Chuck Klosterman on the Cinema Revival, Sports Tsars, Owners and Commissioners, Analytics, U.S. Soccer Groundhog Day, and State of Reading

In this special episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, guest host Chris Ryan is joined by Arsenal legend Ian Wright to react to Argentina defeating England 2-1 in the World Cup semifinals. Then, Anthony Dabbundo joins the pod to preview the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. Finally, Sean Fennessey hops on to talk ‘The Odyssey’ and Christopher Nolan. (0:00) Intro (2:57) Argentina eliminates England, with Ian Wright (34:47) World Cup final preview with Anthony Dabbundo (55:21) Sean Fennessey on ‘The Odyssey’ Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Ian Wright, Anthony Dabbundo, and Sean Fennessey Producers: Chia Hao Tat, Eduardo Ocampo, and Chris Wohlers Brought to you by PayPal. Learn more at paypal.comAs the Official Beer Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 26, Michelob ULTRA away $1million in FIFA World Cup tickets and prizes. https://www.michelobultra.com/superioraccess/FIFAWORLDCUP26 MICHELOB ULTRA® FIFA® WORLD CUP 26TM SUPERIOR ACCESS. No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 21+. Begins on 12/1/25 and ends on 7/31/26. Multiple entry periods. Visit https://www.michelobultra.com/superioraccess/FIFAWORLDCUP26 for free entry, entry deadlines, and Official Rules. Message and data rates may apply. Void where prohibited.The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Chuck Klosterman to discuss why soccer has not taken off in the U.S. the same way other sports have. Then, they talk sports commissioners, eras of owners, evolving ticket prices for movies, and much more! (0:00) Intro (2:25) Soccer in the U.S. (33:19) Sports commissioners and eras of owners (01:07:04) Ticket prices for movies and more Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Chuck Klosterman Producers: Chia Hao Tat and Eduardo Ocampo Brought to you by PayPal. Learn more at paypal.com Discover something new on TikTok. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons and Joe House react to the news of the Raptors putting the Kawhi trade on hold until after the Aspiration investigation finishes. Then, they take a deeper look at the Jaylen Brown trade and why the Celtics decided to let him go. Finally, they discuss Joel Embiid’s availability in trade talks before answering some mailbag questions. (0:00) Intro (2:49) Kawhi trade to the Raptors on hold (8:44) Jaylen Brown’s advanced analytics (45:59) Are the 76ers looking to trade Embiid? (01:02:20) Mailbag Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Joe House Producers: Chia Hao Tat and Eduardo Ocampo Brought to you by PayPal. Learn more at paypal.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Anthony Dabbundo LIVE on Netflix to react to the USMNT losing 4-1 to Belgium in the World Cup's round of 16. Then, Jason Concepcion joins the pod to give more World Cup thoughts, discuss what the Jaylen Brown trade means, break down the TV landscape, and much more. (0:00) Intro (1:15) Belgium defeats Team USA 4-1 (41:57) More World Cup thoughts (01:07:01) What the Knicks win meant for Jason (01:14:33) The TV landscape, ‘The Odyssey,’ and more! Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Chris Ryan, Anthony Dabbundo, and Jason Concepcion Producers: Chia Hao Tat, Eduardo Ocampo, and Chris Wohlers Brought to you by PayPal. Learn more at paypal.com As the Official Beer Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 26, Michelob ULTRA away $1million in FIFA World Cup tickets and prizes. https://www.michelobultra.com/superioraccess/FIFAWORLDCUP26 MICHELOB ULTRA® FIFA® WORLD CUP 26TM SUPERIOR ACCESS. No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 21+. Begins on 12/1/25 and ends on 7/31/26. Multiple entry periods. Visit https://www.michelobultra.com/superioraccess/FIFAWORLDCUP26 for free entry, entry deadlines, and Official Rules. Message and data rates may apply. Void where prohibited. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons and Zach Lowe react to England holding on to defeat Mexico 3-2 in the World Cup's Round of 16. Then, they reflect on the Jaylen Brown trade before diving into some mailbag questions. (0:00) Intro (1:15) England defeats Mexico 3-2 in the World Cup (19:43) Reflecting on the Jaylen Brown trade (34:06) Mailbag questions Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Zach Lowe Producers: Chia Hao Tat, Eduardo Ocampo, and Chris Wohlers Brought to you by PayPal. Learn more at paypal.com As the Official Beer Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 26, Michelob ULTRA away $1million in FIFA World Cup tickets and prizes. https://www.michelobultra.com/superioraccess/FIFAWORLDCUP26 MICHELOB ULTRA® FIFA® WORLD CUP 26TM SUPERIOR ACCESS. No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 21+. Begins on 12/1/25 and ends on 7/31/26. Multiple entry periods. Visit https://www.michelobultra.com/superioraccess/FIFAWORLDCUP26 for free entry, entry deadlines, and Official Rules. Message and data rates may apply. Void where prohibited. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Chris Ryan and Kirk Goldsberry to react to the blockbuster Celtics trade that saw Jaylen Brown end up with the 76ers in exchange for Paul George. Then, they discuss the Lakers' offseason moves, Kawhi heading to Toronto, and possible LeBron landing spots! (0:00) Intro (1:15) Jaylen Brown traded to the 76ers (01:08:45) The Lakers' moves (01:26:11) Kawhi Leonard heading to Toronto (01:32:29) LeBron landing spots and other offseason moves Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Kirk Goldsberry and Chris Ryan Producers: Chia Hao Tat, Eduardo Ocampo, and Chris Wohlers Brought to you by PayPal. Learn more at paypal.com As the Official Beer Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 26, Michelob ULTRA away $1million in FIFA World Cup tickets and prizes. https://www.michelobultra.com/superioraccess/FIFAWORLDCUP26 MICHELOB ULTRA® FIFA® WORLD CUP 26TM SUPERIOR ACCESS. No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 21+. Begins on 12/1/25 and ends on 7/31/26. Multiple entry periods. Visit https://www.michelobultra.com/superioraccess/FIFAWORLDCUP26 for free entry, entry deadlines, and Official Rules. Message and data rates may apply. Void where prohibited. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons and Zach Lowe go LIVE on Netflix to give their thoughts on the latest Jaylen Brown trade rumors before breaking down the Hornets trades, possible LeBron landing spots, and much more. Then, Taylor Sheridan joins the pod to talk about his new book, ‘How to Survive in Prison,’ before diving into his beginnings in screenwriting, how he works differently from others, and the success of his films and television shows. (0:00) Intro (1:15) Jaylen Brown trade rumors (34:29) LaMelo Ball traded to the Wolves (54:23) Miles Bridges to the Suns and other trade news (01:26:40) Taylor Sheridan on his new book, screenwriting, and more! Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Zach Lowe and Taylor Sheridan Producers: Chia Hao Tat, Eduardo Ocampo, and Chris Wohlers Brought to you by PayPal. Learn more at paypal.com As the Official Beer Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 26, Michelob ULTRA away $1million in FIFA World Cup tickets and prizes. https://www.michelobultra.com/superioraccess/FIFAWORLDCUP26 MICHELOB ULTRA® FIFA® WORLD CUP 26TM SUPERIOR ACCESS. No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 21+. Begins on 12/1/25 and ends on 7/31/26. Multiple entry periods. Visit https://www.michelobultra.com/superioraccess/FIFAWORLDCUP26 for free entry, entry deadlines, and Official Rules. Message and data rates may apply. Void where prohibited. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, Joe House, and J. Kyle Mann go LIVE on Netflix to react to the 2026 NBA first-round draft picks and discuss the winners and losers. (0:00) Intro (1:15) NBA draft reactions (6:59) Winners and losers of the first round Host: Bill Simmons Guests: J. Kyle Mann and Joe House Producers: Chia Hao Tat, Eduardo Ocampo, and Chris Wohlers Brought to you by PayPal. Learn more at paypal.com Get 30% off snacks and groceries on Uber Eats. https://www.ubereats.com/feeds/wfootball_2026_us Presented by @MichelobULTRA #ULTRACourtside LDA 21 and over. Drink responsibly. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier to react to Giannis Antetokounmpo getting traded to Miami. (0:00) Intro (1:15) Heat trade for Giannis (13:26) Why didn’t the Giannis trade work for the Celtics? Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier Producers: Chia Hao Tat, Eduardo Ocampo, and Chris Wohlers Brought to you by PayPal. Learn more at paypal.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Zach Lowe to discuss the newest developments with the Giannis trade rumors before jumping into a mega-mailbag to answer questions from the listeners. Then, Joe House joins the pod to react to Wyndham Clark winning the U.S. Open and to discuss the World Cup. (0:00) Intro (1:15) Giannis trade rumors (24:46) Mega-mailbag (01:35:44) U.S. Open reactions Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Zach Lowe and Joe House Producers: Chia Hao Tat, Eduardo Ocampo, and Chris Wohlers Brought to you by PayPal. Learn more at paypal.com As the Official Beer Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 26, Michelob ULTRA away $1million in FIFA World Cup tickets and prizes. https://www.michelobultra.com/superioraccess/FIFAWORLDCUP26 MICHELOB ULTRA® FIFA® WORLD CUP 26TM SUPERIOR ACCESS. No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 21+. Begins on 12/1/25 and ends on 7/31/26. Multiple entry periods. Visit https://www.michelobultra.com/superioraccess/FIFAWORLDCUP26 for free entry, entry deadlines, and Official Rules. Message and data rates may apply. Void where prohibited. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices