EDITOR’S NOTE
This week, I’m celebrating my wedding anniversary and, naturally, I’m reflecting on that beautiful day. It was no multiday extravaganza in Napa, like QB Jalen Hurts and Bry Burrows’s (a marriage so nice, they apparently celebrated twice). I also didn’t have several bridal outfits like Hailee Steinfeld, who just shared more intimate details and photos from her May nuptials to QB Josh Allen (a custom late-night snack might’ve been involved). But believe it or not, our big days did share some similarities (and no, my husband isn’t a quarterback). Meanwhile, it’s no wedding, but congratulations are in order for the back-to-back Stanley Cup champs. Now, let’s get to some other sports headlines…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
Let's Discuss
What to look out for in our latest episode.
The Caitlin Clark Effect Is on Full Display
What's going on: WNBA fans were counting down the days until Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was back on the court — and this weekend, she delivered. After missing five games due to an injury, Clark returned in a big way against the New York Liberty. She totaled a season-high of 32 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds — yes, in a single game. She also nailed back-to-back threes (maybe her custom sneakers — which had a picture of her dog — brought some extra magic). By the end of the night, the Fever handed the defending champs their first loss of the season. As if that wasn’t enough, Indiana also beat the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday in a game that saw Clark get shoved to the ground.
Our take: It’s no secret that Clark, who has changed women’s basketball (and maybe even men’s), is fueling record ratings for WNBA games and ticket sales. During her absence, WNBA viewership dropped a staggering 55%, according to Nielsen and USA Today. (To be fair, the NBA Finals and French Open probably played a role, too.) Now, Clark’s slam-dunk return has the league and fans back on their feet — just ask LeBron James.
Related: Caitlin Clark Has a 24/7 Group Chat With Who? (Well Played)
Pick Six
More sports talkers you don't want to miss.
👀 You won’t guess which Hollywood star is now competing on Oxford University’s rowing team.
🎾 Aryna Sabalenka personally apologized to Coco Gauff for her “unprofessional” comments. Game, set, forgiven?
📸 Propaganda we will fall for: Another Joe Burrow photo shoot just dropped. Those black-and-white pics…
😬 Lewis Hamilton accidentally ran over a groundhog during an F1 race, and he’s got really strong feelings about it. Someone check on him.
🏆 US Open champ JJ Spaun prepped for his victory by handling a 3 am emergency (and every parent’s nightmare). Sports dads splitting the parenting load? That’s an ace.
💅🏼 Angel Reese just flipped the script on her critics with this iconic move. That’s one way to get your bag.
Timeout...
Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.
What's the FIFA Club World Cup — and why's it off to a rough start?
Not to be confused with the FIFA World Cup, this tournament features top club teams (not national squads) from around the globe. The 2025 edition kicked off June 14 and brings together elite teams from each continent’s top leagues. But so far? The hype’s been underwhelming. Ticket sales have been uneven, and critics say it feels more like a cash grab than a celebration of the sport, lacking the tradition and prestige of the actual World Cup. Still, there’s time for momentum to build before the final on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
FEATURED EXPERT:
Caroline Hendershot
Reporter for NY Jets and co-host of Well Played
PS… Don’t miss this weekend’s NWSL matchups. On Friday, June 20: catch Kansas City vs Angel City at 8 pm ET on Prime Video. Then on Saturday, June 21: tune in for Gotham FC vs Bay FC at 7:30 pm ET, and Portland Thorns vs Chicago Stars at 10 pm ET — both on ION.
In Her Court
Professional athletes share what’s on their mind with theSkimm. We caught up with Olympian Kelsey Robinson Cook on how she handles performance pressure on and off the volleyball court.
“When I’m in those moments where it’s really hard, I try to make it about another teammate or somebody else. For example, I’m extra aware of getting them a nice set so they can take a rip.”
PS: Check out the full interview here.
Just Trust Us
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
Your new favorite day-to-night sneakers just dropped, and we can’t believe they’re under $30.
Hitting the pool or beach soon? Make sure to fill your tote and trunk with all the essentials, as recommended by our shopping editors.
For anyone starting a weight-lifting journey — or wanting to take theirs to the next level — these doctor-developed wrist wraps are a must.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
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