Play Like a They

One Month In: The Biggest 2026 WNBA Storylines So Far

This week, the Monday Night Squad is back for their first WNBA season check-in. Monica and Sara are joined by T and Kaycie to break down the biggest surprises of the season so far, from breakout rookies and expansion team success stories to the teams already looking like serious contenders.  The conversation also explores how much the league continues to evolve. With more teams, more opportunities for players to shine, and a growing level of competition across the board, this season is already showing why the WNBA keeps getting more exciting to follow. They also get into: 🏀 The Minnesota Lynx's hot start and Olivia Miles' impressive rookie season 🔥 Early impressions of the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo ⭐ Paige Bueckers, rookie expectations, and player development 👀 The teams and players surprising them most so far 💪 Why expansion is creating new opportunities across the league 🏆 Early predictions for where the season might be headed View the transcript here. [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17Dh-vM14HBvtJd2IIzTYWa-Tez-kmvb92-mcyfPLPRs/edit?usp=sharing]

Softball Is Having Its Main Character Moment

This week, Monica and Sara are giving softball the spotlight it deserves. From a thrilling Women's College World Series to record viewership numbers and a growing professional league, they break down why this is such an exciting moment for the sport and the athletes driving it forward. As women's sports continue to gain momentum, softball is building something special of its own. More fans are tuning in, more athletes are able to continue their careers after college, and the sport is reaching new audiences without losing the community and connection that make it so fun to follow. This episode they’re covering: 🥎 Texas vs. Texas Tech in the Women’s College World Series ⭐ Standout players including NiJaree Canady, Megan Grant, and Tegan Kavan 📈 Record viewership and the growing popularity of softball 💰 NIL, player compensation, and how the college game is changing 🔥 The expansion of the AUSL and new pro softball teams 🌲 The debut of Portland’s new AUSL team, the Cascade You can find all the information on where and how to watch the AUSL here [https://theausl.com/how-to-watch/]. View the transcript here. [https://docs.google.com/document/d/12PClCjQGFOXMQWSw2eVtLpSNg1HqnCNdnpAEukXdyWY/edit?usp=sharing]

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]