The hottest Sports Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Sports Topics

A Fascination With Fighting

Weekly Wisdom • 79 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🎾 Sports Training Competition Philosophy Culture
  1. Fighting has been a prominent aspect of human history, with combat, martial arts, and warfare sparking a lifelong interest in many individuals.
  2. Early exposure to martial arts, such as through movies like Bloodsport, can ignite a passion and skill set that can last a lifetime.
  3. Practicing martial arts, like judo and kung fu, offers not just physical training but also a deeper understanding of body mechanics, balance, and the principles of competition and cooperation.

Star athletes celebrated at 2023 Murray Bridge Sports Awards

Murray Bridge News • 78 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🎾 Sports Athletes Awards Events Community Achievements
  1. Seven local stars were celebrated at the Murray Bridge Sports Awards, showcasing talent from various sports.
  2. Nicky Smith was honored as sports volunteer of the year for her dedication off the court in netball.
  3. Andrew Heard, Janet Smith, and Megan Knight were recognized for their achievements in shooting, weightlifting, and bodybuilding respectively.
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Graham Potter's problem with blocked shots

Evidently • 78 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🎾 Sports Soccer Coaching Analysis
  1. Graham Potter's teams consistently scored fewer goals than expected, facing issues with blocked shots.
  2. Blocked shots have been a persistent issue for Potter's teams, leading to underperformance in expected goals.
  3. Potter's attacking style may make it easier for opponents to block shots, affecting goal-scoring performance.

Inside the Lakers Sale: How Jerry Buss Built a $10 Billion Dynasty

Huddle Up • 46 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🎾 Sports Franchises Ownership Finance History Media
  1. Mark Walter just bought the Lakers for $10 billion, making it the most expensive sports franchise sale in U.S. history.
  2. Jerry Buss, who originally bought the Lakers for $67.5 million, transformed the team and the NBA with innovative business strategies.
  3. Walter is known for his smart ownership approach, focusing on winning and hiring talented people, which has brought success to the teams he manages.

WNBA Players Want More Money...But It's More Complicated Than That

Huddle Up • 37 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Athletes Negotiations Women Salaries Leagues
  1. WNBA players are asking for $1 million salaries, but the league claims it doesn't have enough money to pay that. There's a complicated situation with money distribution and ownership stakes.
  2. The WNBA is experiencing growth with increased attendance and a big media rights deal coming up. However, the excitement was overshadowed by a protest from players during a recent event.
  3. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement talks are essential for the future of the WNBA. Players are pushing for better pay and conditions, which could shape the league's next chapter.

College Athletes Can Now Get Paid by Their Schools...But There’s a Catch

Huddle Up • 46 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🎾 Sports College sports Athlete Rights Compensation Legal issues
  1. College athletes can now be paid by their schools, which is a big change in sports. This means they can finally earn money for their hard work.
  2. The new rules come with restrictions like salary caps and other regulations that are causing confusion. These rules are important for how schools and athletes will interact financially.
  3. The recent legal case leading to this change highlights many issues, including fair pay and athlete rights. It shows that there’s still a lot to work out in college sports.

Unsportsmanlike China

Diane Francis • 399 implied HN points • 10 Feb 22
🎾 Sports Politics Doping International Athletics
  1. In Russia and China, sports often mix with politics and national pride. This makes fair play difficult in these countries.
  2. Russia has a history of doping in sports, and recent events show they haven't changed. A famous athlete tested positive for a banned substance, raising concerns about their return to international competition.
  3. The Kremlin is trying to influence the situation, pushing for leniency for the athlete involved. This kind of interference highlights the ongoing issue with sportsmanship in these nations.

I went to my first Savannah Bananas game

Huddle Up • 47 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🎾 Sports Baseball Teams Events Fans Culture
  1. The Savannah Bananas are a popular baseball team known for their entertaining games. They attract huge crowds, selling out large stadiums.
  2. They recently set a record by playing in front of nearly 150,000 fans over two nights at Bank of America Stadium. This was the largest attendance in the team's history.
  3. The experience of attending a Savannah Bananas game is unique and fun, making it a great outing for fans.

Olympic Incompetence

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 17 Feb 22
🎾 Sports Olympics Athletics International Competition Doping
  1. In 2014, Russian soldiers secretly took over Crimea using fake identities, which went against international laws.
  2. That same year, Russia hosted the Sochi Olympics, where many athletes cheated by using banned drugs.
  3. A whistleblower revealed this culture of cheating in Russia, leading to the country's ban from international sports in 2020.

I'm Glad Some Crazy Journalist Scolded Baseball Over Atlanta Getting its All-Star Game Back

House of Strauss • 37 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Baseball Media Politics Culture Journalism
  1. During the height of the Twitter Era, many people seemed to switch their beliefs quickly, often for social media approval. It felt like they were more focused on trends than on genuine convictions.
  2. A journalist recently questioned Major League Baseball's return to Atlanta for the All-Star Game, highlighting how positions on issues can change over time. It's important to hold people accountable for their past statements.
  3. The way voting laws in Georgia were discussed in 2021 was very dramatic, using phrases like 'Jim Crow on steroids.' In hindsight, this labeling seems extreme compared to the actual impact of the laws on voter turnout.

The 2023 True Sack Rate (TSR): Week 5 Update

Trench Warfare • 79 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🎾 Sports Analysis NFL Player evaluation
  1. The 2023 True Sack Rate (TSR) metric differentiates sack types based on player skill and circumstances for better evaluation.
  2. TSR provides a sack score system with four categories, including Rare High Quality (RHQ), High Quality (HQ), Low Quality (LQ), and Coverage/Cleanup Sack.
  3. The article provides insights and rankings on edge rushers and interior defensive linemen based on their sack scores through Week 5 of the 2023 season.

Spanish Tennis' Long Doping History

Honest Sport • 39 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Doping Tennis Athletics Competitions Health
  1. Spanish tennis has a long history of doping, starting from as early as 1959 when players used testosterone injections. This trend has continued with multiple doping cases over the years.
  2. Since 1996, there have been twelve doping cases involving Spanish players, with some achieving rankings in the top 100. This raises concerns about fairness in competition.
  3. The lack of transparency from tennis authorities regarding doping cases can hurt the reputation of clean athletes in Spain. Many believe that serious issues in the sport need more open discussion and accountability.

Inside Oakmont Country Club: America's Most Difficult (And Unique) Golf Course

Huddle Up • 44 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🎾 Sports Golf History Culture Events Training
  1. Oakmont Country Club is one of the toughest golf courses, with narrow fairways and many challenging bunkers. Players need to be very precise to succeed here.
  2. The club has a rich history, filled with artifacts and stories from famous players. It's a place where tradition meets the game of golf.
  3. Despite changes in golf over the years, Oakmont's layout has mostly remained the same since it was built over 100 years ago. This makes it unique among modern courses.

White Guys on Bikes: A Love-Hate Letter to the Tour de France

House of Strauss • 33 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Cycling Athletes Politics Culture Identity
  1. The author enjoys the Tour de France but feels conflicted about the predominance of white athletes in cycling. It's surprising to learn that many competitors might openly support conservative views.
  2. The piece shows how some people wrestle with their identity while participating in activities that are often seen as elite or white-dominated. It's interesting that enjoyment can sometimes clash with awareness of these issues.
  3. Unlike the author, others may watch events like the Tour de France without focusing on the competitors' backgrounds. For some, it's just about enjoying the sport without worrying about the politics involved.

Sir Mo Farah's running partner filmed buying EPO in Kenya

Honest Sport • 39 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Athletics Doping Training Performance Investigation
  1. Sir Mo Farah trained with a pacemaker who was later caught buying EPO, a performance-enhancing drug, in Kenya. This raises questions about his training environment.
  2. Farah has been linked to controversial figures in athletics, including a coach under investigation for doping violations. This could negatively impact his reputation in the sport.
  3. While Farah has never failed a drug test, the associations with doping-related individuals and suspicious activity concerning blood tests create a cloud of doubt around his career.

Winter cycling - part 2, ‘The Handbook’

The Third Place • 39 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Cycling Gear Safety measures
  1. Prepare gradually for cycling in cold weather to adjust to temperature changes and stay motivated.
  2. Choose the right bike for winter conditions, such as regular bikes for short distances, e-bikes for longer distances, or fat bikes for snowy terrains.
  3. Get essential winter cycling gear like gloves, boots, and warmers to stay comfortable and safe during rides in cold weather.

The strategy behind the fastest growing sport in America

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 19 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🎾 Sports Community Trends Growth Strategy
  1. Pickleball is popular because it's easy to learn, making it fun for beginners. Players can quickly develop their skills and enjoy the game without a long learning curve.
  2. The sport is affordable, with cheaper equipment compared to tennis. This lower cost makes it easier for more people to try and stick with the game.
  3. Community plays a big role in pickleball's growth. The social aspect encourages players to connect with others, which keeps them coming back for more.

The $100,000 Camera System That's Quietly Taking Over Sports

Huddle Up • 32 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Technology Broadcasting Innovation Business
  1. Hawk-Eye is a technology that helps make accurate calls in sports by using advanced camera systems. It started making waves after the 2004 US Open when it showed clear mistakes in line calling.
  2. Many major sports organizations, like FIFA and the NFL, have adopted Hawk-Eye to improve accuracy in officiating. This technology is changing how games are played by reducing human error.
  3. Although some fans may not appreciate the use of technology in sports, Hawk-Eye is likely to grow in popularity. It offers a new level of objectivity that traditional officiating cannot match.

MLS Finally Released Viewership Data...But It Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Huddle Up • 29 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Soccer Viewership Media Television Analytics
  1. MLS has reported that it averages 120,000 viewers per game this season, which is a 50% increase from last year. This increase is partly due to new deals that make games more accessible.
  2. The viewership numbers have mostly been kept secret until now, which makes this disclosure significant. It raises questions about how Apple and MLS calculated these figures.
  3. While the growth sounds impressive, it can also be misleading and confusing. More information is needed to fully understand what this means for the league's future.

What makes an organization great at strategy?

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 19 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
🎾 Sports Basketball Strategy Teams Players Podcasts
  1. Great organizations learn from the best in sports, like the NBA. They adapt and apply successful strategies to stay competitive.
  2. Focusing on teamwork and individual talent is key for success. Just like in basketball, each player's strengths contribute to the overall performance.
  3. Instead of getting caught up in drama, it's important to concentrate on what makes teams and players excel. This mindset can also apply to business.

Inside The NBA’s Injury Epidemic: Nobody’s Talking About the Real Cause

Huddle Up • 34 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎾 Sports Basketball Injuries Training Performance
  1. NBA players are getting injured more often, even though they have better training and medical care now. This is surprising and raises questions about what's really going on.
  2. Recent data shows that players are suffering from serious injuries, like ruptured Achilles tendons, at much higher rates than before. It's an alarming trend that seems to be getting worse.
  3. There's a need to rethink how player health is managed. Factors such as game scheduling and the increased pace of play may be contributing to the injury crisis in the NBA.