Welcome to the Party

Wimbledon is here, and the Party People are going across the pond for a very proper tea party with Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss. Abby and Julie kick things off with World Cup fever, breaking down the USMNT’s knockout-round path, Cape Verde’s historic run, Gotham FC’s Challenge Cup win, and the latest NWSL shakeups.

Then it’s all things Wimbledon: Billie’s 65th straight trip to the tournament, the traditions that make it unlike any other Grand Slam, Ilana’s own Wimbledon history, and the stories only these two legends can tell. Plus, Serena and Venus Williams are back, and Billie and Ilana weigh in on what it really takes to return to the sport’s biggest stage in your 40s.

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Keep the Party Going:

Learn more about Easter Seals: https://www.easterseals.com/

Wimbledon Schedule: https://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/scores/schedule

Foudy’s Football Store: https://foudys.com and on social https://www.instagram.com/wearefoudys/

USA Special Olympics: https://2026specialolympicsusagames.org/

Thank you to our sponsors:

-Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

In this Party People Q&A episode, Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, and Billie Jean King hand the mic over to the listeners and tackle the questions everyone actually wants answered. From the very real challenge of returning to sports in midlife, when your brain remembers one body and your knees remember another, to the eternal mystery of soccer’s offside rule, the trio brings their signature mix of wisdom, honesty, and chaos.

Billie shares why strength, patience, and listening to your body matter more than trying to jump back in at full speed, Abby talks about learning new sports and taking ownership of your own growth, and Julie makes a passionate case for why offside keeps soccer beautiful, strategic, and just confusing enough to keep parents yelling from the sidelines. They also get into youth coaching, how kids can build confidence and skill outside of formal training, what makes a women’s sports league worth investing in, and the story behind the Welcome to the Party theme song. Plus: Billie’s iconic red glasses, Julie’s fancy hats, and a reminder that this party belongs to the Party People.

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Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store 

SUBSTACK - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack

Thank you to our sponsors:

-Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

On the 54th anniversary of Title IX, Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, and Billie Jean King look ahead at the future of women’s sports in a rapidly changing college athletics landscape. Joined by Women’s Sports Foundation President Swin Cash and CEO Danette Leighton, the hosts break down NIL, revenue sharing, the NCAA settlement, collectives, and the growing concern that women’s sports and Olympic programs could be left behind as new money floods the system.

Together, they unpack why Title IX still matters as much today as it did in 1972, what’s at stake for girls and women at every level of sport, and how intentional investment, transparency, and advocacy can protect the next generation of athletes and leaders.

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Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store 

Keep the Party Going:

Women’s Sports Foundation: https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/

Play to Lead Study: https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/articles_and_report/play-to-lead/?_gl=1*1eia117*_gcl_au*MjEwNDczOTczMy4xNzgyMTYzMTIw

Title IX Resources Department of Education: https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/civil-rights-laws/title-ix-and-sex-discrimination?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Thank you to our sponsors:

-Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

-Learn more at Levi.com

-Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes

-Goodles is available nationwide at Target and Walmart, plus many other major grocery stores and retailers

-Learn more about All Free Clear at https://www.all-laundry.com/

-Use code "podcast" to get a year of Shipt for only $49

-Use code Welcome to the Party at https://www.omahasteaks.com/

-Head to https://www.quince.com/Welcometotheparty for free shipping and 365-day returns.

Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy are coming to you straight from the Welcome to the Party x Airbnb World Cup Watch Party, where the vibes were high, the USA chants were loud, and the party people showed up in full force.

After watching the U.S. men’s national team grab another huge World Cup win, Abby and Julie break down what this moment means for the team, why the energy around this tournament feels so special, and whether this group can make a deeper run than ever before.

Plus, Abby takes us behind the scenes of one of the most iconic goals in U.S. Soccer history: her legendary 2011 World Cup header against Brazil. From the extra-time chaos to the knee-slide blackout to Megan Rapinoe’s very aggressive celebration jump, Abby tells the full story like only she can.

It’s World Cup joy, USA belief, Abby chaos, Julie wisdom, and a whole lot of “Why not us?”

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

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TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com

Keep the Party Going:

Party People, we got MERCH:

https://welcometotheparty.voila.store 

Men’s World Cup Schedule: https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/match-schedule-fixtures-results-teams-stadiums

Abby’s INCREDIBLE Goal vs. Brazil in 2011: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B4q6di-3fg

99er’s on David Letterman:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEFtvwHVfQU

Thank you to our sponsors:

-Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

-Find an Airbnb experience near you at https://www.airbnb.com/experiences

-Thank you to Apple Card

-Thank you to Levi's

Men’s World Cup fever has officially taken over the party. Abby and Julie break down the start of what feels like the biggest Men’s World Cup yet, from the USMNT’s electric opening win and the power of playing on home soil, to Messi making history, Marta still owning the record books, and the global fan chaos that makes this tournament so magical.

Plus, they catch up on the latest across women’s sports: Serena and Venus reuniting at Wimbledon, Wimbledon increasing prize money, the WNBA expanding to a 50-game season, the Indiana Fever quieting the drama with wins, the Commissioner’s Cup heating up, USWNT-Brazil fallout, and major PWHL movement with Hilary Knight heading to Detroit.

It’s Men’s World Cup obsession, women’s sports headlines, and a reminder that sports might just be the great unifier we need right now.

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

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TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

Email — [email protected]

Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com

Keep the Party Going:

We’ve got Welcome to the Party MERCH!! https://welcometotheparty.voila.store/

The PWHL Award Winners: https://www.thepwhl.com/en/awards

The WNBA Commissioner Cup Standings:https://www.wnba.com/standings/commissioners-cup

Follow Freddy the German Tourist: https://x.com/FreddyLA7?lang=en

The World Cup 15: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZn4EZ9PjdS/

Follow Cape Verde Goalie: Vozinha:https://www.instagram.com/vozinha1/

Boston Loves Their Scots: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZl0_zltP_2/

Thank you to our sponsors:

-Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

-Use code "podcast" to get a year of Shipt for only $49

-Pick up a bottle of all® free clear detergent for your next laundry day

-Sign up and get 10% off at http://betterhelp.com/welcometotheparty

-Apple Card is reliable, straightforward, and built to keep up. Apply in the Wallet app on your iPhone today

-This Father’s Day, give your dad something meaningful. Go to www.remento.co and use code WELCOME to save $20 through Father’s Day

Women’s lacrosse is having a major moment, and Charlotte North is one of the biggest reasons why.

This week on Welcome to the Party, Abby and Julie sit down with Charlotte North, two-time Tewaaraton Award winner, national champion, Team USA world champion, Boston Guard captain, broadcaster, entrepreneur, and one of the most electric players in the game. Charlotte breaks down why lacrosse is growing faster than ever, what the new Women’s Lacrosse League means for the future of the sport, and why the 2028 Olympics could be a total game-changer for women’s lacrosse.

Before Charlotte joins the party, Abby and Julie get into the World Cup fever taking over the country, the emotional power of sports to bring people together, Abby’s new role as unofficial USMNT lucky charm, and a special lacrosse-themed Party Starter covering the Olympics, pro leagues, NCAA dynasties, and the Indigenous history of “the creator’s game.”

Plus: two-point goals, stick-drop celebrations, Whitney Houston vocals, and the very important question: when are Abby and Julie playing lacrosse?

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

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Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow

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Email — [email protected]

Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com

Keep the Party Going:

Follow Freddy the German World Cup Fan: https://x.com/FreddyLA7/

Follow https://www.instagram.com/niniandthebrain/

Women’s Lacrosse League Schedule: https://thewll.com/schedule

Follow Women’s Lacrosse League: https://www.instagram.com/wll 

Follow Charlotte North: https://www.instagram.com/charlottenorth8/

Thank you to our sponsors:

-Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

-Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes

-Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at https://skims.com/

This week, Welcome to the Party goes live from the Girls in Motion “Her Story” event with Athletes Unlimited for a powerful conversation about mental health, leadership, confidence, and the future of women’s sports.

Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy sit down with Olympic gold medalist, LOVB MVP, Athletes Unlimited standout, and volleyball superstar Jordan Thompson for an honest conversation about what it really takes to succeed at the highest level, and why medals, highlight reels, and MVP titles never tell the full story.

Jordan opens up about therapy, medication, burnout, taking breaks, finding joy in the game again, and the support system that helped carry her to the Olympic podium. She also shares how she learned to lead with care, build real trust with teammates, and use the mantra “I have greatness inside of me” when her confidence starts to waver.

Plus, Abby and Julie reflect on what they wish they knew as teenagers, why failure doesn’t define you, and how young athletes can dream bigger than the world has even imagined yet.

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Email — [email protected]

Keep the Party Going:

Girls experience their lowest levels of self-confidence by the age of 14. Her Story protects their mental wellness. They’re on a mission to help teens discover what lights them up so they can show up with intention and confidence in every part of life. For more information: https://www.herstorymentorship.org/home 

Where to watch Athletes Unlimited Pro Volleyball: https://auprosports.com/volleyball/where-to-watch-united-states/ 

Follow Jordan Thompson: https://www.instagram.com/jtomm19/ 

Thank you to our sponsors:

-Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

World Cup fever is officially here…but so are the complications.

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This week, the party gets a world-class tennis upgrade as Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss join Julie and Abby for a Coffee with Kinger all about the state of the game.

The crew reacts to Serena Williams’ rumored return, Venus still being very much in the mix, and the chaos of a French Open where a new generation is breaking through. Then, they dive into the major player protest at Roland Garros, why top tennis stars are pushing for a bigger share of Grand Slam revenue, and how Billie and Ilana see this fight as part of a much bigger battle for player power, pensions, health care, and a seat at the table.

Plus: why college tennis programs are being cut, what tennis needs to do to survive in the new era of college sports, Naomi Osaka’s fashion moment, and Julie introduces the More Than Four Challenge in support of pediatric cancer research.

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Email — [email protected]

Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com

Keep the Party Going:

Participate in Zoe’s Challenge: https://www.pledge.to/mt4zoesgoal

Serena’s Nike Ad announcing her return: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZC5f9ZRAuL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

John Wertheim article about French Open: https://www.si.com/tennis/tennis-mailbag-breaking-down-players-media-protest-roland-garros

Thank you to our sponsors:

-Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

What does it take to race 1,100 miles in a single day?

This week, racing trailblazer Katherine Legge joins the party fresh off her attempt at one of the most grueling challenges in all of sports: racing both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Katherine takes Abby, Julie, and Billie Jean King inside the physical, mental, and emotional demands of competing at 230 mph, burning 5,000 calories in a day, and staying locked in for nearly 10 hours behind the wheel.

She opens up about the sacrifices she's made to build a career in motorsports, the pressure she once felt to downplay her femininity, and why driving a pink car became one of the most powerful moments of her career. Katherine also gets candid about the barriers women still face in racing, from sponsorship dollars to access to top teams, and why she believes the next generation deserves a clearer path to success.

Before the interview, the crew celebrates Pride Month, congratulates Julie on her Sports Emmy win for Save: The Katie Meyer Story, wishes Abby an early happy birthday, previews their upcoming Ally House event at the U.S. Women’s Open, and dives into the latest from the NWSL, USWNT, WNBA, NCAA lacrosse, and NCAA golf.

From life at 230 mph to the fight for equality in motorsports, this is a conversation about courage, resilience, and refusing to let anyone define what's possible. 

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

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TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

Email — [email protected]

Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com

Keep the Party Going:

Watch Save: The Katie Meyer Story: Save: The Katie Meyer Story | E60

Follow Katherine Legge: https://www.instagram.com/katherineracing/

Thank you to our sponsors:

-Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC