…“French phenom Kylian Mbappe is leaving Nike for a brand that doesn’t have a soccer footprint.” But it’s not. Apparently, it’s very very real. And Mbappé’s new contract could be announced any minute. I’ve decided to imagine it’s with, like, Abercrombie or something. Now that’s innovation that excites.
Speaking of shoes, have you noticed everyone’s runnin’ around in those big honking clompers? Apparently, according to NSS Sports, Super Shoes (which cost anywhere from $300 to $500) have really changed the game for serious runners. I can’t confirm or deny this because I famously do not run, but I do like the way they look, and that’s what’s important.
These days, every brand is on a never-ending journey to procure the eyes of younger gens through unconventional approaches. Popstars are entry points to our favorite teams, YouTubers play in celebrity sports games. But through it all, the NFL stands alone. The league transcends the way we consume and engage with culture. Michael Lewis explains here.
One of my favorite Substacks, Rough Notes, by Maya Goldberg-Safir, wrote about two of my favorite NY Liberty superfans. They’ve been courtside at every game since I’ve been a ticketholder (about five years), and they were there way before, but it will be their last season. Read about the novelist superfans, Justine Larbalestier and Scott Westerfeld, here.
It turns out everyone in TV is lazy, except the hardworking cast and crew of Off Campus. Ok, that’s sort of a joke, but somehow everyone’s favorite hockey romcom is already working on season three. We haven’t even seen season two yet, but I do hope they’re hanging out at intermission again in this one, too.
Forward this to your psychic friend and let me know if my predictions are right.
…we’d love to watch some tennis with you, Toronto!
We’re partnering up with Mejuri for another special watch party during the National Bank Open Women’s Singles Final.
WHERE: Bellwoods Brewery, Toronto
WHEN: 5-9pm ET; August 13, 2026
Mejuri and OffBall want to celebrate everyone from diehards to new fans who have discovered a renewed sense of fandom and love sports. Come for the match, stay for the cocktails, Mejuri giveaways, and much more!
When it comes to what is cool or what will be a trend in a year or two, I fancy myself to be a bit ahead of the curve (I’ve been trying to convince my husband to carry a purse for two years). Usually, though, if I make my prediction out loud, it ends up being the wrongest take in the world (like when I said the Knicks were going to suck after firing Thibs). Still, knowing that caveat, I’ve decided to make some predictions for upcoming sporting events and seasons.
Here’s what our near future holds.
At least one white NFL player (bonus prediction: wide receiver or running back) gets braids. It’s already happened in most other men’s sports. Much to the dismay of society, white European athletes are having a braids summer. (Although let’s not pretend it’s the first time — recall David Beckham meeting Nelson Mandela in braids, and meeting Prince Charles in a durag). European tennis players Carlos Alcaraz, Flavio Cobolli, Spanish national team and Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella — they’re all doin’ it. We’re two weeks out from a swagged-out NFL white boy making his braids debut. To be clear, I’m not advocating for this, this is merely social commentary on the world we live in.
When I was doing research for this prediction, this question was suggested to me, and I had to include it.
The other day, the Sky’s Dijonai Carrington gave a lil platonic kiss to the Storm’s Natisha Hiedeman after she fell and stayed down post-hard screen. You obviously are just not getting that kind of interaction in men’s sports leagues, although someday I hope we do. I’m going to be bold here and say we are going to get a real, and big smooch on the court this season. Perhaps between Dijonai and her girlfriend, the Aces’ Jackie Young. Other options: If Tash Cloud and Izzy Harrison reunite (I’m getting major broken-up vibes, despite it not really being official); NaLyssa Smith and Dijonai (when they inevitably get back together); Marina Mabrey and someone (doesn’t really matter who, and honestly, it could be anyone, but maybe this wink was a preview).
DISCLAIMER: Obviously I’m not counting players who are famously in public relationships like DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas et al. They probably kiss every day!
If you asked me a week ago, I would’ve said we’re getting a pickleball movie soon, but it turns out that already exists. I watched it the other day against my better judgement, and I felt nothing. Anyway, I do think we’ll get a sports musical on Broadway in the coming months. Hopefully not a pickleball musical, though.
I think ESPN will start creating country music guys in a lab (if they aren’t already, who is this Riley Green guy people are on about?) so that they have some banging guest pickers for every SEC and B1G game. The worst part of this is not that they will be playing God or tricking audiences, but rather, since the world blew up everything that is important to me (the Pac-12), no one is going to bother making West Coast guys in a lab. Unless someone wants to do that with me?
Let me know if you’ve got predictions. Email me, @ me, fax me, etc!
Everyone gets so excited about the NBA and NFL Christmas day schedules. I feel neutral about it, considering during that time I am overcome with the Holiday Spirit, but I do admit the NBA adds a little magic to the season. Especially since I firmly believe it should be the first day of the regular season (#shortentheseason). Anyways, this year is going to be a Hallmark Holiday movie, because we’ve got a full docket.
A Spurs-Knicks rematch? Don’t mind if I do! Packers-Bears on Netflix? I mean, sure, I’m not drivin’. Bills-Broncos? The Chiefs fan in me just hopes both teams lose, but the football fan in me will be grateful for a good game. LeBron’s new team will play his most recent former team. The Rams will play the Seahawks. It’s really going to be quite the day.
@espn ‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE A HOOPER 🎄🏀 The 2026 #NBA #Christmas Day slate is HERE ❄️ #basketball #lebron
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