The Athletic Show

The regular season is in the rearview, and the NBA Play-In Tournament is officially knocking on the door. With the Pistons and Thunder sitting pretty, the rest of the bracket in total flux. Joel Lorenzi helps us break down who’s a contender and who’s just a pretender fighting for their life. Then, the "Robot Ump" revolution has arrived, and MLB veterans are feeling the heat. We discuss Sam Blum’s latest reporting on the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS). Is a mathematically perfect strike zone progress, or is the "humiliation" of public overturned calls ruining the soul of the game? In our main story, the Athletic’s prediction guru Austin Mock joins the show to crunch the numbers on the NFL Draft. Austin, Robert and Jason play "Mock with Mock," a high-stakes simulation of the first six picks for the Raiders, Jets, Cardinals, Titans, Giants, and Browns.Hosts & GuestsZena Keita @itszenakeitaRobert Mays @robertmaysJason Goff @Jason1GoffJoel Lorenzi @JoelXLorenziSam Blum @SamBlum3Austin Mock @amock419Mix: Matt ShiltsExecutive Producer: Maggie BurbankProducers: Jen Bradley, Stephen LorenzoA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Athletic Show, Zena, Robert, and Jason break down a week of sports history in the making. Braylon Mullins’ stunned Duke with an absolute "bonkers" buzzer beater to send UConn to the Final Four. We debate whether Mullins has officially dethroned the "Laettner Moment" as the greatest in NCAA history. Then, we explore the "Victims of Circumstance." Inspired by recent reporting on NFL legend Doug Flutie, the crew discusses the athletes who were simply born in the wrong era. Who are the stars of the past that would be undisputed #1 picks in today's modern schemes? Finally, we go behind the scenes of the technological arms race threatening the soul of golf. The Athletic’s Brody Miller joins the studio to take us inside Callaway’s HQ to ask the big question: Is innovation making the game too easy?Hosts & GuestsZena Keita @itszenakeitaRobert Mays @robertmaysBrody Miller @BrodyAMillerMix: Matt ShiltsExecutive Producer: Maggie BurbankProducers: Jen Bradley, Stephen LorenzoA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The MLB regular season officially kicked off Wednesday, and we are getting you prepped with the help of Keith Law, senior baseball writer for The Athletic, who joins the show to break down the three most striking storylines heading into Opening Day and what they reveal about the trajectory of the upcoming season. Then, the crew discusses how the high volume of transfers, NIL money and the introduction of NBA-style offenses has fundamentally reshaped college basketball. Finally, olympic sprinter Jordan Lyles sits down with Marcus Thompson to pull back the curtain on his polarizing public persona and share his ambitious master plan to elevate track and field to the same commercial heights as major American team sports.Hosts & GuestsZena Keita @itszenakeitaRobert Mays @robertmaysMarcus Thompson @thompsonscribeKeith Law @keithlaw.bsky.socialMix: Matt ShiltsExecutive Producer: Maggie BurbankProducer: Jen BradleyA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The WNBA and Players Association have agreed on a new collective bargaining agreement so it's full steam ahead for 2026 season. What will the new agreement mean for players and the league moving forward? The NBA is inching closer to 32 teams. We’re joined by The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov to discuss the inevitable return of the Seattle SuperSonics, the Vegas gold rush, and the "talent dilution" debate. Plus, which Western Conference team is getting shipped East?  And we do a deep dive into the parallel pressures facing Duke’s men and UConn’s women. College sports writer Scott Dochterman joins Zena to explain why anything short of a Final Four is a failure for these powerhouses and decide which pro teams would be the perfect match for the biggest stars from each program.Hosts & GuestsZena Keita @itszenakeitaRobert Mays @robertmaysScott Dochterman @ScottDochtermanMike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunovMix: Matt ShiltsExecutive Producer: Maggie BurbankProducer: Jen BradleyA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steph and Dell Curry sit down with The Athletic's Marcus Thompson for a wide-ranging conversation. From the "Originator" to "The Second," they discuss the evolution of the NBA, the rivalry for "NBA Family Royalty" against the Jameses, and a candid look at how the youth sports complex is failing American-born players. Also, Robert shares the intel from three crucial phone calls. By checking in with an NFL coach, a front-office executive, and an Athletic insider, he reveals what the league really thinks about the recent free agency frenzy. And, is the Prediction Market Loophole gambling or a financial exchange? Hannah Vanbiber joins the show to discuss the rise of platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. We explore why federal regulation makes these markets legal in all 50 states—and why the traditional sports betting world is sounding the alarm.Hosts & GuestsZena Keita @itszenakeitaRobert Mays @robertmaysMarcus Thompson @ThompsonScribeHannah VanBiber @HannahVanbiberMix: Matt ShiltsExecutive Producer: Maggie BurbankProducer: Beret RemakA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WNBA superstar Napheesa Collier joins us to discuss how her new league, Unrivaled, is giving players the ultimate power move: options. She also weighs in on the WNBA CBA negotiations and more. Also, the Atlanta Hawks' controversial "Magic City Monday" is coming next week. A theme night honoring the legendary local institution known for adult entertainment. Should pro sports leagues act as a moral compass or is this just another "uniquely Atlanta" marketing win?. Then The Athletic's Carl Anka joins the show with 100 days to go before this summer's World Cup. He discusses that and also Wrexham’s Hollywood-style rise and Tottenham facing relegation as the Premier League season winds down.Hosts & GuestsZena Keita @itszenakeitaRobert Mays @robertmaysJason Goff @Jason1GoffCarl Anka @Ankaman616Mix: Matt ShiltsExecutive Producer: Maggie BurbankProducer: Jen BradleyA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Hollinger joins the show to discuss whether the league's tanking problem has finally reached a breaking point. We explore radical solutions—from abolishing the draft entirely to a "split-season" format—and look at a mathematical formula that could finally reward teams for being competitive, even when they’re losing. Then, Shakeia Taylor from The Athletic drops by to discuss her deep dive into "The Bayou Barbie’s" systematic ascent. We look at how Angel Reese has curated a brand that spans from the Victoria’s Secret runway to the Unrivaled 3x3 court, all while navigating a high-profile comeback from injury. In our main story, it’s almost March, and the madness is already bubbling over. Brendan Marks and Zena Keita give us the ultimate lay of the land for the Men’s and Women’s tournaments. Are the Duke men the team to beat? Can the Darryn Peterson saga derail Kansas? And how is NIL rewriting the "one-and-done" playbook? With parity on the women's side at an all-time high, we look at UConn’s quest for perfection, the dominance of JuJu Watkins, and why the stars of the women's game are sticking around to build the best rivalries in sports.Hosts & GuestsZena Keita @itszenakeitaRobert Mays @robertmaysJason Goff @Jason1GoffJohn Hollinger @johnhollingerBrendan Marks @BrendanRMarksMix: Matt ShiltsExecutive Producer: Maggie BurbankProducer: Jen BradleyA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, The Athletic's Lindsay Schnell joins us live from Milan to recap the Winter Olympics, breaking down the must-watch events from the final weekend. Then, the hosts dive into a heated debate over The Hardest Coaching Job in Sports with The Athletic's Jets reporter Zack Rosenblatt. Finally, baseball season is almost here! Derek VanRiper gives us a full MLB spring training preview, discussing Tony Clark’s shocking resignation, the robot ump debate, the overhauled New York Mets, and whether the Seattle Mariners are the best team in the AL.Hosts & GuestsZena Keita @itszenakeitaJason Lloyd @ByJasonLloydJason Goff @Jason1GoffLindsay Schnell @Lindsay_SchnellDerek VanRiper @DerekVanRiperZack Rosenblatt @ZackBlattMix: Matt ShiltsExecutive Producer: Maggie BurbankProducer: Jen BradleyA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Senior Writer for The Athletic, Rustin Dodd, and world-class coach Matt Hetherington stop by to explain why table tennis is the ultimate "brain sport." From helping pro athletes sharpen their reaction times to potentially warding off dementia, we explore why you should trade your running shoes for a paddle. With icons like LeBron James, Steph Curry and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined for the 2026 NBA All Star Game, Bulls writer Joel Lorenzi weighs in on whether a "US vs. The World" format or a 1v1 tournament save a weekend that’s lost its soul? Also, the "Quad God," figure skater Ilia Malinin often has math-defying performances, but is his technical dominance making the sport "ugly"? We discuss the evolution of scoring, the legalization of the backflip, and more.Hosts & GuestsZena Keita @itszenakeitaRobert Mays @robertmaysJason Goff @Jason1GoffRustin Dodd @rustindoddMatt Hetherington @mhtabletennisJoel Lorenzi @JoelXLorenziMix: Matt ShiltsExecutive Producer: Maggie BurbankProducer: Jen BradleyA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena and Jason welcome Dave DuFour to break down the final preparations for the Big Game, featuring a special sit-down between Robert Mays and Matt Ryan. Also, Jordy Fee-Platt joins the show to share the incredible "backyard" origin story of Olympic skier Ryan Cochran-Siegle and how his family’s "fun-first" philosophy built a gold-medal dynasty. Finally, we dive into the madness of the NBA trade deadline with The Athletic's Joe Vardon - did your team find a missing piece, or are they stuck in the league's new "two-tier" economy? Hosts & GuestsZena Keita @itszenakeitaRobert Mays @robertmaysJason Goff @Jason1GoffDave DuFour @DaveDuFourNBAJoe Vardon @joevardonJordan Fee-Platt @jfeepEditor: Matt ShiltsExecutive Producer: Maggie BurbankProducer: Jen BradleyA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame just delivered the shock of the century by passing on Bill Belichick in his first year of eligibility. Is this a case of "Spygate" karma, or is the Hall out of touch? This week, we dive into the fallout of the snub heard ‘round the sports world. Bryson DeChambeau is at a crossroads that could dismantle pro golf as we know it, leading us to ask: Do we even need professional leagues anymore? From the WNBA’s labor war to the rise of "Unrivaled," we explore how player power is breaking the monopoly. Finally, we go deep on "The Unicorn." The Athletic’s Jared Weiss joins us to discuss Victor Wembanyama’s evolution from a basketball prodigy to a civic leader in San Antonio, proving that the most interesting thing about the Frenchman isn’t his wingspan—it’s his soul.Hosts & GuestsZena Keita @itszenakeitaRobert Mays @robertmaysJason Goff @Jason1GoffJon Greenberg @jon_greenbergJared Weiss @JaredWeissNBAEditor: Matt ShiltsExecutive Producer: Maggie BurbankProducer: Stephen LorenzoA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NHL players are back on the world stage for the first time in 12 years! Pierre LeBrun sits down with Brady Tkachuk to discuss the fierce USA-Canada rivalry and the race to finish the Olympic arena in Italy before the puck drops. Fresh off the 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame announcement, the crew welcomes Zack Meisel to discuss the strange fraternity of players who were nominated but fell into the "one-vote" category. Plus, the team debates who belongs in the inaugural "Hall of Very Good.”Hosts & GuestsZena Keita @itszenakeitaRobert Mays @robertmaysJason Goff @Jason1GoffPierre LeBrun @PierreVLeBrunBrady Tkachuk @WingmenpodZack Meisel @ZackMeiselEditor: Matt ShiltsExecutive Producer: Maggie BurbankProducer: Stephen LorenzoA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Go behind the curtain of the most intense broadcast in media: NFL RedZone. We explore the secret shorthand, the 200-page research dossiers, and the "shaman-like" stamina of Scott Hanson. Can the NFL’s most addictive show survive without its legendary quarterback? Plus, as the NFL coaching carousel begins to spin, Zena Keita, Robert Mays, and Jason Goff are joined by Dave Helman to play "NFL Owner" and predict where the league's biggest names—from Mike Tomlin to John Harbaugh—will land. Also, is "polite" sports culture dead? We dive into the rising tide of pettiness in the league, from Ben Johnson’s abrupt handshakes to the never-ending Jordan vs. Isiah feud.Hosts & GuestsZena Keita @itszenakeitaRobert Mays @robertmaysJason Goff @Jason1GoffScott Hanson @ScottHansonDave Helman @davehelman_Jayne Bardahl @JaynabardahlEditor: Matt ShiltsExecutive Producer: Maggie BurbankProducer: Stephen LorenzoA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena, Robert and Jason are kicking off the New Year by digging into the seismic shifts rocking the football world. Madeline Hill and Charlotte Wilder from The Sports Gossip Show join the show for a special "Vibes-Only" NFL Playoff Preview. We’re ranking every playoff team from "Immaculate" to "Horrific" and spilling the tea on the off-field drama you might have missed—from front-office feuds to Jordon Hudson’s latest correspondences. Plus, after Indiana’s historic 38-3 dismantling of Alabama in the Rose Bowl and Miami’s upset over Ohio State, The Athletic’s Chris Vannini joins the set to answer the question: Is the SEC’s era of untouchable dominance officially over? We also turn our attention to the disaster in the desert. After a 3-14 season, Pete Carroll is officially one-and-done with the Las Vegas Raiders. We examine the enigma of owner Mark Davis: Why can he build a dynasty with the WNBA’s Aces but can’t find his footing in the NFL and is Tom Brady the only person who can save the Silver and Black.Hosts & GuestsZena Keita @itszenakeitaRobert Mays @robertmaysJason Goff @Jason1GoffChris Vannini @ChrisVanniniChalotte Wilder @TheWilderThingsMadeline Hill @mad_hillEditor: Matt ShiltsExecutive Producer: Maggie BurbankProducer: Stephen LorenzoA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena Keita sits down with Golden State Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr for a remarkably candid conversation about the "inevitable" end of the Warriors' dynasty. Kerr opens up about the "beauty in the struggle" of chasing one last ring, facing his own retirement, and what life looks like after coaching Steph Curry. Then, The Athletic’s senior writer Sam Amick joins the crew fresh from Las Vegas to break down the NBA Cup results. The team plays a game of "Save It or Scrap It"—debating whether the league should keep the In-Season Tournament, how to fix the load management crisis, and if rule changes are needed to bring intensity back to the game. Plus, a look at the imminent "passing of the torch" from the league’s aging superstars to the next generation, a trade market preview, and a new edition of "Learning Feels Good."Hosts & GuestsZena Keita @itszenakeitaRobert Mays @robertmaysJason Goff @Jason1GoffSam Amick @sam_amickEditor: Matt ShiltsExecutive Producer: Maggie BurbankProducer: Stephen LorenzoA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Zena, Jason, and Robert for a brand new episode of The Athletic Show as they tackle the biggest existential question in sports right now: What exactly is "football" and who gets to play it?Rundown:-Old man Rivers - The Colts have signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers to save their season. We debate if this is a brilliant move or an experiment destined to crash and burn.-Should we kick the term soccer to the curb? - With the World Cup coming to the US next year, the debate is heating up: Should we finally start calling "soccer" by its global name? -Is flag football the future? - The NFL wants in on the Olympics, but the pioneers of Flag Football aren't rolling out the red carpet. The Athletic’s Tim Graham joins us to break down the tensionHosts & GuestsZena Keita @itszenakeitaRobert Mays @robertmaysJason Goff @Jason1GoffTim Graham @ByTimGrahamEditor: Matt ShiltsExecutive Producer: Maggie BurbankProducer: Stephen LorenzoA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The countdown to 2026 has officially begun! Zena Keita, Robert Mays, and Jason Goff are back for a special edition of The Athletic Show dedicated entirely to the biggest sporting event on the planet. With the World Cup coming to North America, the stakes have never been higher. US Soccer legend Landon Donovan joins the crew to discuss what we can expect from the Men’s National Team—are they headed for glory or global embarrassment? Plus, The Athletic’s Paul Tenorio stops by to set the stage for the US squad’s chances. The team also dives into the new 48-team format, the "David vs. Goliath" stories of Cape Verde and Curacao, and the controversial ticket pricing strategy that might hurt your wallet. Finally, Jason wraps things up with a World Cup-themed edition of "Learning Feels Good."Hosts & GuestsZena Keita @itszenakeitaRobert Mays @robertmaysJason Goff @Jason1GoffPaul Tenorio @PaulTenorioLandon DonovanEditor: Matt ShiltsExecutive Producer: Maggie BurbankA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Athletic Show, Zena Keita, Robert Mays, and Jason Goff are joined by Super Bowl champion Vernon Davis and NFL reporter Jourdan Rodrigue to explore the Golden Age of Tightends—how the position evolved, why it’s having a moment, and whether the spotlight is here to stay. The team also discusses the fan-fueled firing of Mavericks GM Nico Harrison and the rapid rise of women’s volleyball and why League One Volleyball might be the next breakout pro sport. Plus, stick around for this week’s “LFG: Learning Feels Good.”Hosts & GuestsZena Keita @itszenakeitaRobert Mays @robertmaysJason Goff @Jason1GoffJourdan Rodrigue @JourdanRodrigueVernon DavisEditor: Matt ShiltsExecutive Producer: Maggie BurbankA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Athletic Show, Zena Keita, Robert Mays, and Jason Goff discuss why top U.S. women’s soccer stars are heading overseas and what does it mean for the future of the NWSL? Then, more and more fans are rooting for teams outside their home town. Is that good or bad for sports? Finally, former MLB pitcher and agent Dave Steart helps break down the growing crisis in baseball after Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were indicted for fixing pitches in an illegal betting scheme.Rundown-Why are top US Soccer stars leaving the NWSL to play overseas?-A growing number of sports fans are rooting for teams outside their hometown-Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz' indicted for fixing pitches-LFG (Learning Feels Good): 1183?Hosts & GuestsZena Keita @itszenakeitaRobert Mays @robertmaysJason Goff @Jason1GoffTamera Griffin @tamerra-griffin.bsky.socialDave Stewart Editor: Matt ShiltsExecutive Producer: Maggie BurbankA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Athletic Show, Zena, Robert, and Jason dive into a packed slate of stories across the sports world. Dan Wiederer pulls back the curtain on what really happens when NFL players get traded — from the whirlwind logistics to the toll on families. Then a look at “Super shoes” that are reshaping marathons and sparking debate about fairness. Finally, The Tennis Podcast's David Law helps break down British tennis star Jack Draper's comments this week about the sport's grueling schedule pushing players to the breaking point. Rundown-What Happens When NFL Players are Traded?-How "Shoe Doping" Is Transforming Competitive Running-Is Tennis Burning Out Its Stars?-LFG (Learning Feels Good)Hosts & GuestsZena Keita @itszenakeitaRobert Mays @robertmaysJason Goff @Jason1GoffDan Wiederer @danwiedererDavid Law @DavidLawTennisEditor: Matt ShiltsExecutive Producer: Maggie BurbankA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 2 of The Athletic Show, Zena Keita, Robert Mays and Jason Goff are joined by John Hollinger to debate whether it's time to do away with the NBA Draft. The Athletic's WNBA reporter Sabreena Merchant also stops by with the inside scoop on the W's contentious CBA negotations while college football coaches receive tens of millions of dollars in buyouts. Plus, LFG is back with a number you won't believe.Rundown-WNBA Standoff-How To Get $50M to Not Work-Should We Kill the NBA Draft?-Learning Feels Good!Hosts & GuestsZena Keita @itszenakeitaRobert Mays @robertmaysJason Goff @Jason1GoffJon Hollinger @johnhollingerSabreena MerchantEditor: Matt ShiltsExecutive Producer: Maggie BurbankA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the premiere episode of The Athletic Show, our hosts Zena Keita, Robert Mays, and Jason Goff break down the latest news on the NBA betting scandal, discuss money in the World Series, and profile John Brown – the father of Amon-Ra St Brown and possibly the most interesting dad in the NFL. Plus: tortilla throwing at Texas Tech!RundownThe NBA Betting Scandal & Money In The World SeriesRaising Amon-Ra St BrownLFG: Texas' Tortilla-Throwing BanHosts:Zena Keita @itszenakeitaRobert Mays @robertmaysJason Goff @Jason1GoffEditor: Matthew ShiltsExecutive Producers: Maggie BurbankA Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic Show is here! Watch every Saturday on Amazon Fire TV, or watch and listen on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.