EDITOR’S NOTE
Well, NYC, it looks like a major sports curse has finally been broken. Yes, I’m talking about the Knicks clinching their first NBA title in 52 years. Now, it’s not the championship, but this huge trophy is worthy — and Spike Lee literally couldn’t be more excited. I’ve no doubt that Timmy would’ve been at the Vegas game, if not for his Marty Supreme premiere in the Big Apple. Speaking of, his outfit might’ve been predictable, but his date definitely wasn’t — how sweet. I hate to admit that the film’s marketing game might’ve gotten to me. Now, I may actually go see this sports (?) film on Christmas Day. But enough of that, let’s get to what else is making headlines…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
Let's Discuss
No Offseason Here
What’s going on: The WNBA’s biggest stars aren’t slowing down — even when the season is over. Over the weekend, Team USA senior camp brought together Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers ahead of next fall’s World Cup in Berlin. For Clark, the camp marked her full return to the court after an injury shortened her season with the Indiana Fever. But it’s not all work and no play, as Angel and Paige (aka Paigel) reminded us. (Just don’t bring up the team’s age gap, OK?) If the scrimmages are any indication, managing director Sue Bird is going to have a hard time finalizing the roster.
Our take: Athletes are planning for next year in more ways than one. The WNBA and its players’ union remain at odds over CBA negotiations — with players asking for more than double the revenue share the league has proposed, per The Athletic. At camp, Clark stressed the WNBA is at a pivotal moment, one it can’t mess up. Meanwhile, New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud told theSkimm that it’s all about pushing for a future that reflects their worth: “There is no business that runs without its workers, and we are the product on the floor. We are what makes the WNBA go.”
Related: Why Is Everyone on Trinity Rodman Watch? (ESPN)
Psst…theSkimm spoke to Gotham FC’s Midge Purce and WNBA stars Natasha Cloud and Courtney Williams about the ongoing negotiations and other issues facing women’s sports. Read more here.
Pick Six
More sports talkers you don't want to miss.
✨ Mariah Carey will bring her main-character energy to the Winter Olympics. Let her skate… metaphorically.
📺 Netflix just announced its NFL Christmas halftime performer. Drop it like it’s hot — for the holidays.
🏈 QB Josh Allen says this happens to him almost every game. Someone, please get his doctor on the phone.
💰 And the highest-paid athlete in women’s sports is…
⚽ Sir David Beckham’s knighthood unlocked a new title for his wife, Victoria. How posh.
👀 Is Cristiano Ronaldo taking his talents to this movie franchise? Vroom.
Timeout...
Caroline Hendershot, cohost of Well Played and NY Jets reporter, answers viewers’ questions.
What’s next for the Kansas City Chiefs?
In the last two minutes of their loss against the Chargers, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL (and promptly had surgery). The typical recovery lasts about nine months and rehab timelines vary, but he hopes to be back on the field to start the 2026 season. Still, nothing is certain. The Chiefs are already out of the playoffs and questions about Mahomes’s health have fueled speculation about what comes next for Travis Kelce, one of the league’s oldest active tight ends. With his longtime QB possibly out to start next season, fans question whether this year could be Kelce’s last. (His brother, Jason, weighed in with his own thoughts.) At least the off-season leaves plenty of time to wedding plan?
Related: Ouch. This Injury Might’ve Just Ended The Packers’ Season (USA Today)
TOGETHER WITH CAPITAL ONE VENTURE X BUSINESS
Big Payoff
This week on Well Played: Fernando Mendoza’s shocking (and super touching) speech dedicating his Heisman Trophy to his mom.
Put Us in, Coach
This week on our sports and pop culture podcast Well Played:
Here’s what else you can catch in this week's episode:
Did Hailee Steinfeld pass this pregnancy symptom on to her quarterback husband?
Some of our favorite sports girlies were drafted to the Met Gala. And we’re thrilled this icon will be back.
These two sentences sum up everything that went wrong this football season.
Plus: We give out our end-of-year awards, and yes, there are categories for stories that made us (happy) cry and left our jaws on the floor.
Programming Note
Skimm Sports is taking a break for the holidays. But don’t sweat it, we’ll be back in your inbox in the new year. Until then, best of luck to your fantasy football team.
Just Trust Us
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
We love nothing more than a good sale, especially when it’s for one of our favorite red-light face masks. Use code FLASH25 today and tomorrow to save.
Behold: the pleated athleisure pants of our dreams — at 25% off with code STRONG.
For days when you wish you could wear sneakers to the office, try these chic, versatile Skechers.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
No Notes
Photos: Abdullah Ahmed, Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire, Todd Owyoung/NBC, Kent Smith/NBAE, Jamie Squire and Hector Vivas via Getty Images | Design: theSkimm
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