Weekend Preview: Why WNBA Salaries Are What They Are, Curry-less NBA Playoffs + Livvy Dunne In The Gymnastics Championship
Pairs well with “Tortured Poets Department”
Good morning, sports fans! It's Friday, April 19th, and we have a packed post covering everything from the latest controversies in WNBA salaries to the thrilling gymnastics national championships and the kickoff of the NBA and NHL playoffs. So grab your coffee, and let's dive in!
WNBA Salary Controversy
President Joe Biden, to your Instagram feed, everyone's buzzing about Caitlin Clark's WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) rookie salary of $76,535, a fraction of her collegiate NIL valuation of $3.4M. However, reports say that Clark is close to finalizing an endorsement deal with Nike for a signature shoe and an eight-figure contract.
How’d they get to Clark’s salary number? WNBA players can receive 50% of league revenue, roughly the same as what NBA players receive. But (and this is a big but) it’s 50% of incremental revenue. That means that revenue must exceed targets that grow by 20% annually. Player salaries accounted for just 9.3% of league revenue in 2022 as they failed to hit their targets. But there is hope. The players’ union is expected to opt out of the current CBA after the 2025 season, also when the league will negotiate new broadcast contracts.
NCAA Gymnastics Championships
Heading into the finals, defending champions Oklahoma fall short, opening the door for California, Utah, Florida and LSU to claim the NCAA Gymnastics National Championship title. Keep an eye on Livvy Dunne, the face of women’s gymnastics with 5M followers and a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition feature. However, amidst the triumph, we must acknowledge the US Justice Department’s $100M settlement for victims of Larry Nassar's abuse.
Concussion Testing
Exciting developments in concussion testing pave the way for safer sports,
NBA Playoffs
Injuries cast shadows over the NBA (National Basketball Association) play-in tournament, which wraps tonight. The Miami Heat will play the Chicago Bulls, and the New Orleans Pelicans will take on the Sacramento Kings for the final spots in the playoffs. Due to injuries, key players Jimmy Butler and Zion Williamson won’t take the court.
The playoffs start Saturday with a quadruple-header, starting at 1 pm ET.
NHL Playoffs
The NHL (National Hockey League) playoffs also start on Saturday, but the conversation seems to be focused on the Arizona Coyotes' relocation to Salt Lake City, Utah. The NHL Board of Governors approved the sale of the franchise's hockey assets to Ryan and Ashley Smith, owners of the NBA's Utah Jazz and MLS’s (Major League Soccer) Real Salt Lake.
As we wrap up, remember to enjoy Taylor Swift's latest album and engage in conversations sparked by sports. From salary debates to championship triumphs, there's never a dull moment. I wish you a fantastic 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: Instagram/kingjames
GAME CHANGER
Athletes rituals to bring into your 2024 - the good, the bad and the awkward. BRING IT ON
Monday Minute: It’s Caitlin Clark’s Night, Masters Masterpiece + Why 42 Is Today’s Lucky Number
Tax day talk.
Here’s a little tax day fodder to connect with someone other than your accountant.
WNBA Draft Excitement
The anticipation is palpable as basketball fans eagerly await the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) Draft, where Caitlin Clark is poised to be the No. 1 pick for the Indiana Fever. Fresh off her memorable SNL appearance, where she humorously took on Weekend Update anchor Michael Che, Clark's star continues to rise. The draft, set to take place at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, saw tickets sell out within 15 minutes of becoming available, underscoring the immense interest in this year's event.
Masters Magic
The Masters tournament delivered its trademark thrills and surprises, with Scottie Scheffler clinching his second career Masters victory and proudly donning the coveted Green Jacket again. Despite the nail-biting tension over the potential birth of his first child, he took home the victory. Scheffler took home the $3.6M purse, which brings his 2024 earnings total to $15,093,235, but he’s still likely to drive the 2012 GMC Yukon his dad gave him in college.
Marathon Milestones and Memories
As Patriots' Day unfolds, communities come together to commemorate this historic occasion, marked by poignant tributes and spirited events such as the Boston Marathon. Among the cherished traditions is the unveiling of a statue honoring Spencer, the beloved Boston Marathon dog renowned for his unwavering support of runners along the marathon route. Though Spencer has crossed the rainbow bridge, his legacy lives on, immortalized in the hearts of all who encountered his boundless enthusiasm.
Before We Bid You Adieu...
The regular season draws to a close in the NBA (National Basketball Association), with the Oklahoma City Thunder defying expectations to secure the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
Over in MLB (Major League Baseball), today is Jackie Robinson Day, which serves as a poignant reminder of the trailblazing athlete's enduring legacy, with players donning his iconic No. 42 jersey to honor his groundbreaking achievements during all games today.
UFC 300 (Ulitmate Fighting Championship) brought impressive victories from Alex Pereira and Max Halloway, who won the BMF belt. But the announcement from Dana White after the event has fans on the edge of their seats. The fighter-turned-entrepreneur and actor Conor McGregor will return to the Octagon, where he last fought in June 2021.
As the weekend's sporting saga unfolds, each twist and turn offers a glimpse into the enduring magic of athletic competition, uniting fans in shared moments of triumph, resilience, and nostalgia. Stay tuned for more exhilarating updates and unforgettable memories from the world of sports!
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: Instagram/kingjames
GAME CHANGER
Athletes rituals to bring into your 2024 - the good, the bad and the awkward. BRING IT ON
Weekend Preview: RIP OJ Simpson, Masters Notes + Why You’re Going To Want The BMF Belt
Teeing off the weekend.
Reflecting on the Weekend: Remembering OJ Simpson
We start this weekend's preview on a sad note with the passing of OJ Simpson at the age of 76 due to cancer. Despite his legal battles, Simpson's legacy in football remains iconic—he was a Heisman Trophy winner, NFL MVP, and Hall of Famer. His groundbreaking achievement of surpassing the 2,000-yard mark in a single season as a running back still resonates in the world of sports. Now, questions arise about the possibility of examining his brain for signs of CTE, a disorder often linked to repeated head injuries.
The Masters: Battling Mother Nature and Tee Times
The Masters kicked off with delays caused by Mother Nature, leading to adjustments in tee times. The first round finished this morning due to darkness, and the second round is set to commence at 8:00 am ET.
LIV golfer Bryson DeChambeau made an impressive start, claiming the top spot after the first round, closely followed by the world's No. 1 player, Scottie Scheffler, just one shot behind. Scheffler, whose wife is expecting their first child, expressed his readiness to leave the Masters if needed for the birth. Fans couldn't help but joke about the only conceivable obstacle for Scheffler being his pregnant wife, Meredith.
Tiger Woods showed promise in his first round but faces the challenge of completing his game on Friday morning. Playing until dark, then having to resume early the next day for the first round's completion, followed by the second round, poses a tough test for Woods.
MLB Drama: Interpreter Faces Federal Charge
The former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara, is charged with bank fraud, accused of embezzling over $16M from Ohtani's account. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB - Major League Baseball) maintain their lead in the division standings, unfazed by the unfolding scandal. Mizuhara made unauthorized transfers from Ohtani’s bank account from November 2021 until January 2024. He averaged 25 bets per day, 19,000 bets in all. According to a spreadsheet obtained by authorities, Mizuhara won $142M but lost $183M.
NBA Finale: Play-In Tournament on the Horizon
As the NBA (National Basketball Association) regular season draws to a close this weekend, teams vie for spots in the play-in tournament, intensifying the competition among 7-10 seeds aiming for the final two playoff spots. With teams like the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers fighting for contention, the stakes are high in the final games leading up to Sunday's final regular season game.
UFC 300: A Night of Legends and Championships
UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) 300 promises excitement with the coveted BMF (Bad Motherf*cker) belt up for grabs in the bout between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway. Retired UFC legend Mark Coleman, who recently recovered from a coma after rescuing his parents from a house fire, will present the belt. The stacked card includes three title fights and 12 champions, featuring a lightweight title matchup between Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill and the historic women's strawweight title match between Zhang Weili and Yan Xiaonan—marking the first championship bout between two Chinese athletes in UFC history.
Want more Masters? Check out this week’s podcast episode, where we delve into the enchanting world of the Masters—from its iconic green jacket to the champions' dinner and everything in between. Get ready to fall in love with the Masters and impress your golf-loving friends with insider knowledge and captivating stories.
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: Instagram/kingjames
GAME CHANGER
Athletes rituals to bring into your 2024 - the good, the bad and the awkward. BRING IT ON