The NBA Reporter Drama Setting NBA Twitter Ablaze

The Santan Cup is a White Party dressed up like a soccer tournament, and the signage at the Barcelona Olympic Stadium indicates the next banger is coming soon. We assume our invite is already in the mail.

Fall is back and that means that Princess Diana is once again fashion inspo for the athleisure crowd. Time to hit Drake up for an Ivy League crew neck.

Golfer Jason Day teamed up with upstart lifestyle brand Malbon Golf and became a streetwear legend. No one tell Augusta National.

Fourth kits are the rock stars of world soccer. From Man City’s Oasis kits to Ipswich Town’s promotion of Ed Sheeran’s tour, you can feel the rhythm in the jerseys of the beautiful game. We love the trend, keep ‘em coming.

The most treasured memento of the Oakland Athletics’ final days was an Ass Hat. No seriously, they made a hat that said “Ass.” While it lived only briefly, it shined bright, and we looked forward to Travis Kelce rocking one at Coachella 2035.

Big news hit NBA Twitter Thursday—a big name was being let go from one of the most dominant dynasties in the sport. We’re not talking about the Lakers or Celtics. We’re talking about ESPN’s decision to waive NBA reporter Zach Lowe.

With their seven-figure salaries and massive followings, NBA reporters have become the new NBA superstars. We even talk and write about them as if they’re NBA players. One of the first questions asked of Lowe’s departure was, “Is ESPN clearing cap space so they can sign Shams?”

The recent retirement of ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski drove a similar discussion—with one superstar departing, how would the Worldwide Leader fill the gaping hole in its roster? This is the kind of Hot Stove talk reserved for Real Madrid and their “Galacticos.”

Woj’s retirement earned the “emergency” podcast treatment. When LeBron joined the Lakers, you can bet there were emergency podcasts. We’re willing to bet this was the first time it happened for a sports reporter.

It’s not just basketball insiders. Stephen A. Smith is openly comparing the next deal he wants to that of Dak Prescott, who just signed a $240 million deal with the Cowboys.

With new rights partners NBC and Amazon staffing up, the free-agent bidding wars are just beginning. Is there a max contract in the future for Lowe and Shams?

@gqsports

Take a look inside Micah Parsons training day #micahparsons #cowboys #dallas #nfl

The NFL has entered the fashion chat. Teaming up with Kith, the league has produced some absolute heat, and with Born X Raised, the NFL has given fans a new way to showcase their team colors.

The NFL also has a full-time, in-house fashion strategist—how many leagues can say that? Earlier this year he accompanied several players at Paris Fashion Week, and helped Joe Burrow walk the runway in the star-studded, sports-infused Vogue World show.

@nfl

joey b does it all #joeburrow #vogue #nfl #cincinnatibengals #pfw (via @Vogue)

Major brands are now getting involved. Abercrombie & Fitch called in Nick Chubb to show off their latest crossover gear. Chubbies, meanwhile, got George Kittle to show out.

The league’s pivot into fashion is clearly being embraced by its players. NFL tunnel fits are thriving, and Justin Jefferson is ready to put his fits up against any athlete in any sport. Remember Bill Belichick’s cut-up hoodie look? We’ve come a long way, baby.