL field is mesmerizing. Did you know the field is retractable, taking just 25 minutes to convert from a soccer pitch to an American football field? Ninety-nine steel trays come together to make this magic happen.
What We're Watching: David Beckham Documentary
It feels like everyone we know is raving about the David Beckham documentary. His journey from a young football sensation to an international superstar is a story that transcends sports. Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or not, this documentary is a must-see for everyone.
Whether you're a sports fanatic or a casual observer, there's something for everyone to savor this weekend.
Photo: Unsplash
What’s Cookin’?
Have you tried our Tailgate Treats? They’re fan favorite meals served best with friends (or you can keep them to yourself). READ
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
Meet The 7 Trailblazing Women Who Are Shaping The Future Of Sports
Trailblazers who change the world for the better.
Photo: Instagram/dorisburkeknowsshoop
In recent years, women have made their presence felt in sports like never before. Athletes and advocates alike are stepping up to challenge the status quo, pushing for equality, better conditions and prioritizing mental health. From tennis courts to football fields, here are some remarkable women who are transforming the sports world for the better.
1. The Triumph of Mind Over Matter
Thanks to athletes like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka, conversations surrounding mental health in sports have become as common as discussing the score. Osaka's decision to withdraw from tennis to prioritize her well-being as her career ascended and Biles' battle with the "twisties" at the Summer Olympics brought mental health to the forefront. These women remind us that brains are just as important as brawn, and caring for one's mental health is essential.
2. The Queen of Advocacy - Billie Jean King
Billie Jean King has advocated for women in sports for over five decades. As part of the Original 9, a group of trailblazing women who put their tennis careers on hold to push for equal pay among men and women. She fought for equal pay among men and women in tennis and became the first woman in sports history to win $100,000 in a single year. King's ongoing advocacy work, including her role in the 50th-anniversary celebration of Title IX, inspires women to break through the glass ceiling in sports.
3. Allyson Felix: A Force for Change
Allyson Felix, the most decorated US track and field athlete in history, used her platform to challenge Nike's treatment of pregnant female athletes. Her departure from Nike for Athleta helped shine a spotlight on the need for better support for female athletes. Felix's advocacy led to policy changes at Nike, ensuring pregnant athletes are no longer penalized.
4. Nicole Lynn: Breaking Barriers in the NFL
Nicole Lynn shattered glass ceilings by becoming the first black woman to represent a top-five NFL draft pick. Her journey to success included navigating the challenges of motherhood while thriving in the male-dominated world of sports representation. In 2023 alone, she brokered multimillion-dollar deals and continues to inspire women to take their seats at the table.
5. Doris Burke: A Pioneer in Broadcasting
Doris Burke's groundbreaking career as a full-time NBA TV analyst and game analyst for the NBA Finals on network television paved the way for women in sports broadcasting. In August, ABC announced that Burke would become the first woman to serve as a game analyst on television for a championship final in one of the four major professional US sports leagues. Burke is the first woman awarded the Curt Gowdy Media Award by the Basketball Hall of Fame. Burke demonstrates that gender should never hinder success in sports media.
6. The US Women's National Team: Equal Pay Champions
The US Women's National Soccer Team, with four World Cup titles and six Olympic medals, filed a class-action lawsuit in 2019 for equal pay and working conditions. In February 2022, they reached a historic agreement with US Soccer, ensuring equal pay for friendlies and tournaments, including the World Cup. This landmark agreement represents a significant step towards gender equality in sports.
7. Jen Welter: Leading the Way in Coaching
Dr. Jen Welter broke new ground by becoming the first female coach in the NFL, serving as a linebackers coach for the Arizona Cardinals. Her trailblazing career opened doors for other women interested in coaching in the male- dominated world of professional football.
These remarkable women are changing the sports world for the better. Their dedication, advocacy and fearless pursuit of equality inspire women everywhere to break down barriers and pursue their dreams in sports.
Monday Minute: Kelce Injury, Vegas Dominates + Wild Card Teams Are, Well, Wild
We dish out the latest sports highlights you can use to start conversations with your partners, colleagues and clients.
Welcome to this week's Monday Minute, where we dish out the latest sports highlights you can use to start conversations with your partners, colleagues and clients. We have much to cover, so let's dive right into it!
Travis Kelce's Rollercoaster
First, let's talk about Travis Kelce's ankle injury during yesterday's Kansas City Chiefs-Minnesota Vikings game. We all held our breath, but he shook off the injury and scored the game-winning touchdown.
WNBA (women’s national basketball association) Finals
The WNBA Finals had it all if you're into celebrity sightings and some fierce basketball action. Minority owner Tom Brady, LeBron James and Mark Wahlberg were just a few of the A-listers in the crowd that watched the Las Vegas Aces dominate Game 1 against the New York Liberty. It's a best-of-five series, so there's more excitement to come.
Tom Brady's Ownership Adventures
Speaking of Tom Brady, he's been making waves not only as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Aces but also trying to get a piece of the Las Vegas Raiders. But he has more hurdles to jump through before being approved by the NFL. Keep an eye on the Raiders' Monday Night Football game against the Packers tonight, as the Vegas Golden Knights will be in attendance with the Stanley Cup trophy ahead of the NHL season kickoff tomorrow.
MLB Playoffs
Wild card teams stole the spotlight this weekend in the MLB playoffs. The Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks secured Game 1 wins in their division series. Even the Astros, with their first-round bye, managed to win. These teams are riding high on momentum, and we're in for some intense series ahead.
College Football Thrills
College football had two epic games that still have everyone buzzing. The Red River Rivalry between Oklahoma and Texas was an absolute shootout, with Dillon Gabriel having his Heisman moment. The reactions from fans were off the charts.
Plus, Louisville pulled off a stunning upset against Notre Dame, complete with a field-storming celebration. Rapper Jack Harlow had a blast celebrating with fans.
Stay Tuned for Fat Bear Week Winner
Last but not least, let's not forget to watch for the winner of Fat Bear Week. It's a unique celebration of the incredible bears of Katmai National Park, and it's sure to be an exciting conversation starter.
So there you have it — your Monday Minute update with all the sports scoop to keep those sports conversations alive; remember, we've got your back with the latest updates.
UP your game
Being a fantasy football pro who can talk shop doesn't have to be a fantasy. READ
Photo: Instagram/newyorkjets
GAME CHANGER
Looking for ideas to break out of a dinner slump (or perhaps for an upcoming football watch party)? Check out our Tailgate Treats for inspiration. EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY