The Late Sub with Claire Watkins Just Women's Sports

Claire goes deep on a number of NWSL teams, including why she likes Angel City’s recent trades, what Washington is doing right, and what Vlatko Andonovski seems to have learned from his time coaching the USWNT. Then, Claire breaks down Caitlin Clark’s massive new Nike deal and what it tells us about the economic realities of women’s basketball today.

Claire recaps the WNBA Draft, discussing both the winners as well as the surprises from draft night. She breaks down what Caitlin Clark brings to the Fever, and why this draft class might put pressure on the league to accelerate their timelines. Claire also talks Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese in Chicago, and Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson in LA. Then, she turns to the NWSL, explaining what’s gone wrong for the Thorns this year — and reacting live to the breaking news that Mike Norris has been removed from the head coaching role.

Live from Ohio, Claire breaks down a blockbuster NCAA Championship between South Carolina and Iowa — and why losing her entire starting five from last season brought out the best of Dawn Staley (02:45). Claire discusses what made this year’s South Carolina squad (literally) unbeatable, why Iowa’s seniors should be at peace with their performance, and what comes next for Caitlin Clark. After previewing next year’s NCAAW season (18:45), Claire turns her attention to the USWNT and their SheBelieves Cup win over Japan (21:15).

Claire recaps a blockbuster game between Iowa and LSU, and why Kim Mulkey dared Caitlin Clark to beat them from distance — which she did. Claire also talks UConn vs USC, before making her picks for the Final Four. Then, she turns her attention to the NWSL, explaining why Kansas City is for real, and why Portland needs to turn things around ASAP.

Claire breaks down the opening weekend of March Madness (00:37), discussing which teams have impressed her and which still have something to prove. Claire then talks the latest USWNT roster and why this SheBelieves Cup squad is already a reflection of Emma Hayes (20:42). Finally, Claire’s bucketing every NWSL squad into tiers after the second weekend of games (32:18).

Claire jumps into the women’s March Madness bracket and why Iowa’s path to the Final Four is absolutely stacked. Claire discusses the importance of conference tournaments on seeding and why USC could be set to go on a run. Then, she breaks down the opening weekend of NWSL play, including her winners and losers from the first slate of games.