Play Like a They

Inside Unrivaled with Skelly Payne: Community, Growth, and the Future of Women’s Sports

This week’s episode is a special one! Monica and Sara sit down with Skelly Payne, Manager of Partnerships at Unrivaled to talk all things sports, community, and the rapid growth of women’s athletics. From working in a startup league to navigating identity in sports spaces, this conversation goes way beyond the game itself. They dive into what makes women’s sports feel different right now — the connection, the energy, and the responsibility that comes with building something new. It’s a mix of personal stories, industry insight, and a bigger-picture look at where sports are headed. They also get into:  🏀 What it’s like working behind the scenes at Unrivaled  🤝 How sports create connection, community, and lifelong relationships  🌈 Identity in sports, including Skelly’s experience as a trans athlete and professional  🔥 Why women’s sports fandom feels different (and stronger) right now  📈 The growth of leagues like the WNBA, NWSL, and emerging formats  🏈 Why flag football might be the next big women’s sport  💬 The importance of access, inclusion, and keeping sports fun View the transcript and fact check notes here. [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1e_AbvwWns7lpk7e8m81YV35Fjd-Ay9zYT0A5NL9m7Jk/edit?usp=sharing]

WNBA Check-In: Draft Picks, New Teams, and What’s Next

This week’s episode is a full WNBA chaos check-in, and there’s a lot to unpack. Monica and Sara are joined by the Monday Night squad crew, T and Kaycie, to break down everything from the Final Four to the draft, expansion teams, and what’s shaping up to be a wild 2026 season. They talk through how much has changed in such a short window — from record-setting contracts to major roster moves — and what it all means heading into the new season. They also get into:  🏀 Final Four takeaways and UCLA’s championship run  📈 The new CBA and rising player salaries  🔥 Expansion teams and major roster shakeups  ⭐ Draft highlights and rookie storylines  🧠 Coaching, chemistry, and what actually wins Don't miss this one. WNBA basketball is almost here 😈 Transcript. [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CVs74bGP3dRuSDdZ6_Xqo6WUX6lj2OLS3noLzKEaBkA/edit?usp=sharing]

The NWSL Is Back and the Vibes Are Immaculate: Season Preview

The 2026 NWSL season is officially underway, and opening weekend delivered plenty to talk about. Monica and Sara break down the biggest moments from week one — from star players returning to the pitch to record-setting crowds showing up for women’s soccer. They also dive into the momentum building across the league, including new expansion teams, major contract headlines, and why the atmosphere around women’s sports just keeps getting better. They’re talking about:  ⚽ Trinity Rodman’s return and record-setting contract 👶 Sophia Wilson back on the pitch six months postpartum 🔥 Portland Thorns vs. Seattle Reign rivalry matchup 📈 Record-breaking opening weekend attendance 🏟️ Boston Legacy’s debut and massive home opener crowd View the transcript here. [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W5BFA6_XJRxsdvsh1oOYyKOOPQZK9r6xE6S6j7-2PiU/edit?usp=sharing]

It's That Time: Our 2026 WBB March Madness Breakdown

The bracket is set, the tournament is about to begin, and Monica and Sara are diving into this year’s Women’s March Madness. In this episode, they talk about why the women’s tournament keeps getting bigger every year, what makes March Madness such a unique playoff environment, and why this stage can completely change the trajectory of teams and players. With powerhouse programs returning to the top of the bracket and plenty of potential for upsets, it’s shaping up to be another exciting tournament. They also get into:  🏀 The top seeds  🔥 Key players to watch  📈 Why women’s March Madness continues to grow in viewership, attendance, and cultural impact  🎭 The magic of the tournament: underdogs, upsets, and playoff energy  🏆 Monica and Sara’s early tournament picks View the transcript here. [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MuVeVlQ0UFtompm7y7OIr5-Uuk1B_nEervLK3_nbR7k/edit?usp=sharing]

BONUS EPISODE: Unrivaled, Up Close. Our Miami Takeover

We’re coming to you live (and slightly sleep-deprived) from Miami. This bonus episode is our full Unrivaled vlog — two nights, all eight teams, and the kind of energy you can’t really capture unless you’re in the building. From the Sephora Arena activations to sold-out crowds, halftime chaos, and last-second free throws, we’re taking you behind the scenes of what felt like a landmark moment for women’s basketball. We walk you through the Unrivaled Village, the fan activations, the merch (yes, jerseys were flying), and what it’s like to watch elite players compete in this 3-on-3 format up close. We get into: * 🏀 The 3-on-3 format and how different it feels live * 🔥 The standout performances (KP going off, Stewie closing, Lexie being a menace) * 👯‍♀️ Seeing the Stud Buds matchup in person * 🎟️ Why Unrivaled feels like a turning point for the WNBA offseason More than anything, this weekend felt like proof. When women’s sports are invested in, fans travel. They show up. They buy jerseys. They stay for every game. This is what building something new looks like. 🎥 Hit play for the full Miami recap. View the transcript. [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kM1IIpGA2dvpjlFRYN3u1_a01mvbza0ptAhVJXEsRbs/edit?usp=sharing]