If you ever needed an example of what not to do in women’s sports, look no further than Sky Sports. Its TikTok channel, Halo, folded just three days after it launched, for reasons that were both obvious and clearly sexist. (As our Well Played cohosts put it, the Notes-app apology left much to the imagination.) If it never made it to your FYP, count yourself lucky. Instead of reducing women’s sports to “hot girl walks,” matcha lattes, and Barbies — here are some of the headlines Halo most likely missed:
Legendary moves: After two World Cup titles and multiple Olympic gold medals, this US Women’s National Team icon is officially getting inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Watch the emotional moment she learned about it (we love Cindy from New Jersey).
Time to play ball: The Women’s Pro Baseball League just announced the location for its inaugural season — and the symbolism hits it out of the park. Meanwhile, meet one of the players: a former Little League phenom who’s ready to take WPBL by storm.
Leaving it on the ice: Every time the Winter Olympics roll around, I’m reminded of how I still don’t know how to ice skate (is it too late to learn?). These Olympic hopefuls competing in Skate America 2025 are dropping incredible moves — and we hope to see many of them in Milan.
Now, let’s get to the rest of the sports headlines…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
Let's Discuss
It's Goal Time
What's going on: The 2025 NWSL Championship is officially set, and we somehow landed on the exact kind of chaos-friendly showdown this league was built for. Facing off on the pitch this weekend: Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit. Both teams fought their way into the championships in wildly dramatic fashion. Gotham defeated the reigning NWSL champs, the Orlando Pride, in the semifinals after rolling in with tunnel-fit swagger. Midfielder Jaedyn Shaw’s 97th-minute goal and Ann-Katrin Berger’s season-saving stop sealed the deal. Meanwhile, Washington got a massive lift from Trinity Rodman’s return (complete with a new hair color) against the Portland Thorns. And Croix Bethune’s tricks against the defense only made for the perfect finish.
Our take: Based on the semis, this championship is expected to be unpredictable, dramatic, and completely up for grabs. Washington looks whole again, Rodman is back in rhythm, and Bethune has big-stage confidence. A win would give the team its second title and close the loop on last season’s heartbreak. Gotham looks just as dangerous and ready to clinch its second title in three years. Oh, and in case you’re into sports superstitions… the last time Gotham came in as the lowest seed, it won the championship.
Psst…Well Played cohosts, Caroline Hendershot and Blake Morgan, will be at NWSL Fan Fest to record a live podcast. Catch them Saturday at 2 pm PT — details here.
