Black Softball Talent and Betting on Women's Sports
"Woke a monster."
Jamie Chadwick is driving motorsport forward. Sam Kerr almost gave Chelsea fans a heart attack with this prank. The Red Stars vs Bay FC match at Wrigley Field broke NWSL attendance records. And the WNBA is off to its best start ever, while the USWNT is ranked lower than ever.
More People Are Betting on Women’s Sports. Is That a Good Thing? (PS)
The number of bets being placed on WNBA games via FanDuel is reportedly up 415% based on reporting by PS (formerly PopSugar). While that can lead to more investment in the sport by betting platforms, it can come at a price for players.
Team USA May Have ‘Woke a Monster’ By Not Picking Caitlin Clark for Olympics (The Athletic)
ICYMI (but I’m sure you didn’t), Caitlin Clark isn’t going to the Paris Olympics with USA Basketball. “Honestly, no disappointment,” Clark said. “I think it just gives you something to work for. That’s a dream. Hopefully one day I can be there.”
Women’s College World Series Showcases Black Softball Talent (Andscape)
This year, women’s college softball broke a number of viewership records. This story by Andscape spotlights the Black athletes and coaches who are excelling in the sport and elevating its popularity in the process. (Shoutout to UCLA’s Maya Brady.)
PWHL Draft Spurs Controversy for League Champs Minnesota (Just Women’s Sports)
At the second-ever PWHL draft, the reigning league champs drafted a player who has liked anti-LGBTQIA+ tweets on X. The backlash was swift with former players and fans speaking out about the selection, according to The Hockey News.
WNBA Stars Skylar Diggins-Smith, Dearica Hamby Share Rare Motherhood Feat in League (USA Today)
According to USA Today, “only a handful of women have returned to play after their second pregnancy,” including Seattle Storm’s Skylar Diggins-Smith, LA Sparks’ Dearica Hamby, and former two-time WNBA champion Taj McWilliams-Franklin.
How Katie Ledecky Is Defining Success for Paris 2024 (Self)
The decorated swimmer spoke with Self ahead of the release of her memoir, which hit shelves on June 11. In the interview, she opens up about her POTS diagnosis, the inequities facing female athletes, and her goals for the Paris Olympics.
A Movement, Not a Moment (The Players’ Tribune)
In an essay for The Players’ Tribune, the WNBPA’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee announced a partnership with Rock the Vote ahead of the 2024 US elections. In part, “because our bodies are on the ballot this year,” writes the committee.
“Control of — and over — our bodies, both on and off the basketball court, is about much more than athletic performance, earning potential, or personal politics,” writes the committee. “Reproductive Rights are Human Rights. Family Planning is Freedom.”
Fast Break…
A few quick moments of joy.