Full Time: A show about women's soccer

In one of the most blockbuster offseason moves in recent NWSL history, Claire Hutton and Croix Bethune both had million-dollar transfers on Wednesday. So, where do these moves leave the players, their respective clubs, and their U.S. women’s national team ambitions? On this episode of Full Time, hosts Jillian Sakovits and Tamerra Griffin react to Wednesday’s shocking double transfer, which saw Hutton move from the KC Current to Bay FC for $1.1m and Bethune head to the Current from the Washington Spirit for $1m. What has been the fan reaction? Who won the deal? Why did these teams need to make these moves?After that, Hutton joined Full Time for an exclusive interview to share why she decided to sign for Bay, what other options were on the table, and why she is so excited to work with new Bay head coach Emma Coates._______________HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits, Tamerra GriffinPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:Bay FC signs USWNT midfielder Claire Hutton in $1.1 million deal with Kansas City CurrentKC Current acquire Croix Bethune from Washington Spirit in $1M transfer_______________Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠hereTake The Athletic's 2026 Listener Survey here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cat Macario has been left off Chelsea’s squad list for the UEFA Women’s Champions League knockout rounds. So, what does this say about the future of the U.S. women’s national team forward and her Chelsea contract that will expire in the summer? On this episode of Full Time, hosts Jillian Sakovits and Tamerra Griffin break down Macario’s ongoing absence from the Chelsea squad and what it means for head coach Sonia Bompastor to get a new contract through June 2030. Alongside Producer Theo, the trio also get into Arsenal snapping Manchester City’s 13-match winning run and a surprise appearance by pop music legend Madonna at Tottenham Hotspur's 2-0 defeat to Chelsea. After that, it’s time to talk European continental club soccer as the UEFA Women’s Champions League returns this week with the first-ever playoff knockout rounds. Who are the players to watch, and what excites us most about the tournament’s return? _______________HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits, Tamerra GriffinPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor agrees contract extension to 2030Arsenal’s Olivia Smith and the surprise new role that helped beat WSL leaders Man CityWasteful, disjointed, beatable: What’s to blame for Chelsea’s back-to-back defeats?How far away are Tottenham from catching up with the WSL’s elite?Chelsea part ways with head of women’s football Paul GreenMadonna, soccer mom: Why the Queen of Pop was watching Tottenham’s Under-14 girls’ team_______________Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠hereTake The Athletic's 2026 Listener Survey here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The winter transfer window closed in Europe shut this week, but who won the window? And, does it really matter? Why do we obsess so much over transfers and transfer windows? Do they matter? On this episode of Full Time, hosts Jillian Sakovits and Tamerra Griffin are joined by The Athletic’s Melanie Anzidei to analyze the top transfers from the January transfer window. Who will have the biggest impact in 2026? Who is not getting enough people talking? What was the most surprising transfer? After that, the pod looks ahead to the summer transfer window and the many superstar players who have a contract that expires in 2026. Which players could be heading to the NWSL? Which U.S. women’s national team players need to make a move to solidify their chances of making the roster for the 2027 World Cup?_______________HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits, Tamerra GriffinGUEST: Melanie AnzideiPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:Who won the WSL transfer deadline day? A better question: Does it matter?To celebrate ex-USWNT Crystal Dunn’s career is to also acknowledge how others failed herTriple Espresso returns: Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson, Mal Swanson reunite ahead of NWSL comebacksWhat we’re hearing in women’s football: Latest on Catarina Macario, Katie McCabe, Alexia Putellas, and more_______________Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠hereTake The Athletic's 2026 Listener Survey here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal are the inaugural winners of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, after defeating Corinthians 3-2 after extra time on Sunday. But does being crowned world inter-continental champions mean anything for the Gunners and their place in global women’s soccer?On this episode of Full Time, Producer Theo is joined by The Athletic’s Charlotte Harpur and Megan Feringa, to analyze the 2026 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, where it succeeded and where it failed after a dramatic finale.After that, the trio digs into another memorable weekend in the English Women’s Super League, where Manchester City thrashed Chelsea 5-1, firming up their grip on the title. What makes the City team so special? Can anyone stop them? Is Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor’s future in doubt? And, how will Arsenal and City match up when they meet next weekend?_______________HOST: Theo Lloyd-HughesGUESTS: Charlotte Harpur, Megan FeringaPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:The Champions Cup is here to stay, but FIFA must learn lessons from London teething troubleArsenal beat Corinthians to win inaugural Women’s Champions Cup and $2.3m in prize moneyCorinthians stun Gotham 1-0, will meet Arsenal in FIFA Women’s Champions Cup finalThis Manchester City side is a beast – Chelsea were just its latest preySonia Bompastor ‘happy’ to leave Chelsea ‘if people think I’m not the right person’_______________Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠hereTake The Athletic's 2026 Listener Survey here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Thursday, we saw one of the greatest U.S. women’s national team players of all time hang up their cleats. At age 33, Crystal Dunn has decided to retire from professional soccer.So, on this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Tamerra Griffin and Melanie Anzidei, as well as Claire Watkins from Just Women’s Sports, to unpack what Dunn’s legacy will be now that she is retiring. What trail did she blaze as a Black player on the USWNT? How did she carve out a unique team-first leadership style? Was she the greatest NWSL player ever? The podcast gets into all that, as well as how Emma Hayes and the next generation will have to try and evolve to fill her spot.PLUS: Producer Theo was in London to catch SC Corinthians Paulista stun NJ/NY Gotham FC in the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. Sports Illustrated contributor and Gotham beat writer Jenna Tonelli hopped on the show to discuss what the defeat means for the NWSL. _______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUESTS: Melanie Anzidei, Tamerra Griffin, Claire Watkins, Jenna TonelliPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:USWNT star Crystal Dunn announces retirement from soccer aged 33USWNT’s Trinity Rodman scores goal in first game as captainCorinthians stun Gotham 1-0, will meet Arsenal in FIFA Women’s Champions Cup finalFIFA Women’s Champions Cup: Who’s competing, where – and what is it?Emma Hayes’ experimental window is over. Now the USWNT sets its sights on the World CupUSWNT’s Emma Hayes on the fatal Minnesota shooting: ‘It’s upsetting on so many levels’Ayo Oke ready to impress Emma Hayes after surprise USWNT call-up: ‘I thought I was dreaming’_______________Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠hereTake The Athletic's 2026 Listener Survey here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first of two January friendlies – the least-capped U.S women’s national team starting XI in 25 years thrashed Paraguay 6-0 at Dignity Health Sports Park.On this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by Melanie Anzidei to break down what we learned from that friendly and Trinity Rodman’s first time walking out as captain of the USWNT.After that, Ayo Oke, who is out with the USWNT in California, joins the show to talk about her surprise inclusion in the January camp, what it means to be following her dreams on the national team, and why she left Pachuca for Denver Summit.Then, to close out the show, Producer Theo caught up with The Athletic’s Cerys Jones and Megan Feringa to analyze an enthralling weekend of action at both ends of the table in the English Women’s Super League._______________HOSTS: Jillian SakovitsGUESTS: Ayo Oke, Melanie Anzidei, Cerys Jones, Megan FeringaPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:USWNT’s Trinity Rodman scores goal in first game as captainTrinity Rodman could have left the NWSL. The Spirit community made it impossible to leaveInside Trinity Rodman’s record new deal and what happens next with the High Impact Player ruleBeing in WSL is a privilege not a right – relegation risk should be taken seriouslyBeth Mead still has huge value to Arsenal, despite questions over her future_______________Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠hereTake The Athletic's 2026 Listener Survey here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Trinity Rodman contract saga is over. After two months of drama, the U.S. women’s national team forward is staying with the Washington Spirit, signing a new three-year contract to stay with the team through 2028.So, what does this record-breaking contract mean for the payer, the National Women's Soccer League and global women's soccer?On this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits and Theo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by the co-host of the Hey Spirits podcast and contributor to The District Press to break down Rodman's new contract and what it all means. Was it a surprise to see such a high salary figure quoted by Rodman's agent? Is this a win for the NWSL? How will the global women's soccer market react? What can we expect from Rodman on the pitch in 2026?_______________HOSTS: Jillian SakovitsGUEST: Annie ElliotPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:Trinity Rodman, Washington Spirit agree on record three-year deal to keep USWNT star in NWSLTrinity Rodman’s new Spirit deal and what it meansWhy the Women’s League Cup will exclude Champions League clubs from next season_______________Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠hereTake The Athletic's 2026 Listener Survey here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a record-breaking season, the Kansas City Current made a shock head coaching switch and in came Chris Armas for his first-ever job in professional women's soccer. So, who is this U.S. men's national team Hall of Famer turned MLS coach who has scored one of the biggest club jobs in the women's game? On this episode of Full Time, host Jilian Sakovits sits down for a personal one-on-one interview with Armas to discuss his journey to Kansas City and the NWSL. How does he view himself as an elite coach with a lot to learn about the league and his players? Why did he take the position? Is he aware of his position as an "outsider"? How will Armas and former head coach turned global sporting director Vlatko Andonovski collaborate? After that, it's time to go from one 2025 NWSL trophy winner to another. Theo Lloyd-Hughes caught up with Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amoros from the team's preseason camp in Spain. After a brief 41-day offseason, the reigning NWSL Champions are back together and preparing for the inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup and what could be 42 games in 10 months in 2026._______________HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits, Theo Lloyd-HughesGUESTS: Chris Armas, Juan Carlos AmorosPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:KC Current coach says timing of NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga’s return ‘still unclear’Former USMNT midfielder Chris Armas named Kansas City Current head coachNWSL releases 2026 schedule: Challenge Cup changes, Rivalry Week and men’s World Cup impactIs Gotham a dynasty now?Gotham FC get NWSL Championship celebrations right second time around_______________Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠hereTake The Athletic's 2026 Listener Survey here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City are six points clear at the top of the English Women's Super League table, but they're not stopping there. What does the blockbuster arrival of U.S. women's national team midfielder Sam Coffey, for $875k from the Portland Thorns, mean for City's title aspirations and the rest of the WSL? On this episode of Full Time, Producer Theo is joined by The Athletic's Megan Feringa and Charlotte Harpur to get into all the biggest stories from the WSL as the second half of the season gets underway. Is the title race down to two contenders? Why has Chelsea fallen behind? What's going on with Arsenal and their decision to renew the contract of head coach Renee Slegers? How bold is the investment in Manchester United this January? What has been key to the renaissance at Spurs? _______________HOST: Theo Lloyd-HughesGUESTS: Megan Feringa, Charlotte HarpurPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:What we’re hearing in women’s football: Latest on Cat Macario, Katie McCabe, Alexia Putellas, and moreManchester City sign USWNT’s Sam Coffey from Portland Thorns for $875kThe WSL’s top-four battle has been split in twoArsenal leading race for Georgia Stanway as midfielder confirms Bayern Munich summer exitArsenal head coach Renee Slegers signs new long-term contractManchester United Women sign Hanna Lundkvist, Lea Schuller on deals to 2029Chelsea’s attack is key in the Champions League. Will the handbrake be released?_______________Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NWSL expansion team Denver Summit got its hometown star, announcing this week that U.S. captain Lindsey Heaps is headed home this summer. So why did Heaps make the move to swap Champions League to the Centennial State?On this episode of Full Time, The Athletic's Melanie Anzidei sat down with Heaps to go inside the big signing and why the 31-year-old was sold on the Summit and the opportunity to launch women's soccer in her home state. How will the move affect Heaps's USWNT ambitions? What has changed in the NWSL since Heaps left the Portland Thorns in 2022?PLUS: After that, The Athletic's Tamerra Griffin is joined by Angel City sporting director Mark Parsons for an in-depth look inside the Los Angeles club's offseason business, headlined by the statement transfer of USWNT defender Emily Sams from Orlando Pride for $650,000._______________HOSTS: Theo Lloyd-Hughes, Melanie Anzidei, Tamerra GriffinGUESTS: Lindsey Heaps, Mark Parsons PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:USWNT captain Lindsey Heaps to join Denver in June: ‘Everything seems right to come home’Angel City acquires USWNT defender Emily Sams in trade with Orlando for $650,000USWNT star Lindsey Heaps is coming home. Plus: Trinity Rodman returns to U.S. squad_______________Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma Hayes has announced her first U.S. women's national team roster of 2026 and it looks a bit different from normal. So, what's the method behind this experimental January camp?On this episode of Full Time, Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic's Melanie Anzidei to break down the USWNT's January roster and dive into what we learned from Hayes's press conference on Thursday. What young players need to step up? Why is this window different for Trinity Rodman? What next for the absent Sam Coffey?PLUS: After that, Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce joins the show to talk about her debut season playing in the UEFA Women's Champions League, the return of the English Women's Super League from its winter break this upcoming weekend and her scientific approach to life and improving as a soccer player. Tullis-Joyce is one of several European-based USWNT players unable to join the January window, so she also opens up about how she stays in contact with Hayes and her teammates when she can't report to camp._______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUESTS: Melanie Anzidei, Phallon Tullis-JoycePRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:Trinity Rodman returns to USWNT roster for January camp, four first-time call-ups includedManchester City in advanced talks to sign USWNT’s Sam Coffey from Portland ThornsArsenal head coach Renee Slegers signs new long-term contractFormer USMNT midfielder Chris Armas named Kansas City Current head coachNWSL adds rule allowing stars to be paid $1m above cap despite players’ union oppositionNWSL can’t keep Trinity Rodman and its current salary cap. It’s up to the league to choose_______________Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NWSL Players' Association has opposed the league's new High Impact Player rule, but what exactly is at the root of the opposition? And, what is the timeline for a resolution? On this episode of Full Time, The Athletic's Tamerra Griffin is joined by the executive director of the NWSLPA, Meghann Burke, to talk through the union's stance and what comes next. What part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement is being contested? How does the NWSLPA interpret things differently from the league? Can NWSL players sign High Impact Player contracts despite the NWSLPA's stance? What comes next for Trinity Rodman and the ongoing grievances between the league and NWSLPA?_______________HOST: Tamerra GriffinGUEST: Meghann BurkePRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:NWSL’s new ‘high impact’ rule prioritizes a small pool of superstars – and they must be marketableNWSL adds rule allowing stars to be paid $1m above cap despite players’ union oppositionNWSL said it would fight for Trinity Rodman. It’s only fighting with itselfNWSL can’t keep Trinity Rodman and its current salary cap. It’s up to the league to chooseTrinity Rodman negotiations explained: Why did NWSL reject the Spirit’s offer and what’s next?_______________Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, the NWSL announced it had introduced a roster mechanism to allow teams to pay certain players up to $1 million above the current salary cap. This new rule would be known as the High Impact Player rule.But within hours of that announcement, the NWSLPA responded by saying it opposed the NWSL’s decision to move forward with the new rule without formally bargaining with the players' association. This new rule comes after weeks of speculation about the Trinity Rodman’s future in the NWSL with the Washington Spirit.So, on this episode of Full Time, Tamerra Griffin digs into what all this means. What is the criteria to be a High Impact Player and who does this new rule benefit? Why isn't the NWSL raising the salary cap? How will it affect the NWSL and the global soccer transfer market? What solution is the NWSLPA putting forward and could we see a resolution? _______________HOST: Tamerra GriffinPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:NWSL’s new ‘high impact’ rule prioritizes a small pool of superstars – and they must be marketableNWSL adds rule allowing stars to be paid $1m above cap despite players’ union oppositionNWSL said it would fight for Trinity Rodman. It’s only fighting with itselfNWSL can’t keep Trinity Rodman and its current salary cap. It’s up to the league to chooseTrinity Rodman receives contract from Super League team larger than NWSL can match: SourcesTrinity Rodman negotiations explained: Why did NWSL reject the Spirit’s offer and what’s next?_______________Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025 is almost over, so it's time to look back at a remarkable summer of international women's soccerOn this special edition of Full Time, re-live the best bits of England's triumph at Women's Euro 2025 in Switzerland, go inside what it was like to be in Morocco covering the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, and wonder how Marta was able to produce one of the greatest final performances ever at age 39 in the 2025 Copa America Feminina in Ecuador. Three breathless tournaments, one incredible summer of soccer._______________CONTRIBUTORS: Jillian Sakovits, Charlotte Harpur, Tamerra Griffin, Meg Linehan, Melanie AnzideiGUESTS: Lucy Bronze, Fay Harvey, Andrea Vilchez, Jinane EnnasriPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily OlsenReferenced on the show:Women’s football 2025 in review: England’s Euros victory, Spain’s midfield dominance and moreMy Euros in My Words with England’s Lucy Bronze: Broken tibia, winning penalties and raw emotionWAFCON 2024: A tournament in Morocco nearly forgotten could be the best one yetCopa America Femenina: The players delivered, will those in charge now do the same?_______________Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you could, what holiday gift would you get for every NWSL team? A gift that would take care of their biggest need ahead of the 2026 season?On this special holiday edition of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by Tamerra Griffin and Producer Theo to go shopping for every NWSL team and deliver a festive roundtable discussion, hand-picking the perfect thing for all 16 clubs. Which teams have been naughty, which have been nice? Who needs a practical stocking stuffer? Who is getting spoiled this year? What is the gift that they have been asking for all season but has yet to arrive? _______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUEST: Tamerra GriffinPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily OlsenReferenced on the show:NYCFC’s unbearable wait inches toward its end with a new stadium on the riseColorado native Ally Watt on being Denver Summit’s first signing: ‘I’m coming home’All-time leading goal scorer Christine Sinclair announces retirement, finishing season with ThornsHow can the NWSL adapt to the climate crisis?Trinity Rodman negotiations explained: Why did NWSL reject the Spirit’s offer and what’s next?_______________Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first-ever UEFA Women's Champions League Swiss-style league phase is in the books, but was the inaugural campaign in the new format a success? On this edition of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovitz is joined by The Athletic's Tamerra Griffin to analyze how the opening round of the 2025-26 UWCL played out, from looking at the teams that impressed to those that crashed out, and also whether the new format delivered more drama and better matchups.After that, Jillian and Tamerra turn their attention to the draw and break down the bracket for the rest of the tournament. Which of the 12 teams remaining are the favorites to win, and who is the dark horse to watch? What does it mean for Chelsea to finally avoid a semifinal meeting with Barcelona? Which knockout round matchups promise to deliver the best fireworks, food and football?_______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUEST: Tamerra GriffinPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily OlsenReferenced on the show:Chelsea, Bayern reach Women’s Champions League quarter-finals: Who qualified, how do play-offs work?Women’s Champions League draw: Potential Arsenal-Chelsea, Barcelona-Real Madrid quarter-final tiesChelsea’s attack is key in the Champions League. Will the handbrake be released?NWSL Players Association opposes new star player rule change proposal_______________Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Full Time, Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan unpack the return of Sophia Wilson to the Portland Thorns and what it means for her to exercise her record contract option for the 2026 NWSL season. Why did she choose to stay with the Thorns? What do we know about her record-breaking new deal? And, how does this contract for Wilson affect the ongoing negotiations between the NWSL and fellow USWNT superstar Trinity Rodman?PLUS: Tamerra and Producer Theo analyze some of the other big signings of the free agency period so far, as well as wonder who might win the sweepstakes to pick up the remaining star players available, such as Bia Zaneratto or Ella Stevens._______________HOST: Tamerra GriffinGUEST: Meg LinehanPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily OlsenReferenced on the show:USWNT’s Sophia Wilson returns home to Portland for 2026 season: ‘I miss playing in Providence Park’NWSL said it would fight for Trinity Rodman. It’s only fighting with itselfNWSL can’t keep Trinity Rodman and its current salary cap. It’s up to the league to choose_______________Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NWSL is at a crossroads. As the league and the Washington Spirit hash out the ways to keep Trinity Rodman, a new era of superstar spending, salary cap rules and competition with the global market could be on the horizon.On this edition of Full Time, host Meg Linehan is joined by The Athletic's senior writers Paul Tenorio and John Hollinger to reflect on how other U.S. sports leagues have handled rethinking their rules in order to keep superstars and what the NWSL needs to learn from those examples.Is an MLS-style designated player rule something to be embraced or avoided? Why does the NWSL need to think differently about its global market when compared to the NBA? Why could Rodman's next contract similarly change everything like Olivia Moultrie's case against the league did in 2021?_______________HOST: Meg LinehanGUESTS: Paul Tenorio, John HollingerPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily OlsenTobin Heath clip credit: 'A Touch More Live presented by Delta, Google Pixel, and Volkswagen (Vox Media)'Link to that show is here_______________Referenced on the show:NWSL said it would fight for Trinity Rodman. It’s only fighting with itselfNWSL can’t keep Trinity Rodman and its current salary cap. It’s up to the league to chooseTrinity Rodman receives contract from Super League team larger than NWSL can match: SourcesTrinity Rodman negotiations explained: Why did NWSL reject the Spirit’s offer and what’s next?Teen soccer phenom Olivia Moultrie sues NWSL for right to play in league_______________Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NWSL is at risk of losing one of its biggest superstars. But what exactly is holding back the Washington Spirit from re-signing Trinity Rodman?On Monday's edition Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic's Meg Linehan to break down the ongoing contract saga that unfolded last week. Why hasn't the NWSL accepted the Spirit's proposed offer to Rodman? Why is the NWSL players' association filing a grievance against the NWSL on Rodman's behalf? Is the Spirit breaking any salary cap rules with their offer to Rodman? Could Rodman head to Europe?PLUS: Tamerra Griffin checks in from World Sevens Football in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where the San Diego Wave took home the title, $2 million and the tournament continued to grab headlines for its ability to create joy and viral soccer moments. And, in the English Women's Super League, Chelsea's 34-match and 585-day undefeated streak finally came to an end with an unlikely 1-0 home defeat to Everton._______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUESTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg LinehanPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:The WSL title race has some juice in itNWSL can’t keep Trinity Rodman and its current salary cap. It’s up to the league to chooseTrinity Rodman receives contract from Super League team larger than NWSL can match: SourcesSan Diego Wave swag surf their way to $2 million prize at World SevensTrinity Rodman negotiations explained: Why did NWSL reject the Spirit’s offer and what’s next?Everton end Chelsea’s 34-match Women’s Super League unbeaten run with 1-0 win_______________Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a very special episode of the Full Time podcast, hosts Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan are on the podcast together for the final time in 2025.To commemorate the occasion, Tamerra and Meg rank their Top 3 moments of 2025 while also ranking the three things they are most hyped about coming up in 2026. After that, the duo answers listeners' questions in one last mailbag to close out the season. From holiday movies that need soccer players in them to future NWSL Championship destinations, you don't want to miss this one.PLUS: Tamerra and Meg delve into the major NWSL news of the week, which saw Haley Carter join the Washington Spirit as their new President of Soccer Operations, and pressure intensifies on Trinity Rodman's future with the team._______________Referenced on the showSpirit hires Haley Carter to lead strategic vision and help retain top talent like Trinity RodmanCopa América Femenina, WAFCON showcase their potential – and a need for more supportMarta won’t exit quietly from NWSL playoffs after Orlando Pride loss: ‘It should not end like this’Jaedyn Shaw free kick sends No. 8 Gotham FC to NWSL championship with win over PrideEuro 2025: How ‘small’ Switzerland came to host a tournament that could spark ‘cultural change’Germany named 2029 women’s European Championship hosts______________HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg LinehanPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.