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The Athletic Show

The Athletic Show

By: The Athletic
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Welcome to your essential weekly breakdown of the biggest stories in sports, brought to you by the most extensive sports newsroom ever assembled. Every Saturday, Robert Mays, Zena Keita and Jason Goff will explain the stories behind the headlines, leaning on the expertise of The Athletic's esteemed reporters to cut through the noise.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic
Politics & Government
Episodes
  • WNBA Players Getting Paid, NBA Expanding & The Weight Of The 1-Seed
    Mar 21 2026

    The WNBA and Players Association have agreed on a new collective bargaining agreement so it's full steam ahead for 2026 season. What will the new agreement mean for players and the league moving forward? The NBA is inching closer to 32 teams. We’re joined by The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov to discuss the inevitable return of the Seattle SuperSonics, the Vegas gold rush, and the "talent dilution" debate. Plus, which Western Conference team is getting shipped East? And we do a deep dive into the parallel pressures facing Duke’s men and UConn’s women. College sports writer Scott Dochterman joins Zena to explain why anything short of a Final Four is a failure for these powerhouses and decide which pro teams would be the perfect match for the biggest stars from each program.


    Hosts & Guests

    Zena Keita @itszenakeita

    Robert Mays @robertmays

    Scott Dochterman @ScottDochterman

    Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov


    Mix: Matt Shilts

    Executive Producer: Maggie Burbank

    Producer: Jen Bradley

    A Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    33 mins
  • The NBA's Curry Family Royalty, Market Moves and the Inside Scoop On NFL Free Agency
    Mar 14 2026

    Steph and Dell Curry sit down with The Athletic's Marcus Thompson for a wide-ranging conversation. From the "Originator" to "The Second," they discuss the evolution of the NBA, the rivalry for "NBA Family Royalty" against the Jameses, and a candid look at how the youth sports complex is failing American-born players. Also, Robert shares the intel from three crucial phone calls. By checking in with an NFL coach, a front-office executive, and an Athletic insider, he reveals what the league really thinks about the recent free agency frenzy. And, is the Prediction Market Loophole gambling or a financial exchange? Hannah Vanbiber joins the show to discuss the rise of platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. We explore why federal regulation makes these markets legal in all 50 states—and why the traditional sports betting world is sounding the alarm.


    Hosts & Guests

    Zena Keita @itszenakeita

    Robert Mays @robertmays

    Marcus Thompson @ThompsonScribe

    Hannah VanBiber @HannahVanbiber


    Mix: Matt Shilts

    Executive Producer: Maggie Burbank

    Producer: Beret Remak

    A Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    39 mins
  • Napheesa Collier on Unrivaled, CBA negotiations and the future of women's professional basketball
    Mar 7 2026

    WNBA superstar Napheesa Collier joins us to discuss how her new league, Unrivaled, is giving players the ultimate power move: options. She also weighs in on the WNBA CBA negotiations and more. Also, the Atlanta Hawks' controversial "Magic City Monday" is coming next week. A theme night honoring the legendary local institution known for adult entertainment. Should pro sports leagues act as a moral compass or is this just another "uniquely Atlanta" marketing win?. Then The Athletic's Carl Anka joins the show with 100 days to go before this summer's World Cup. He discusses that and also Wrexham’s Hollywood-style rise and Tottenham facing relegation as the Premier League season winds down.


    Hosts & Guests

    Zena Keita @itszenakeita

    Robert Mays @robertmays

    Jason Goff @Jason1Goff

    Carl Anka @Ankaman616


    Mix: Matt Shilts

    Executive Producer: Maggie Burbank

    Producer: Jen Bradley

    A Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show more Show less
    34 mins
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