Joelle Anderson isn’t just a pro soccer player. She’s also a soccer fan. Like most of her Bay FC teammates, the San Jose native was glued to the TV watching the USMNT earn a 4-1 win over Paraguay in its first World Cup match. As Anderson and Bay FC await a return to the field following a month-long pause for the World Cup, she joined the “Section 415” podcast to analyze the U.S. men’s impressive start and detail her journey from playing youth soccer in the South Bay to returning home to compete professionally for Bay FC.

0:00 Introduction

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A year after the Giants executed a blockbuster trade for Rafael Devers, Buster Posey is expected to have another busy summer ahead. This time, it's for all the wrong reasons. Barring a miracle, the struggling Giants will likely trade away top talent including Luis Arráez and Robbie Ray. It's possible the franchise commits to a rebuild, which could mean Posey would be willing to listen to offers on Willy Adames, Matt Chapman, and even Logan Webb. On "Section 415," The Standard's John Shea previews how Posey and Co. will approach a pivotal August 3 deadline.

00:00:00 Introduction

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When Sarah Jones Simmer joined the National Women’s Soccer League as chief operating officer in 2024, the league was attempting to capitalize on surging national interest in women’s sports. Today, attendance and ratings are up, the league is expanding into new markets, and players are earning record salaries. In a live taping of "Section 415" at Charter's New Employer Brand Summit in New York, Simmer joined host Kerry Crowley on stage to discuss how the league office has courted new sponsors, earned the trust of players, and built a culture that can maximize the potential of women's soccer in the U.S.

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Sarah Jones Simmer, COO of the NWSL

01:53 How the NWSL is Collaborating, Not Competing With the World Cup

06:57 Bay FC and the Evolution of Women's Soccer Infrastructure in the Bay Area

09:31 Sarah's Non-Traditional Path to Sports Leadership

11:44 Building Trust at Scale in a Large Company

15:01 Three Leadership Principles: Beehive Soccer, Roster Rotation & the Penalty Kick Rule

17:32 How the NWSL Chooses New Markets and Ownership Groups

20:04 AI in the Workplace and Why Live Sports Stands to Benefit

22:05 What Success Looks Like for the NWSL Over the Next 5–10 Years

23:48 Outro and Credits

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The Golden State Valkyries made the playoffs in their inaugural season, have sold out every home game they’ve ever played, and are the first women’s sports franchise valued at $1 billion. Who’s responsible for this immediate success? How did the Valkyries shoot past their competitors to become the WNBA’s most valuable team? On "Section 415," reporter Jane Kenny discusses the evolution of the franchise since owner Joe Lacob paid $50 million back in 2023 to establish it.

00:00 Introduction

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The Giants are lost. Their highest-paid players aren't producing, they haven't cleared a path to playing time for prospects, and they've been flirting with last-place for weeks. What's next for Buster Posey as he evaluates a team that hasn't come close to meeting expectations? The Standard's John Shea joins "Section 415" to discuss changes the Giants can implement and where the 2026 club ranks among the worst Bay Area baseball teams he has covered.

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The “Light Years” podcast’s Sam Esfandiari joined guest host Danny Emerman on “Section 415” to discuss how the Warriors might approach the upcoming draft. Esfandiari also laid out what would constitute a successful offseason for Golden State and reflected on his decade of podcasting about the Warriors.

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After 49ers rookies took the field in Santa Clara for the first time earlier this month, they’ll join veteran teammates at organized team activities (OTAs) next week. The practices lack the same level of intensity as training camp, but they provide an important learning opportunity for younger players and a chance for veterans to get acquainted with new coaches. The Standard’s David Lombardi joins “Section 415” to discuss which developments he’ll be tracking and how new coaches including defensive coordinator Raheem Morris will implement changes.

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Steve Kerr has signed a two-year deal to return to the Golden State Warriors, but the coach acknowledged that things are different at this stage of his tenure. There’s no championship or bust mentality. It’s not realistic to compete for a title every season. So if winning a fifth ring with Golden State isn’t the most likely outcome, why did Kerr return? Kerr spoke with The Standard’s Tim Kawakami, who joins "Section 415" to discuss Kerr’s comments about his future, and how the Warriors will approach a pivotal offseason.

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The greatest eras of 49ers football, Giants baseball, and Warriors basketball have one thing in common.

Each franchise drafted the vast majority of its most important players.

At a time when Bay Area sports fans are clamoring for the 49ers, Giants, and Warriors to continue adding to their roster through free agency and trades, it’s important to remember that there’s no viable path to the top without drafting the right players.

Joe Montana? Buster Posey? Steph Curry? All franchise-altering draft picks.

Which Bay Area franchise will win a title next?

With 2024 No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini leading the way, the San Jose Sharks are positioned to thrive for years to come.

On this episode of “Section 415,” host Kerry Crowley traces the rise and fall of Bay Area dynasties through their best and worst draft picks.

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Steve Kerr has agreed to return to the Warriors, but that doesn’t necessarily mean things are business as usual for Golden State. What does the coach’s two-year deal mean for Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Joe Lacob’s never-ending pursuit of the team’s next superstar? Today, Danny Emerman joins Section 415 to break it all down.

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