Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz - "Good Follow" Episode

Episode Title: Good Follow - Fighting in the WNBA, Mercury Move to 3rd + Skylar Diggins Praises Nneka Ogwumike & More
Release Date: June 25, 2025
Hosts: Raz Goldenwoode and Logan Hackett
Location: Elser Hotel, Downtown Miami

I. Introduction and Overview

The episode kicks off with Raz Goldenwoode and Logan Hackett setting the stage for a discussion centered around women's basketball, particularly focusing on recent events in the WNBA. Logan shares an exciting personal update, mentioning her involvement with Nike to cover Faith Kipagon's historic attempt to break the four-minute mile in France (00:24-01:17). Raz outlines the episode's main topics, promising an insightful dive into key WNBA happenings, including Sophie Cunningham's recent altercation, the Phoenix Mercury's performance surge, Nneka Ogwumike's commendations, and injury challenges faced by the New York Liberty (01:17-02:18).

II. Sophie Cunningham's Incident and Its Impact

Discussion Highlights:

• Incident Overview: Sophie Cunningham, a player for the Indiana Fever, was involved in a scuffle during a recent game, resulting in a flagrant foul against JC Sheldon in the last 46 seconds (02:18-03:35).

• Consequences and Popularity Surge: Despite the $400 fine, Sophie’s popularity has skyrocketed, with her TikTok followers jumping from 300k to 1 million and her jerseys selling out (03:35-04:00).

• Worth of the Fine: Logan poses a critical question on whether Sophie’s fine was a worthwhile trade-off for her newfound fame. Raz argues affirmatively, emphasizing the value of “lore and notoriety” that comes from such incidents (03:35-07:00).

• Raz’s Perspective on Team Loyalty: Raz elaborates on the importance of standing up for teammates, drawing parallels to historical actions in sports. She underscores Sophie’s actions as a demonstration of loyalty and toughness, essential traits in team dynamics (07:00-09:29).

Notable Quotes:

• Raz Goldenwoode on the fine: “It was worth it. ... the way she did it. But there’s a very different way she did it.” (03:35-04:10)
• On team loyalty and standing up for teammates: “I feel like stepping up for your teammate... you’re not doing that here.” (05:00-07:00)

III. Phoenix Mercury's Performance Surge and Roster Changes

Discussion Highlights:

• Current Performance: The Phoenix Mercury have climbed to third place in the WNBA standings, currently on a five-game win streak, despite losing key players like Brittney Griner and Natasha Cloud (10:39-10:55).

• New Additions: The team has bolstered their roster with Satya Savoy, Khalil Copper, and Alyssa Thomas, contributing significantly to their improved performance (10:55-13:21).

• Coaching and Team Identity: Coach Nate Tibbets has instilled a tough, physical, and defensive identity in the team, aligning with Alyssa Thomas’s leadership both offensively and defensively (13:21-16:00).

Notable Quotes:

• Raz Goldenwoode on overachieving: “I think it is overachieving. ... They are tied for number one in the league for steals.” (10:39-12:30)
• On Alyssa Thomas’s role: “She’s quarterback in their offense, their defense... nearing a triple double in averages.” (12:30-14:00)

IV. Nneka Ogwumike's Contributions and Respect

Discussion Highlights:

• Skylar Diggins’ Praise: Skylar Diggins delivered an emotional press conference post-game, showering Nneka Ogwumike with praise and flowers, highlighting her as a cornerstone of the league (14:13-14:38).

• Raz’s Commendation: Raz lauds Nneka’s consistency, leadership, and pivotal role in championing the WNBA. She emphasizes Nneka’s statistical excellence and her integral contributions to the league’s survival and growth (14:38-17:31).

Notable Quotes:

• Skylar Diggins: “I came here to play with Nneka... She’s a champion.” (14:13-14:38)
• Raz Goldenwoode on Nneka: “NECA is literally what excellence and consistency looks like... One of the great leaders of all sports.” (16:00-17:31)

V. New York Liberty's Injury Challenges

Discussion Highlights:

• Injury Report: The New York Liberty are grappling with multiple injuries, including Sabrina (out indefinitely), Leonie Thebish (out until end of the month), and John Cal Jones (missing 4-6 weeks) during a demanding road trip (17:25-18:45).

• Impact on Team Performance: Raz acknowledges the significant void left by these injuries, particularly in production and defense. However, she remains optimistic about the team’s depth and ability to adapt by giving other players more playing time and experience (18:45-20:26).

• Areas for Improvement: The Liberty are struggling with turnovers and offensive rebounds, issues that Raz believes can be addressed with continued adjustments and player development despite the current setbacks (19:00-20:00).

Notable Quotes:

• On injury impact: “They miss her defensive versatility... But in the long run, I actually think this is going to be good for the Liberty to have the shakeup.” (18:45-20:00)

VI. DraftKings Pick of the Week

Discussion Highlights:

• Upcoming Game: The focus is on the clash between Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever and Paige Beckers’ Dallas Wings. Logan predicts an Indiana win, highlighting Clark’s potential comeback from a shooting slump and Beckers’ impressive recent performance (23:15-24:23).

• Player Performances: Caitlin Clark is averaging nearly 20 points and nine assists per game, while Paige Beckers has been instrumental for the Wings, putting up 61 points, 15 rebounds, and 16 assists over three games last week (23:15-24:23).

Notable Quotes:

• Logan Hackett: “All eyes will be on first overall pick Paige Beckers as she’s looking to continue her hot streak.” (23:15-24:00)
• Prediction: “But I’m going with Indiana to pull out the win here.” (24:00-24:23)

VII. Quick Hits

1. NBA and WNBA Jersey Swap Proposal:

• Concept: A fan suggested that NBA players could swap jerseys with their WNBA counterparts and participate in each other’s games, fostering solidarity and exposure (24:35-25:19).

• Hosts' Take: Both Raz and Logan find the idea exciting, with Raz highlighting the importance of sister team relationships and NBA players supporting women’s basketball (24:35-25:19).

2. Cardi B Mentions Asia Wilson in New Song:

• Details: Cardi B referenced Asia Wilson in her new track "Outside," marking a rare acknowledgment of a female basketball player in mainstream rap (25:19-25:54).

• Hosts' Insight: Raz applauds the mention, noting Cardi B's savvy and the significance of women athletes gaining recognition in popular culture (25:54-26:14).

3. Golden State Valkyries’ Valuation:

• Milestone: The Golden State Valkyries have become the most valuable WNBA team, reaching a $500 million valuation after just 13 games, a significant leap from their initial purchase price of $50 million (25:54-26:14).

• Hosts' Reaction: Raz and Logan express amazement at the rapid financial growth within women’s sports, highlighting the WNBA's rising prominence (26:14-26:33).

4. Launch of the First Women’s Sports Bar in LA:

• Launch Info: Untamed Spirits, LA’s first women-focused sports bar, opened in early June to coincide with Pride Month, signaling growing support and infrastructure for women’s sports fandom (26:21-26:33).

• Hosts' Commentary: The hosts celebrate this addition, reinforcing their commitment to covering and promoting women’s sports (26:33-26:54).

Notable Quotes:

• Logan Hackett on jersey swap: “I think that would be so smart.” (24:55-25:19)
• On Cardi B’s mention: “Cardi is very smart, has always been savvy...” (25:34-25:54)
• On the WNBA valuation: “They bought that team for 50 million. It’s so crazy.” (26:14-26:21)

VIII. Conclusion

Raz Goldenwoode and Logan Hackett wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe, follow their social media, and stay tuned for more in-depth coverage of women’s sports in upcoming Tuesday and Thursday episodes. They reinforce their dedication to providing insightful and passionate analysis of the WNBA, celebrating its growth and the achievements of its athletes (26:54-27:13).

Final Remarks:

• Call to Action: “Subscribe, follow all the socials, comment, yell at us in the comments, all the things, bring it on. We love it. We’ll see you next Thursday. Next Tuesday. Next Thursday. Next Tuesday. Just tap in.” (27:03-27:13)

Overall Insights: This episode of "Good Follow" offers a comprehensive and passionate exploration of current events in the WNBA, highlighting both on-court performances and off-court narratives. The hosts emphasize the importance of player loyalty, the evolving dynamics of team rosters, and the increasing visibility and respect for women athletes. Additionally, they touch upon innovative ideas and milestones that signify the growing prominence and financial success of women's sports. Through engaging discussions and notable quotes, Raz and Logan provide listeners with a thorough understanding of the WNBA's present landscape and future trajectory.