The Play-By-Play

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. Awful Announcing on X: https://twitter.com/awfulannouncingAwful Announcing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awfulannouncingAwful Announcing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awful_announcing/Awful Announcing on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@awful_announci

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.Awful Announcing on X: https://twitter.com/awfulannouncingAwful Announcing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awfulannouncingAwful Announcing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awful_announcing/Awful Announcing on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@awful_announci

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.Awful Announcing on X: https://twitter.com/awfulannouncingAwful Announcing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awfulannouncingAwful Announcing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awful_announcing/Awful Announcing on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@awful_announcing

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.Awful Announcing on X: https://twitter.com/awfulannouncingAwful Announcing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awfulannouncingAwful Announcing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awful_announcing/Awful Announcing on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@awful_announcingAwful Announcing on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/awfulannouncing.bsky.socialAwful Announcing on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/awfulannouncing/

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.Awful Announcing on X: https://twitter.com/awfulannouncingAwful Announcing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awfulannouncingAwful Announcing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awful_announcing/Awful Announcing on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@awful_announcing

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.Awful Announcing on X: https://twitter.com/awfulannouncingAwful Announcing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awfulannouncingAwful Announcing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awful_announcing/Awful Announcing on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@awful_announcing

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.Awful Announcing on X: https://twitter.com/awfulannouncingAwful Announcing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awfulannouncingAwful Announcing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awful_announcing/Awful Announcing on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@awful_announcing

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."Awful Announcing on X: https://twitter.com/awfulannouncingAwful Announcing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awfulannouncingAwful Announcing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awful_announcing/Awful Announcing on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@awful_announcing