The IX Sports Podcast Soccer Edition: NWSL Challenge Cup recap, Sam Kerr joins Gotham FC

The IX Sports Podcast Soccer Edition: NWSL Challenge Cup recap, Sam Kerr joins Gotham FC

Host Kathleen Gier and guest Thomas Costello recap Gotham FC's 2-0 win against the Kansas City Current in the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup, and discuss Gotham FC's big new addition in Sam Kerr. They also talked through a couple of the big storylines they'll be watching as the NWSL returns to action this week. Follow Thomas Costello: https://www.theixsports.com/author/thomas-costello/ https://bsky.app/profile/thomascostello.bsky.social Photo credit: Barbara Perenic | Imagn Images

The IX Sports Podcast College Basketball Edition: Talia Goodman

In this episode of The IX Sports Podcast: College Basketball Edition, hosts Melissa Triebwasser and Michael Waterloo sit down with On3 National Reporter Talia Goodman to break down a chaotic women's college basketball offseason. With the transfer portal dust finally settling, the conversation offers an insider's look at the moving pieces shaping the upcoming 2026–2027 season.The trio dives into Talia’s preseason Top 25 rankings, analyzing major roster overhauls at programs like Oklahoma State, Tennessee, and UCLA. Talia shares her journey to becoming a premier national news-breaker and talks about a power-balance shift in the Power Four and which mid-majors she's keeping up with, along with much more!

The IX Sports Podcast Basketball Edition: Alyssa Thomas Suspension, Caitlin Clark & WNBA Injuries

Jackie Powell rides solo this week hosting The IX Sports Podcast Women's Basketball Edition. First she reflects on the latest discourse surrounding WNBA officiating especially following contact between Alyssa Thomas and Caitlin Clark on Wednesday night. Was the league right to fine and suspend Thomas? What did we learn about the state of the WNBA following the situation. Later Jackie is joined by Lucas Seehafer, the creator of The IX Sports' WNBA injury tracker. The two discuss why injuries are up right now in addition to what provisions the new CBA has to address player health, safety and injuries. And last but not least, Jackie shares with listeners how she made her own WNBA All-Star ballot, including which players she chose. 0:00 - Introduction 1:52 - # 1 at The IX 4:59 - Spotlighting pieces from Seerat Sohi and Maitreyi Anantharaman 10:57 - Layshia Clarendon on physicality in the WNBA 16:07 - Lucas Seehafer joins the show to discuss the current state of WNBA injuries 24:57 - What does Lucas make of the WNBA expanding to 50 regular season games? 27:55 - How can the new CBA help with player health and safety? 33:21 - Jackie Powell's All-Star ballot process 35:40 - Marina Mabrey's unifying story Photo Thumbnail: Left: Phoenix Mercury Alyssa Thomas (25) talks to a teammate across the court during a game against the Seattle Storm at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on June 20, 2026. Photo Credit: Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Right: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts in the first half against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Photo Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images. Links to click that are referenced throughout the show:  The WNBA’s Problem Isn’t Caitlin Clark. It’s Trust. by Seerat Sohi’s  https://www.theringer.com/2026/06/26/wnba/caitlin-clark-foul-alyssa-thomas-wnba-cathy-engelbert [https://www.theringer.com/2026/06/26/wnba/caitlin-clark-foul-alyssa-thomas-wnba-cathy-engelbert] Don’t Let Bored Football Fans Tell The Story Of Caitlin Clark’s Season by Maitreyi Anantharaman https://defector.com/dont-let-bored-football-fans-tell-the-story-of-caitlin-clarks-season [https://defector.com/dont-let-bored-football-fans-tell-the-story-of-caitlin-clarks-season] Jackie’s WNBA All-Star ballot explanation:  https://www.nbcsports.com/wnba/news/wnba-2026-all-star-game-olivia-miles-rhyne-howard-featured-in-jackie-powells-ballot [https://www.nbcsports.com/wnba/news/wnba-2026-all-star-game-olivia-miles-rhyne-howard-featured-in-jackie-powells-ballot] Lucas Seehafer’s WNBA injury tracker:  https://www.theixsports.com/features/wnba-injury-tracker-who-gets-hurt-how-often-and-why-it-matters/ [https://www.theixsports.com/features/wnba-injury-tracker-who-gets-hurt-how-often-and-why-it-matters/] Layshia Clarendon on physicality in the WNBA  https://youtu.be/dYDDrLSRig0?si=5AMIy0D6ks7WpYx0 [https://youtu.be/dYDDrLSRig0?si=5AMIy0D6ks7WpYx0] Follow us & Subscribe on:  YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/@TheIXSports [https://www.youtube.com/@TheIXSports] Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0vn5r287B0oS3wX2fHmLZ8?si=39f2fd261ec1467f [https://open.spotify.com/show/0vn5r287B0oS3wX2fHmLZ8?si=39f2fd261ec1467f] Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ix-sports-podcast/id1845604905 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ix-sports-podcast/id1845604905] BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/theixsports.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/theixsports.bsky.social] Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/theixsports/ [https://www.instagram.com/theixsports/]

The IX Sports Podcast Hockey Edition: New Investors + Big Free Agency News

Free agency is more frenzied than ever, and the PWHL has its first outside investors. Host Maya Smith and guest host Alyssa Turner start by talking about the new investments. Kilmer Sports Ventures and Ilitch Companies have both invested in the league, with the investments being upwards of $100m. But the league isn't turning a profit. What does this mean, and is it to be expected? Then, they break down some of the biggest free agent moves, including Emma Maltais heading to the Montreal Victoire, and her thoughtful TikTok about her experience in Toronto. They also talk about Blayre Turnbull's pregnancy and what that means for the Toronto Sceptres. Read more about the new investors: https://www.theixsports.com/the-ice-garden/pwhl/pwhl-announces-historic-first-outside-pwhl-investors/ [https://www.theixsports.com/the-ice-garden/pwhl/pwhl-announces-historic-first-outside-pwhl-investors/] Watch Emma Maltais' TikTok: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSCFP4Njx/ [https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSCFP4Njx/] Follow Maya on X: https://x.com/mayaxeverysport [https://x.com/mayaxeverysport] Follow Alyssa on X: https://x.com/aturnz11 [https://x.com/aturnz11] Photo credit: PWHL

The IX Sports Podcast Soccer Edition: NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga locks in with Kansas City Current

Host Kathleen Gier reports from Kansas City, where the Current signed two-time MVP and Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga to a contract extension through the 2029 season. She shared a clip from coach Chris Armas' availability and discussed the team's upcoming appearance in the Challenge Cup as well. Photo credit: William Purnell | Imagn Images Video credit: Kansas City Current