Good Game with Sarah Spain

Former Iowa basketball coach turned NBC Sports analyst Lisa Bluder joins Sarah to discuss her new role behind the broadcast desk, watching her former players hoop in the pros, her 20+ year career leading Iowa women’s basketball, and what it’s like being at the center of the Caitlin Clark commotion. Plus, pulling out the dictionary to get to know our new teams and the age-old question: WWMD? SHOW NOTES:  Watch an example of goldeneye courtship here  All eight Unrivaled rosters can be seen here  Full schedule for college hoops can be found here  Read USA Today’s story from 2020 about LSU’s mishandling of sexual misconduct complaints here Read Nancy Armour’s column about LSU’s selection of Verge Ausberry here Check out the WTA Finals schedule here Check out a fascinating animated illustration of the WNBA’s CBA negotiations from _sportsball here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allie Kleva, the Chief Growth Officer for Athletes Unlimited, joins Sarah to discuss the latest season of AU Volleyball, big announcements to expect ahead of the next Athletes Unlimited Softball League season, the power of investing in top front office talent, and how advice from an Uber driver resulted in a years-in-the-making gift for her kids. Plus, a battle we’re not sure we want, our favorite border war is back, and celebrating the midway point between the legs.  Check out Joey’s incredible women’s sports calendar for 2025 here and 2026 here Read Katie Barnes’ story on Azzi Fudd here The WTA Finals schedule is here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArtwork  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tamerra Griffin, women’s soccer writer and podcast host for The Athletic, joins Sarah to discuss all the NWSL Decision Day chaos, preview this weekend’s quarterfinal matchups, and unpack what it means for Racing Louisville to finally end its ninth-place curse. Plus, Sarah demands answers to tough questions, like which team’s color is the cutest.  Follow Tamerra on Instagram here Read Tamerra’s reporting for The Athletic here   Listen to Full Time here Watch Kristen Hamilton’s reunion with Sam Mewis and Lynn Biyendolo here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArtwork See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With college hoops season upon us, Sarah gets you up to speed on the stars, stakes, stats and stories you need to know. She breaks down the preseason favorites, tells ya who's where with "old faces in new places," and shares her five burning questions as the season tips off. Plus, streaking for veebs, falling back in love with the game, and the fastest way around the city is on your feet. Check out the Fan Flare app here  The NCAA basketball schedule can be found here   Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArtwork  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah and producer Alex Azzi introduce you to Little Citrus (just a squeeze or two short of Big Citrus). They discuss the chaos that was NWSL Decision Day, reveal the postseason matchups now that the bracket has been set, and cross their fingers that what they think they saw wasn’t what they saw at all. Plus, the hope of a day-to-day prognosis, a powerful response to one player’s late-season cry for attention, and the road to the Final Four starts today.  Watch Sarah Gorden and Angelina Anderson’s statement here The NCAA basketball schedule can be found here   The list of Unrivaled players is here and the list of coaches is here Read Ben Pickman’s story for The Athletic about the WNBA CBA extension here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArtwork  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Live from the annual espnW Women + Sports Summit, Sarah is joined by Ilana Kloss, CEO of Billie Jean King enterprises, Kara Nortman, Managing Partner of Monarch Collective and Co-Founder of Angel City FC, and Fielding Jamieson, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Tipt Ventures. The quartet gathered to discuss investing in women’s sports, the challenges of being in the business of sport, and the importance of making room at the table. Plus, planned chaos, the status quo is nearly upon us, and winter is coming. SHOW NOTES:  Read Ben Pickman’s story for The Athletic about what to expect if the CBA deadline passes here  The full class of inductees to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is here A guide to NWSL decision day is here Listen to the full conversation between Malaika Andrews and Ilona Maher here Watch Fish’s full response to Elizabeth Eddy here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArtwork See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Nicole LaVoi, the Director of the Tucker Center, and Emily Jo Roberts, the Director of women’s coaching and executives for The Collective, join Sarah to discuss getting more women coaches into women’s sports, the trends they’re seeing at both the college and pro ranks, and the sport that’s the worst offender when it comes to hiring women coaches.  Check out the resources from the Tucker Center here Check out the research from The Collective here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArtwork See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jen Millet, president of NWSL expansion team Denver Summit FC, joins Sarah to discuss being the club’s first hire, how the Summit will tell the story of its city, and the race to get the team onto the pitch and the temporary stadium up and built. Plus, the W goes glam, steppin’ up for the CBA, and creating a problem to freak out over. Marie-Philip Poulin's ELLE cover here Check out the story about the WNBA players named to Glamour’s Women of the Year list here Read Meg Linehan’s response to Elizabeth Eddy’s op-ed here Listen to Rose Eveleth's podcast, Tested here Follow the Denver Summit FC on Instagram here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArtwork See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thayer Lavielle, managing director of The Collective, the women’s division of Wasserman, joins Sarah to unpack how brands and consumers drive the women’s sports economy. They dig into research revealing how different demographics watch, engage with, and spend on women's sports, and how The Collective plans to shape the next era of investment. Plus, one big-name athlete sends a message to the candy corn haters out there.  The Collective website is here  The Yes& Media website is here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArtwork See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the start of the college hoops season, the Hartford Courant’s Emily Adams joins Sarah to discuss UConn’s championship offseason, the Huskies’ chances of repeating, and the teams most likely to challenge them. Plus, a skier creating new peaks, a race reaching new heights, and a coach making WNBA history.  Follow Emily Adams here  Read the full AIU release regarding Ruth Chepng'etich here  Read the New York Times story on the history of Kenyan runners and doping here  Check out Misty Copeland on the first digital moving cover of Harper’s Bazaar here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArtwork  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President of the Portland Fire Clare Hamill joins Sarah to discuss how she’s preparing for her team’s looming tipoff amidst an uncertain WNBA offseason, why this is the perfect “retirement job” for her, and how the new Portland Fire plan to engage with the legacy of the OG Portland Fire. Plus, shouting across a void, a gymnastics streak continues, and Brondello is back. SHOW NOTES:  Read ESPN’s recent survey of anonymous WNBA coaches, execs, and players here  The full broadcast schedule for the Hanwha Lifeplus International Crown can be found here  Check out Forbes’ list of the Most Powerful Women in Sports here The full broadcast schedule for the World Gymnastics Championships can be found here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArtwork  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. women’s national team legends Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach sit down with Sarah for a live interview as part of the Women’s Sports Foundation's Athlete Leadership Connection. They discuss how Abby and Julie handled the transition from pro athlete to post-soccer life, why women's sports are inherently political, learning how to enjoy the ordinary and not just the extraordinary, and how Julie and Abby’s new podcast with Billie Jean King, “Welcome to the Party,” adds another layer of radical joy to the women’s sports world. Listen to “Welcome to the Party” here Listen to “We Can Do Hard Things” here  You can find the "We Can Do Hard Things" book here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArtwork  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Northern Super League co-founder and chief growth officer Diana Matheson and filmmaker and director of “The Pitch” Michèle Hozer join Sarah to discuss the inaugural NSL season, how Michèle’s film documents Diana’s fight to launch the league, and the moments along the way when the duo thought the first-ever women’s pro soccer league in Canada might not happen at all. Plus, new threads just dropped, sharing a bid with friends, and staying neutral all the way. Upcoming screenings of “The Pitch” can be found here  The 2025 World Gymnastics Championships broadcast schedule can be found here  Read Jasmine Mander’s story about dronegate here  Watch producer Alex ask NWSL player Kate Del Fava to fact check her first goal here Read the story in Block Club Chicago about the work being done to help residents amid ICE raids here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArtwork See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Softball player Erin Coffel joins Sarah to discuss being a part of the inaugural Athletes Unlimited Softball League season, earning the AUSL’s first-ever MVP honors, her transition to the pros, and why she still gets starstruck meeting legends of the game. Plus, killing in the best way, hometown heroes get their due, and there’s no Midwest Nice once you step on the ice. Follow Erin Coffel on Instagram here Follow the AUSL on Instagram here  Watch the hockey brawl between Ohio State and Minnesota here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @azziartwork  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Play-by-play announcer Kate Scott joins Sarah to discuss how she got her start, the nuances and challenges of calling different sports, trying not to screw things up for an entire gender, and what she’s doing to prepare for her new job as the lead voice of the USA Network's WNBA coverage. Plus, making the leak official, birthing berths, and the wrath of the injury gods is fierce.  Follow Kate on Instagram here  Check out Becky Hammon’s dance moves here Read The Athletic’s story about the CLA coaching method here Alex Sarama’s website is here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArwork See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women’s soccer analyst and former pro player Lori Lindsey joins Sarah to discuss the state of the NWSL, predict which teams will thrive in the playoffs, and play a “Patience or Panic” speed round about several issues currently facing the league. Plus, playoff math, a hooper returns to the green, and praising a rival to close out a career.  SHOW NOTES:  Follow Lori on Instagram here  Check out Jen Cooper’s website “Keeper Notes” here  Check out Alison Gale’s NWSL playoff simulator here  Livestream the Aces victory parade here  Watch Ariarne Titmus’s full retirement video here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArwork See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Drake of the WNBA Players Association, and Meghann Burke and Tori Huster of the NWSL Players Association, join Sarah to discuss what collective bargaining negotiations look like behind the scenes, what the two PAs have learned from each other, and how systems need to change in order for investment in women's sports to make it to the players that built the leagues. Plus leaking on yourself, and another retirement hot off the Press. The latest USWNT roster is here Read the Guardian article about the NWSLPA and WNBPA collab here  Follow the WNBPA here Follow the NWSLPA here  Follow Christen Press on Instagram here Listen to the RE–CAP Show here  Read Meg Linehan’s story on Press' career here Read Press' thank you letter here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArwork  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author and professor of economics David Berri joins Sarah to discuss pro sports leagues using financial reports to tell a story, the complex ownership structure of the WNBA, the reason revenue share is so important to W players during the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations, and why it’s not worth trying to talk to the trolls. Plus, another NWSL OG hangs ‘em up, swimming fast in short pools, and veebs is forever. Learn more about The Goal Cup here  Check out David’s website here  Follow David on Instagram here Read more about the LPGA catfishing scam here  And watch Minjee Lee’s albatross here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran WNBA player Alysha Clark joined Sarah for a live show at iHeart HQ last week as part of a larger WNBA Finals celebration. Hear them discuss Clark’s midseason trade request to leave the Seattle Storm, how she’s re-setting expectations for her final years in the league, mentoring the youth of the Washington Mystics, and the ongoing WNBA CBA negotiations. Plus, a lesson in sports discourse from a WNBA broadcaster, an NYU professor, and a bouncy castle.  Follow Alysha on Instagram here Listen to the full episode of “Bird’s Eye View” feat. Ryan Ruocco here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why must good things come to an end? With the Las Vegas Aces sweeping the WNBA Finals, we’re saying goodbye to the 2025 WNBA season – and to producer Misha, who is departing Good Game and setting sail on their next adventure. We’re sad. You’re sad. Even Misha is sad. But rather than be sad alone, Big Citrus gets sad together… and silly and philosophical, too. Watch the video of Nate Tibbetts' ejection here Watch Cathy Engelbert get booed here  Find out what Native land you reside on here  Send producer Misha good vibes!! And make sure to follow them on social media! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.