Carlos Alcaraz's Tennis Tush, SI Swimsuit Covers Lack Body Diversity, and Celebrating Athlete Moms

Carlos Alcaraz's Tennis Tush, SI Swimsuit Covers Lack Body Diversity, and Celebrating Athlete Moms

The 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue hits newsstands on Thursday. This year’s cover stars departed from what we’re used to seeing from on the cover of the swimsuit issue in recent years – diverse ages, races, and especially body sizes. With conversations around GLP-1s, the death of body positivity in our culture, and the general shrinking of high profile women that’s hard to ignore, Blake and Caroline wonder: why the sudden shift? In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: * Whether Justin Herbert will be the next victim of the “music video curse” * Olivia Culpo’s controversial baby announcement ft. a donut cake and a used pregnancy test * The WNBA’s 30th season kickoff – and whether we’re in a post-Caitlin Clark era * Why Caroline wouldn’t call her ex, even if it guaranteed a Jets Super Bowl win * Carlos Alcaraz showing off his tush – we mean talents, in his Vanity Fair cover story Send Its: * The 17-month-old baby ball knower https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYGE6nBADWI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== * Pope Leo is all in on Nike: https://www.gq.com/story/pope-leo-xiv-wore-nikes * Bennett Scheffler attends PGA Championship in full PJs: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYM9v2lREw8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== * Vanity Fair Carlos Alcaraz edition: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/carlos-alcaraz-cover-story Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Ed Sheeran’s IRL A-Team, “Heated Rivalry” Hits Women’s Soccer, “Devil Wears Prada 2” Sporty Spottings

The “Devil Wears Prada 2” movie features two athlete cameos – one is a player from Anne Hathaway’s favorite basketball team and the other is a golfer who we wouldn’t blink twice at. Blake spotted both of them during the film, proving that Well Played works, y’all. In other sporty news, we learned nepo babies – or should we say horsies? – exist everywhere, and Ed Sheeran’s football club is the new A-Team. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: * Tom Holland’s “Bero Padel Classic” ft. a Zendaya wardrobe malfunction * Why Ashton Kutcher walked so Anthony Davis could run * Serena Williams’ heartfelt post from the Miami Grand Prix about her longtime F1 friend * Our favorite athlete looks from the Met Gala Send Its: * Tom Holland helps Zendaya: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXwsrHIOzeA/ * Lola Tung and Kelley O’Hara team up for a sapphic soccer movie: https://www.them.us/story/lola-tung-ripe-kelley-ohara-casting * Ed Sheeran celebrates with Ipswich town: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DX2cgpCBO34/ * Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis prank A’ja Wilson: https://youtu.be/r4E-oW3iCi8?si=Ki_D1wnpPsEiTxnm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Vrabel & Russini’s Romance Rumors, Megan’s Hot Girl Summer 2.0, and Chloe Kim’s Princess Treatment

The takeaway from this week’s sports and pop culture news is that love isn’t real. From the romance rumors between Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini to Megan thee Stallion breaking up with Klay Thompson over cheating allegations, we’ve lost all faith in men…except Myles Garrett. He can stay. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: * A breakdown of all of the photos and rumors surrounding Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini * Our favorite picks from the 2026 NFL draft (based on vibes only) * Why Myles Garrett picked up Chloe Kim on the Time 100 Gala red carpet * Trinity Rodman’s moisturizer of choice, plus her inspo for her first goal of the season celly * Caroline shows off her broadcaster voice growth, eight years later Send Its: * Myles Garrett gives Chloe Kim princess treatment: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXhXzDijqQb/ * Cynthia Erivo defies gravity – and notches a personal best: https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/cynthia-erivo-london-marathon-wicked-defying-gravity-1236232574/ * Trinity Rodman’s 100th appearance + goal celly: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/matchweek-3-wrapped-angel-city-s-record-stays-perfect-denver-smashes-attendance-record-and-milestone-moments * She also uses this for moisturizer: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXnpJW8jJjC/ * Caroline’s first on-air appearance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtRkZ5bethI Chapters * 00:00 - Welcome and catch-up * 01:29 - The Vrabel & Russini Rumors * 14:09 - NFL Insiders vs. Reporters * 21:28 - Gender Dynamics in Sports Media * 25:20 - Klay Thompson & Megan Thee Stallion Breakup * 32:45 - Tennis News: Morgan Riddle & Taylor Fritz * 33:46 - Stomach Bug at the Madrid Open * 34:43 - NFL Draft Highlights & Emotions * 44:04 - Chloe Kim & Myles Garrett at Time 100 * 45:55 - Trinity Rodman: Beef Tallow & Milestones * 47:34 - Cynthia Erivo Defies Gravity at the London Marathon * 49:16 - Breaking the 2-Hour Marathon Record * 51:00 - Broadcast Voices & Instructor Persona * 56:10 - Wrap Up and Personal Updates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Megan & Sue Call It Quits, West Takes Amanda to the Ball Game, and Noah Lyles’ First Look Flop

Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird announced that after a decade together, they’re separating. Excuse us while we fly our flags at half staff. On the opposite end of the love spectrum, Olympic track and field athlete Noah Lyles got married – and probably fired his videographer after sharing the absolute flop of a first look at his bride. Let’s just hope his wife’s love language isn’t “words of affirmation.”  In this episode of Well Played, we also cover:  * The controversial question a reported asked Azzi Fudd in her first Dallas Wings press conference * Which Olympian-producing women’s sport Quinnipiac University downgraded from D1 to club level * The WNBA’s Natasha Cloud is teamless – and why the new CBA could have something to do with it * Whether Dexter “Sexy Dexy” Lawrence could help Joe Burrow finally get a ring * The iconic story behind the Boston Marathon’s first woman runner – and how she’s honoring herself 60 years later  Send Its: * Noah Lyles first look flop: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/p/DXHhjx5jez_/⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/p/DXHhjx5jez_/]  * Bobbi Gibb statue: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/p/DXU3OgxE9Kg/⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/p/DXU3OgxE9Kg/] * Erin Andrews does IVF at 47: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/zZga9XWSyZU?si=VQJvJjh_UTOYIea9&t=1923⁠⁠ [https://youtu.be/zZga9XWSyZU?si=VQJvJjh_UTOYIea9&t=1923]  * Victoria Beckham goes Gap: ⁠⁠https://www.gapinc.com/en-gb/articles/2026/04/gap-and-victoria-beckham-announce-multi-season-col⁠⁠ [https://www.gapinc.com/en-gb/articles/2026/04/gap-and-victoria-beckham-announce-multi-season-col]  Topics ⁠02:07⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx8wJeQs_vk&t=127s] - Amanda Batula & West Wilson at the Yankees Game ⁠05:44⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx8wJeQs_vk&t=344s] - Megan Rapinoe & Sue Bird Breakup ⁠08:11⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx8wJeQs_vk&t=491s] - Azzi Fudd’s Awkward Press Conference ⁠17:29⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx8wJeQs_vk&t=1049s] - "Sexy Dexy" to the Bengals ⁠24:55⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx8wJeQs_vk&t=1495s] - Noah Lyles’ Wedding "First Look" Fail ⁠28:46⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx8wJeQs_vk&t=1726s] - The Iconic Boston Marathon Sculpture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Hudson Williams’ Peloton Play, Coco’s Critics Get Shut Down, and WNBA Draft Orange Carpet Recap

Coco Gauff sported her natural hair in a recent ad for Miu Miu and the internet showed us why we can’t have nice things. The no. 3 ranked tennis player shut down criticism about her appearance and more importantly, to encourage young Black girls to embrace their natural hair. Meanwhile, the WNBA rolled out its orange carpet for the 2026 draft, and this year’s draftees showed up and showed out on one of the biggest nights of their lives.  In this episode, we also cover: * Propaganda we’re falling for, AKA Hudson Williams’ Peloton ad * Well Played friends of the pod who showed up to Coachella * The Australian runner who beat Usain Bolt’s 20-year record in the 200m sprint * The shocking pay difference between the 2025 and 2026 WNBA draft class, thanks to the league’s new CBA  * A self-indulgent recap of the Alix Earle and Alex Cooper beef Send It: * Meet Gout Gout: https://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/article/australian-sprinter-gout-gout-breaks-under-20-record-with-blazing-200m-time-surpassing-legendary-olympian-usain-bolt-184411317.html [https://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/article/australian-sprinter-gout-gout-breaks-under-20-record-with-blazing-200m-time-surpassing-legendary-olympian-usain-bolt-184411317.html]  * Pope Leo balls out with Harlem Globetrotters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IYKsgfO0HQ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IYKsgfO0HQ]  * Laufey, Hudson Williams, and the Council of Wasia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNa8jP4zoJo&list=RDyNa8jP4zoJo&start_radio=1 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNa8jP4zoJo&list=RDyNa8jP4zoJo&start_radio=1]  * This couple at the Pacers game is all of us: https://www.threads.com/@thedankbrew/post/DW__SuSEZJE?xmt=AQF0MSzRnAYJn5UQchQP8TGsWhUf5ilzN3tp0mLpbd49Ot5K5HfogDuEUdsLI0GQi_giHrRo&slof=1 [https://www.threads.com/@thedankbrew/post/DW__SuSEZJE?xmt=AQF0MSzRnAYJn5UQchQP8TGsWhUf5ilzN3tp0mLpbd49Ot5K5HfogDuEUdsLI0GQi_giHrRo&slof=1] * Plus, when Shaq offered to buy their engagement ring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVxAaY4ZBss [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVxAaY4ZBss]  Follow Well Played: @wellplayedbytheskimm Follow Blake: @blaaakkkke Follow Caroline: @cghendy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]