The Play-By-Play

UFC Freedom 250 saw great fights amid a flood of propaganda and a circus of conspiracy and controversy. Did it work?

But first, our latest edition of Stock Watch Stock Watch: Sports media is trying its best to make Victor Wembanyama into the NBA's next villain as the superstar center navigates normal early-career struggles.

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NBA Finals viewership is surging and the league has momentum once again, could a new generation of fans come out of this year's series?

Plus, the FIFA World Cup is underway. What could the North America-hosted tournament do for MLS and American soccer fandom?

The Ringer's Anthony Dabbundo joins to discuss.

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The FIFA World Cup kicks off Thursday and the USMNT follows on Friday, so it's time to hand out awards and preview the tournament.

We predict the Breakout Star Commentator (Zlatan?), Biggest Non-Soccer Story (Trump?), and much more as we get ready for the summer of soccer.

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ESPN's NBA Finals coverage is miles better than last year, but having Wemby and the Knicks certainly doesn't hurt.

We break down the series so far from a broadcast perspective, then discuss Clay Travis leaving Outkick with plans to launch a new company.

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Do Democrats need to give hot takes or go on sports talk radio to relate to the average voter? A new column in The Atlantic says yes.

We break down why James Talarico ripping Arch Manning or AOC showing her chops talking Yankees wouldn't actually get to the heart of the Dems' communication or political issues.

Plus, a closer look at Bryce Harper's warning to MLB over how fans could move on to new sources of entertainment during a potential lockout.

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Pat McAfee is reportedly in talks to extend his original deal at ESPN for multiple years, a sign that one of the most game-changing contracts in the history of media is going well for both sides after a somewhat rocky start.

We break down the news and what McAfee's future at the Worldwide Leader might look like.

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Dan Le Batard and Jon "Stugotz" Weiner appear to be on the last gasp of their attempt to rekindle a relationship that dates back more than 20 years.

We discuss whether this is the end for the beloved Meadowlark Media duo.

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Anyone talking about the WNBA has a hard time keeping track of where conspiracies start and reality ends, whether with Caitlin Clark or anyone else.

Seerat Sohi of The Ringer joins the show to discuss "The Caitlin Clark Machine," how to talk about the WNBA in a healthier way, and how coverage of the league can mature.

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Nick Wright landed a resounding blow on Stephen A. Smith over Smith's handling of the Jaylen Brown saga, comparing Smith to a "mob boss" and saying he makes the rest of sports media look bad.

Will Wright's comments make a dent in Smith's reputation?

Plus, a look at Bill Belichick's subtle comeback tour, which started on "Pardon My Take."

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Charlotte Wilder and Madeline Hill of The Sports Gossip Show join to discuss the rise of sports gossip content and their show, plus they dish on Aaron Rodgers, Taylor Swift, Caitlin Clark, Jordon Hudson and more!

Wilder and Hill are two of Awful Announcing's 2026 Sports Media Rising Stars: https://awfulannouncing.com/orig/sports-media-rising-stars-2026.html

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