Behind the WNBA's Rise

The A's played their final game in Oakland yesterday, with fans pouring out to the Coliseum for one last time. Owen was on the scene, speaking to fans for some first-hand opinions on the move. He also spoke with A's broadcaster Brodie Brazil about the team's departure, and what it means for the city of Oakland. Plus, we hear from the Detroit Tigers as Ilitch Sports + Entertainment CEO Ryan Gustafson joins the show to discuss the team's late-season push for the playoffs, running the business of a prospering MLB team, and the fiery Detroit sports culture. Also, David Samson joins for an MLB whip-around as the regular season comes to an end, discussing the White Sox's historically bad season, the Pirates choice to cut Rowdy Tellez, and why the Padres are facing big financial troubles despite high attendance.

Gordon Hayward retired from the NBA after last season. He joins the show to discuss playing for the Charlotte Hornets while Michael Jordan sold the team, watching another former team, the Celtics, win an NBA championship, and his plans for his post-playing career. Plus, UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka stepped away from the team, citing unfulfilled “commitments.” He leaves as many questions as answers and a program that started strong in a suddenly tenuous position. Also, Kansas City Current president Raven Jemison joins the show to discuss what it’s meant for her team to play in the first soccer stadium built for a women’s team, and the intense pressure to succeed and grow in the NWSL.

Brett Favre told congress on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, adding another potential wrinkle into his ongoing legal battle over Mississippi welfare fraud and abuse. AJ Perez of FOS has been locked into the case, and joins to explain where things go from here. Plus, Amanda Christovich joins to discuss a crazy week conference realignment as the Pac-12 fights for relevance, and we speak with Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis on the pressure of a three-peat, the hip-drop tackle, and NFL contract holdouts.

Ending a saga that spanned many months and featured numerous bidders, Everton FC is officially being sold to the The Friedkin Group. GiveMeSport Senior Football Correspondent Ben Jacobs joins the show with the details of the sale, and what the deal means for a club in massive debt. Plus, we hear from Evolution of the Black QB Director Anthony Smith on Colin Kaepernick, Michael Vick, and the other important voices in the new Amazon docuseries. Also, Golf Channel Reporter Kira Dixon offers her take on the state of golf, as the Presidents Cup is set to get underway.

Kendrick Perkins has found a second career as an NBA analyst – one that has changed his perspective on the league and its relationship to the media. He joins the show to discuss what he’s learned by seeing the game from both sides, the growing impact of college NIL on the NBA, and which teams could dethrone the Celtics. We also get the story of Trevor Reilly, the Colorado staffer who sought NIL money from Saudi Arabia without telling the school, and has since left the program. Freelance sports reporter Jill Painter Lopez and Front Office Sports senior reporter AJ Perez join to share their exclusive reporting on the story. Plus, we check in on the big college football stories, two down-trodden MLB teams, and why Max Verstappen is cursing.

The WNBA postseason begins on Sunday after its largest regular season ever. Host of The Ringer WNBA Show Seerat Sohi joins Owen to reflect on the monumental year and what we can expect in the playoff battles ahead. Plus, we hear from Monica McNutt on her relationship with Stephen A. Smith, her viral moments in the past year, and whether the WNBA and NBA should stick together. Also, the Sixers make a major development for their next home as the NBA unveils new jerseys, and F1 wants to go kid-friendly.

Adrian Wojnarowski, legendary breaker of NBA news, is leaving ESPN to be the GM of Saint Bonaventure’s basketball program. Front Office Sports Tuned-In columnist Michael McCarthy joins the show to discuss Woj’s legacy and who ESPN may be eyeing to replace him. Plus, the WNBA is coming to Portland, FSU and Clemson are reportedly in talks with the ACC on a deal that could redistribute conference funds, and the Pac-12 has new schools in its sights. Later, we hear from two people who have helped grow chess exponentially in recent years, Chess.com executive Danny Rensch and YouTube’s most popular chess creator Levy Rozman on the game’s recent triumphs and scandals.

The MLBPA is suing multiple sportsbook operators for unauthorized use of baseball players’ NIL (name, image, and likeness) in their promotions. Front Office Sports contributor Jeff Benson joins the show to explain what we know so far and where things are headed in a potentially ugly saga. Plus, we hear from American tennis star Ben Shelton about his performance in the US Open, controversy in the tennis world, and how he handles criticism. Later, Saints linebacker Demario Davis joins the show to discuss New Orleans’s strong start to the season and the work he is doing for youth experiencing homelessness in his community.

The state of football in the state of Florida has seen better days, and two marquee programs may have to cut ties with their respective head coaches soon, which would cost them a pretty penny. College Football Today host Joe Lisi joins the show to discuss why Mike Norvell and Billy Napier could both be out in the upcoming weeks. Plus, Texas Tech Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt discusses NIL-induced changes to the Big 12, Tech's new emphasis on the transfer portal, and the forgotten secret sauce that makes college sports so special. Also, the Laver Cup begins this week after a successful US Open for the Americans. Team World co-captain and ESPN analyst Patrick McEnroe gives his thoughts on the intense tournament schedule and Jannik Sinner's doping scandal.

ESPN analyst Jay Williams opens up about ESPN, the NIL era, and his desire to buy 49% of Duke basketball in a conversation with Front Office Sports editor-in-chief Dan Roberts at the Tuned-In summit. Plus, Matt Schwimmer, CEO of Playmaker HQ and GM of Action Network, joins to discuss the new era of high-profile athlete-led podcasts in light of the Kelce brothers signing a reported $100 million deal with Amazon. Also, the weekend put a number of high-profile quarterbacks in the spotlight for very different reasons, namely Tua Tagovailoa, Deshaun Watson, and Arch Manning.