It’s time for the Final Four. For me, that takes on double meaning — not only is it the next phase of the NCAA women’s and men’s basketball tournaments, it’s also the final four weeks of my pregnancy (unless, you know, there’s an early or late arrival). On the women’s side, this year’s matchups — all No. 1 seeds — are expected to be thrilling. Here’s hoping they deliver another hilarious TikTok trophy moment. On the men’s side, I’m not sure that anyone’s recovered from UConn’sgame-winning shot — including this baby, who’s probably still hearing their dad’s disbelief in their dreams. Note to self: Keep child away from husband during next year’s March Madness. I’m sure that whatever happens, there will be another moment that leaves announcers almost too stunned to speak — and prompts another NSFW reaction from a coach’s mom. Now, here’s what else is making sports headlines…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
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What to look out for in our latest episode.
Did Pregnancy Cost This Runner a Sponsorship Deal?
What’s going on: Emma Bates is no casual runner. A US marathon champion, Bates placed second at Chicago in 2021 and fifth at Boston in 2023. In December, she finished another 26.2 miles in Valencia, clocking 2:25:51 — while pregnant. That remarkable feat may now be the least talked about part of her story. Last month, Bates publicly shared her pregnancy and alleged she lost an endorsement deal with energy product company UCan as a result. The company disputes that, saying the partnership ended before it knew that she’s expecting. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Unlike some professional athletes, runners often rely on their sponsorships to make a living — there's no guaranteed salary and no real union safety net.
Tell me more: This isn’t the first dispute of its kind — but it puts the so-called “pregnancy penalty” back in the spotlight. In 2019, Nike announced maternity protections after an elite group of track stars, including seven-time Olympic champion Allyson Felix, told The New York Times that the company tried to cut their pay during or after pregnancy. Athletes across other sports have faced similar challenges and pushed for change. The WNBA just added protections for expecting players in trade situations. In cycling, the Life Time Grand Prix now guarantees athletes reentry after they give birth. As more and more competitors show they don’t have to choose between being a mom and their sport (hi, Sophia Wilson), it’s time for leagues and brands to rewrite their playbooks, too.
