Billie Jean King

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  1. The Greatest Athlete In Pitt History

    5d ago

    The Greatest Athlete In Pitt History

    Olivia Babcock has won just about every individual honor in college volleyball. The one thing missing? A national championship. After three straight Final Four heartbreaks for Pitt, the two-time AVCA National Player of the Year joins Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, and Billie Jean King to talk about what it takes to turn individual greatness into a team title. Olivia opens up about those losses, Pitt’s “want to” culture, how she builds her teammates’ confidence, and the “positive stress” of deciding what comes next. Plus, Glennon Doyle calls in to fact-check Julie on Abby’s snoring, and Abby and Julie share the new home of their San Francisco Love volleyball team: the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store    Keep the Party Going: Is Olivia Babcock the greatest athlete in Pitt history? That’s the question, and the case is pretty compelling: https://bandwagoners-guide-to-pitt-volleyball.ghost.io/is-olivia-babcock-the-greatest-athlete-in-pitt-history-guest-post/ Want to follow Olivia and Pitt’s chase for that national championship? Check out the Panthers’ full 2026 schedule and results: https://pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/schedule Keep up with Olivia off the court too. Follow her on Instagram at @oliviiaabab.  San Francisco Signal has a home. The new pro volleyball team will play its inaugural season at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium: https://www.lovb.com/news/san-francisco-signal-inaugural-venue-bill-graham-civic-auditorium?utm_source=chatgpt.com    Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  2. Rebecca Lobo Makes Her WNBA Championship Pick and Takes Us Inside UConn’s Dynasty

    Sep 22

    Rebecca Lobo Makes Her WNBA Championship Pick and Takes Us Inside UConn’s Dynasty

    Basketball legend Rebecca Lobo joins Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy to break down a landmark moment for the WNBA and explain why the league has officially arrived. The Hall of Famer reacts to the WNBA’s historic new CBA, sizes up a wide-open playoff race and reveals which team she believes will win the championship. She also weighs in on Olivia Miles’ record-breaking rookie season, the crowded MVP conversation and who could lead the league following Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s departure. Then, Rebecca takes us inside Apple TV’s The Dynasty: UConn Huskies. She shares why she chose UConn before it became a powerhouse, what it was really like to play for Geno Auriemma and how his relentless coaching helped turn her Olympic and championship dreams into reality. Plus, Rebecca opens up about coaching her own kids, building a broadcasting career devoted entirely to women’s basketball and why she never needed to cover the men’s game to validate her work.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store    Keep the Party Going: WATCH: The Dynasty: UConn Huskies on Apple TV, featuring Rebecca Lobo, Geno Auriemma, Paige Bueckers, Diana Taurasi and more: https://tv.apple.com/us/show/the-dynasty-uconn-huskies/umc.cmc.38cvggceyd4sn4sfgl3kus89b FOLLOW: Rebecca Lobo on Instagram and Threads @promise50 and on X @RebeccaLobo: https://www.rebeccalobo.com/ WNBA FINALS: The 2026 Finals begin October 17, with a possible Game 7 on October 31: https://www.wnba.com/news/2026-wnba-postseason-faq WATCH: Billie Jean King Cup Finals, September 22–27 in Shenzhen, China. https://www.billiejeankingcup.com/ WATCH: LA Queens vs. San Francisco Fire Belles in the winner-take-all WPBL Championship Game 5 on ESPN+: https://www.espn.com/espnplus/ READ: Natasha Howard’s new memoir, The Vision Through My Lens: My Life in Basketball and Beyond: https://www.akashicbooks.com/catalog/vision-through-my-lens/   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  3. Abby Wambach’s Emotional US Open Confession

    Sep 15

    Abby Wambach’s Emotional US Open Confession

    Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy are back with a packed Party Starter and first, a very proud-parent moment as Amma Melton scores her first collegiate goal for Santa Clara! Then, they break down the Ballon d’Or’s glaring lack of American representation, Team Europe reclaiming the Solheim Cup, Team USA storming back against France to win its fifth straight FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, and Elena Rybakina dethroning Aryna Sabalenka to claim her first US Open title and the world No. 1 ranking. Then, from the Power of Women’s Sports Summit in New York, Abby and Julie sit down with Billie Jean King and Deloitte US Chair Lara Abrash to ask the question that matters now: Women’s sports are booming, so what do we build next? They discuss how sports create leaders, why $3 billion is only the beginning, what sustainable growth will require, and Deloitte’s new collaboration with Billie Jean King to strengthen the infrastructure and leadership pipeline behind women’s sports. Plus: Kinger’s iconic signature shoes, nachos as a leadership test, and one clear message for anyone waiting to enter the space go build it.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store    Keep the Party Going: Billie Jean King + Deloitte are teaming up to help build what’s next in women’s sports. The new collaboration will focus on leadership pathways, better infrastructure and building the business of women’s sports for the future: https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/about/press-room/deloitte-teams-with-billie-Jean-king-to-help-grow-the-next-generation-of-leaders-through-womens-sports.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com **Run, don’t walk to watch Give Me The Ball! ** Julie and Abby finally got an early look at Kinger’s new documentary and, yes, they have FEELINGS. The film premieres November 22 on ESPN: https://espnpressroom.com/press-release/espn-films-award-winning-documentary-give-me-the-ball-to-premiere-november-22-on-espn/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Who’s in the running for the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or? Check out the full list of nominees ahead of the October 26 ceremony in London: https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/02a9-218b019cbca5-cb4b9be51c4b-1000--2026-ballon-dor-awards-nominees-revealed/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC - Thank you to Apple Card

  4. The Female Cyclist Stealing Strava Records & Breaking the Internet

    Sep 17

    The Female Cyclist Stealing Strava Records & Breaking the Internet

    What happens when a very fast cyclist decides men on Strava are taking themselves a little too seriously? Enter Laini Bones. Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach sit down with the viral cyclist who went from a few hundred followers to more than 160K by stealing men’s King of the Mountain crowns, talking an outrageous amount of trash, and creating one of the funniest alter egos in sports. Lainey breaks down what it means to “get boned,” why some men absolutely do not get the joke, the difference between Lainey and her WWE-style “Bones” persona, and how she balances internet chaos with being a legitimately elite endurance athlete — and the CFO of a growing company. She also opens up about her ambitions to race professionally, the realities of breaking into elite cycling, and why she wants more women to discover just how powerful they can be on a bike. Plus, Abby and Julie answer Party People questions about parents coaching from the sidelines, teaching young athletes to respect referees, and how coaches can set the standard for both kids and parents. And in “Know Your History,” they go back to the 1890s to uncover why the bicycle became a surprising symbol of women’s freedom and independence. Come for the Strava crowns. Stay for Abby seriously considering a new career in spandex.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store    Keep the Party Going: You have to go follow Laini Bones on Instagram. You’re welcome. Trash talk, Strava crowns, spandex and a whole lot of men getting boned: https://www.instagram.com/lainibones/ Lainey wants more women on bikes. If this episode has you cycling curious, she and Carbs Fuel put together a guide to getting started, bike boyfriend not required. https://carbsfuel.com/blogs/news/how-to-unlock-cycling-for-more-women Got a question for Julie, Abby or Kinger? Keep them coming. We love hearing from Party People and we want to keep answering more of your questions on the show. Email us at partypeoplequestions@gmail.com. Party People, it’s time to do More Than Four. Juggle anything, nominate your friends and help Zoe’s Goal push for more funding for childhood cancer research. And this month, a portion of proceeds from every purchase in the Welcome to the Party merch store supports Zoe’s Goal too. https://zoesgoal.org/  Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  5. The Insane True Story of Mighty Mary

    Sep 10

    The Insane True Story of Mighty Mary

    In 1995, sailing’s most prestigious competition had existed for nearly 150 years without an all-women’s team. Then came Mighty Mary. Dismissed as a publicity stunt, the groundbreaking crew took on the best sailors in the world, defeated four-time America’s Cup winner Dennis Conner—and nearly disappeared from sports history. Abby and Julie sit down with Mighty Mary director and Olympian Mary Mazzio, team captain Dawn Riley, sailor Merritt Carey, and executive producer and narrator Elizabeth Banks to unpack the team’s incredible rise, the leadership failures and shady backroom decisions that changed everything, and why women must be in the rooms where decisions are made. Plus, Abby and Julie reflect on the moments they didn’t realize were history while living them, debate the 1999 USWNT vs. today’s team, and reveal Abby’s hilarious “logical consequence” for her kids: watching all 184 of her goals. Mighty Mary opens in select theaters September 11. Visit MightyMaryFilm.com to find a screening near you.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store    Keep the Party Going: GO SEE Mighty Mary. Seriously. The incredible story of the groundbreaking 1995 women’s America’s Cup team opens in select theaters September 11. Find a theater near you and grab tickets: https://www.mightymaryfilm.com/ Party People, it’s time to do More Than Four. Take the More Than 4 Challenge and learn more about Zoe’s Goal, our September charity supporting childhood cancer research. A portion of proceeds from our merch store this month goes to Zoe’s Goal, too. https://zoesgoal.org/ Want to see where Dawn Riley is building the next generation of sailors? Check out Oakcliff Sailing in Oyster Bay, New York, where Dawn serves as Executive Director and trains sailors for the America’s Cup, Olympics and beyond. https://www.oakcliffsailing.org/ Mighty Mary awakened your inner sailor? The Women’s Match Racing World Championship is coming to San Francisco September 30–October 4: FOLLOW ALONG: https://www.sailing.org/our-sport/types-of-sailing/sailing-match-racing/ “Historically Speaking”? “The Party Before the Party”? We still need a name for our new history segment. Got something better? Send it to partypeoplequestions@gmail.com. And mark your calendars for the next America’s Cup. The 38th America’s Cup heads to Naples, Italy, in 2027, with the Match beginning July 10. https://www.americascup.com/38th-americascup And learn more about the woman who finally brought Mighty Mary’s story back to life. Mary Mazzio is an Olympic rower turned award-winning filmmaker whose work centers on overlooked people doing extraordinary things: https://www.50eggs.com/about/ From Mighty Mary to Maine lobster. Merritt Carey now works in fisheries and rural economic development and helped build the Tenants Harbor Fisherman’s Co-op, connecting local fishermen more directly with consumers and helping protect a working waterfront in Maine. https://lobsterfrommaine.com/lobstermen/merritt-carey/   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  6. We Interviewed The Cast of Ted Lasso!

    Aug 4

    We Interviewed The Cast of Ted Lasso!

    Believe it, Party People: Ted Lasso is back and this time, women’s soccer is taking center stage. Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy and Billie Jean King sit down with Emmy-winning stars Jason Sudeikis and Hannah Waddingham for a joyful, thoughtful and very funny conversation about the long-awaited fourth season. Jason reveals how his daughter, the Lionesses, the New York Liberty and years of watching women’s sports inspired AFC Richmond’s new women’s team, and how real players and leaders helped shape the stories behind the season. Then, Hannah opens up about Rebecca Welton’s evolution, the subtle sexism women face in leadership and entertainment, mentoring other women and why true feminism sometimes means confronting your own blind spots. Plus, Jason reflects on how playing Ted has changed him, Hannah learns a legendary USWNT cheer and the Party puts both guests through a little musical chaos. It’s an episode about representation, leadership, belonging and the power of women’s sports, with plenty of laughs, heart and, naturally, a whole lot of belief.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store *for the month of August part of the proceeds will go to the Whale Foundation.   Keep the Party Going: Watch Season 4 of Ted Lasso this Wednesday:https://tv.apple.com/us/show/ted-lasso/umc.cmc.vtoh0mn0xn7t3c643xqonfzy WPBL - Women’s Professional Baseball Season Schedule:https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/schedule/ Learn more about the Whale Foundation: https://www.whalefoundation.org/   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  7. How Women Athletes Are Taking Back Ownership of the Game

    Sep 8

    How Women Athletes Are Taking Back Ownership of the Game

    Party people, actor, producer and entrepreneur Gillian Anderson and former New Zealand captain and Crux Football founder Bex Smith are joining the party! Bex breaks down why women’s football can’t reach its full potential by simply copying the men’s model—and how Crux is building dedicated ownership, investment and infrastructure around the women’s game. Gillian shares why she invested in the mission, how Sex Education inspired her bestselling book Want and her G-Spot drinks, and why creating spaces for women to speak openly about desire has become part of her purpose. Plus, Billie Jean King explains why women’s teams need their own sales and commercial operations, Abby and Julie reflect on athletes becoming owners, and the group gets into player power, financial literacy, five Coca-Colas a day—and why the G-Spot remains so hard to find.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Keep the Party Going: Want to see what Bex is building with Crux? Learn more about Crux Football and its mission to build women’s football around the women’s game, not just copy and paste the men’s model: https://www.cruxfootball.com/ Party People, Abby said it: get this book. Gillian Anderson’s Want is a collection of anonymous fantasies from women around the world — and yes, Gillian’s own is hiding in there somewhere: https://www.abramsbooks.com/product/want_9781419777301/ After all that G-Spot talk, obviously we had to give you the link. Meet Gillian Anderson’s line of functional drinks:https://us.thisisgspot.com/ The party before the party is WILD. Go deeper on the Dick, Kerr Ladies, the enormous Goodison Park crowd and the FA ban that pushed women’s football off its grounds for nearly 50 years: https://nationalfootballmuseum.com/stories/12-games-1920/   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  8. The Woman Behind Picking Women's Team USA Roster

    Sep 1

    The Woman Behind Picking Women's Team USA Roster

    Five-time Olympic gold medalist, Basketball Hall of Famer, and Team USA’s first-ever Women’s National Team Managing Director Sue Bird joins the party! Before Sue stops by, Abby and Julie go back to the loss that helped build one of the most dominant dynasties in sports history and how Team USA women’s basketball turned back-to-back bronze medals into a culture that hasn’t lost an Olympic game since 1992. Then Sue takes us inside her newest role shaping the future of USA Basketball, from making the brutally difficult calls behind a stacked World Cup roster to carrying forward the standard set by legends like Dawn Staley, Lisa Leslie, and Sheryl Swoopes. She talks about why winning remains the North Star, handling the pressure that comes with Team USA, and what today’s players need to understand about putting the team above individual stats. Plus, Sue opens up about life on the other side of retirement, becoming a broadcaster, navigating social media noise, and why the next phase of growth in women’s sports needs more than investment, it needs strategy. And with the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup tipping off September 4, the Party People are officially ready to cheer Team USA all the way to Berlin. 🇺🇸🏀   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store — and for September, a portion of proceeds supports Zoe’s Goal and childhood cancer research.   Keep the Party Going: Want more Sue Bird in your life? We do too. Follow Bird’s Eye View for Sue’s take on the WNBA, women’s basketball, the people shaping the game and everything happening around it: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birds-eye-view-with-sue-bird/id1812530040 UConn people, this one is for you. Want to hear more about what Geno really thinks of Sue — and go deep on anything and everything UConn? The Dynasty: UConn Huskies goes inside 40 years of Geno, championships, pressure, personalities and the players who built the standard: https://tv.apple.com/us/show/the-dynasty-uconn-huskies/umc.cmc.1xd5z7o77x0f6g6laf1vfbdn0 Party People, clear the calendar. Team USA is headed to Berlin. The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup runs September 4–13, with the U.S. opening against China on September 4: https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-womens-basketball-world-cup-2026 And yes, you can watch it all unfold. Find where to watch the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in the U.S.: https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-womens-basketball-world-cup-2026/where-to-watch Party People, it’s time to do More Than Four. Juggle anything more than four times, nominate four friends and donate more than $4 to help fund childhood cancer research through Zoe’s Goal. And this month, a portion of Welcome to the Party merch proceeds will support Zoe’s Goal too: https://www.pledge.to/mt4zoesgoal Meet Zoe Suder and learn more about the mission behind Zoe’s Goal: Scoring Against Childhood Cancer. LEARN MORE + DONATE: https://zoesgoal.org/    Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  9. When Billie Jean King knew she would fight for equality (NPR+)

    Sep 6 ·  Bonus • Subscribers Only

    When Billie Jean King knew she would fight for equality (NPR+)

    It’s the last week of this year’s U.S. Open, the Grand Slam tennis tournament that takes place every year at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York. So in this bonus episode, we’re looking back to King’s Fresh Air interview from 2021. King discussed the highs and lows of her life and career—including the first time she played tennis, what led her to want to fight for equal pay, the drama she faced before she came out publicly, and how she felt in the run-up to the famous Battle of the Sexes match she played against Bobby Riggs in 1973. | Listen to 50 years of Fresh Air's archives at FreshAirArchive.org. | Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and curated playlists of archive interviews. Learn more at plus.npr.org.

  10. Julia Gets Wise with Billie Jean King

    04/24/2024

    Julia Gets Wise with Billie Jean King

    Today on Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with 80-year-old tennis pro, activist, and LGBTQ+ icon Billie Jean King. Billie Jean delves into the nature of leadership, visualization, and her long journey towards self-acceptance. Inspired by the sports legend, Julia asks Billie Jean for advice about her niece’s college soccer career, as well as revealing the original spark that lit her own love of sports. Additionally, Julia’s mom, Judy, reflects on her generation's acceptance of societal norms and the transformative power of the feminist movement.   Follow Wiser Than Me on Instagram and TikTok @wiserthanme and on Facebook at facebook.com/wiserthanmepodcast.   Keep up with Billie Jean King @billiejeanking on Instagram.   Find out more about other shows on our network at @lemonadamedia on all social platforms.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.    For exclusive discount codes and more information about our sponsors, visit https://lemonadamedia.com/sponsors/.  For additional resources, information, and a transcript of the episode, visit lemonadamedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  11. Billie Jean King Takes Us Inside The US Open

    Sep 3

    Billie Jean King Takes Us Inside The US Open

    Welcome to the Party is coming to you from Billie Jean King’s house…literally. Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy make their first-ever trip to the US Open, joining Kinger inside the Ralph Lauren suite at Arthur Ashe Stadium for a special episode celebrating the tournament she helped transform. Billie Jean shares what it feels like to see her name across the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, how the women fought to make the US Open the first major to offer equal prize money and the unforgettable 1974 final she somehow pulled back from the brink. The trio also gets into New York’s gloriously rowdy tennis crowds, athletes as entertainers, the intersection of sports and fashion, Billie Jean’s beloved childhood tennis sweater, Honey Deuces, Anna Wintour, and whether Abby and Julie have officially peaked sartorially. Come for the history, stay for the fits.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store — and for September, a portion of proceeds supports Zoe’s Goal and childhood cancer research.   Keep the Party Going: How exactly did the whole place become Kinger’s house? Go back to the 2006 night the USTA National Tennis Center was officially renamed for Billie Jean King: https://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/articles/2023-06-06/milestones_in_equality_home_of_the_us_open_renamed_in_billie_jean_kings_honor.html? Equal pay at the US Open started with a threat not to come back. Go deeper on how Billie Jean and the women helped make the US Open the first Grand Slam to award equal prize money in 1973. https://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/articles/2023-03-30/milestones_in_equality_a_long_climb_to_equal_prize_money_at_the_four_grand_slams.html? Look good. Feel good. Play good. Check out the Ralph Lauren US Open Collection, including the looks inspired by the tournament’s iconic ball crew: https://www.ralphlauren.com/tennis-tournament-cg?ab=en_US_BANNER_SEO_1_S1_L2_   Thank you to our sponsor: -Ralph Lauren

  12. Olivia Miles Is Making WNBA History—and She’s Just Getting Started

    Aug 25

    Olivia Miles Is Making WNBA History—and She’s Just Getting Started

    WNBA rookie sensation Olivia Miles is at the party! The history-making point guard joins Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy and Billie Jean King as her rare combination of old-school playmaking and modern scoring puts her squarely in the MVP conversation. The crew also celebrates record-breaking crowds and ratings across women’s sports, previews the star power returning to the US Open and gets the story behind Kinger’s iconic blue suede Adidas shoes from the Battle of the Sexes. Plus, University of Arizona sophomore Zoe Suder shares how Zoe’s Goal and the More Than Four Challenge are turning her cancer journey into action for childhood cancer research.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store    Keep the Party Going: Kinger’s blue suede shoes are BACK. Check out the adidas re-release of the shoes Billie Jean King made history in during the 1973 Battle of the Sexes: https://news.adidas.com/racket-sports/adidas-honors-billie-jean-king-with-the-return-of-her-iconic-blue-suede-shoe/s/7594f56e-e7a8-4153-8e8d-93946e77df1a Party People, it’s time to do More Than Four. Juggle anything more than four times, nominate four friends and donate more than $4 to help fund childhood cancer research through Zoe’s Goal. TAKE THE CHALLENGE: https://zoesgoal.org/ Kinger gave us homework: Title IX is only 37 words. Go read them: https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/civil-rights-laws/title-ix-and-sex-discrimination Keep up with Swaggy. Follow Olivia Miles on Instagram for more of the goggles, the swagger and her rookie ride with Minnesota: ​​https://www.instagram.com/_oliviamiles_/?hl=en   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  13. It's Hard Not To Like The Person You Become

    Aug 11

    It's Hard Not To Like The Person You Become

    What deserves our attention in women’s sports and what are we choosing to amplify? Julie Foudy, Abby Wambach and Billie Jean King dig into the noise surrounding the WNBA, from Caitlin Clark and the league’s growing pains to the stories of joy, excellence and record-breaking performances they’d rather see dominating the conversation. Plus, they break down new research from the Women’s Sports Foundation on movement and body appreciation, react to the Cleveland Sirens’ vision for building a WNBA franchise around women’s sports fans, and somehow find their way to “Boob Gate” at the Tour de France Femmes. Then, record-breaking ocean rower Kelsey Pfendler joins the party fresh off spending 43 days, 17 hours and 55 minutes alone at sea, rowing more than 2,400 miles from California to Hawaii. Kelsey takes us inside the storms, extreme sleep deprivation, meticulous preparation and very real fear that came with becoming the fastest person, man or woman, to complete the solo crossing. She shares why bravery can’t exist without fear, how endurance is as much emotional as it is physical, and why getting older might actually make us better at doing really hard things.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store    Keep the Party Going: Women’s Sports Foundation Built to Move Study: https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Built-to-Move.pdf  Our episode with the Authors of Fair Game where we take a deep dive into Transgender athletes: What Everyone Gets Wrong About Trans Athletes Follow Kelsey Pfendler:https://www.instagram.com/kelseypfendler/?hl=en Part of our proceeds from our merch this month will go to the Whale Foundation, the organization that helped Kelsey through some of her toughest times:https://www.whalefoundation.org/   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  14. How A World Cup Legend Became President of US Soccer

    Aug 6

    How A World Cup Legend Became President of US Soccer

    U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone joins Welcome to the Party for a candid conversation about leading American soccer through one of the most transformative eras in its history. From negotiating equal pay and rebuilding trust within U.S. Soccer to opening the new Arthur M. Blank National Training Center and preparing for the 2027 Women’s World Cup and a historic 2031 tournament on home soil, Cindy shares what it really takes to lead through uncertainty. Abby, Julie, Billie Jean and Cindy also break down FIFA’s abandoned private investment proposal, why the men’s World Cup changed the conversation around soccer in America, Mauricio Pochettino’s contract extension, Emma Hayes’ lasting impact, and the work still ahead to make youth soccer more affordable, accessible and fun. It’s an inspiring conversation about leadership, teamwork, and why the future of American soccer has never looked brighter.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store    Keep the Party Going: Learn more about the Whale Foundation: https://www.whalefoundation.org/ U.S. Soccer Forward Foundation: https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2024/06/us-soccer-launches-soccer-forward-foundation   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  15. What Everyone Gets Wrong About Trans Athletes

    Jul 23

    What Everyone Gets Wrong About Trans Athletes

    In Part 1 of this special three-part series, Julie Foudy, Abby Wambach and Billie Jean King take on one of the most complex and emotionally charged conversations in sports today: transgender athletes and the future of women's sports. Joined by Fair Game: Trans Athletes and the Future of Sports authors Dr. Anna Baeth and Ellie Roscher, they explore the facts, science, history and policy behind a debate that has become deeply politicized. Together, they examine questions of fairness, inclusion and opportunity while challenging common misconceptions with data, expert research and the lived experiences of transgender athletes. From the role of Title IX and the realities of elite competition to youth sports, body autonomy and what fairness in sports truly means, this conversation invites listeners to slow down, ask questions and engage with empathy. Even when the answers aren't simple. Whether you're uncertain, curious or firmly opinionated, this episode offers space to listen, learn and better understand one of the defining issues in sports today. *Since this episode was recorded, the WTA announced that all players will be required to undergo one-time SRY gene testing to compete on the women’s tour, bringing tennis into compliance with the IOC’s eligibility requirements ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.* Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store    Keep the Party Going: If you want to learn more or go deeper on some of the things we discussed today, here are a few resources we recommend: 1. Chris Mosier's website is the place to go for action steps and the most up to date policy information: https://www.transathlete.com/ 2. Fair Game by Ellie Roscher and Anna Baeth: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/fair-game-trans-athletes-and-the-future-of-sports/ 3. There are free resources to pair with the book-- a book discussion guide for folks who want to read FAIR GAME in groups and go deeper and writing prompts for cis folks to explore their cis identity: https://ellieroscher.com/books/fair-game 4. Testosterone: An Unauthorized Biography by Rebecca Jordan-Young and Katrina Karkazis:  5. Fair Play by Katie Barnes: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/fair-play-how-sports-shape-the-gender-debates_katie-barnes/  Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  16. The Biggest World Cup Reunion

    Jul 16

    The Biggest World Cup Reunion

    It’s the ultimate World Cup reunion as Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy bring together generations of U.S. Women’s National Team legends, including Mia Hamm, Michelle Akers, Brandi Chastain, Briana Scurry, Kristine Lilly, Becky Sauerbrunn, Julie Ertz and more. The group reflects on the joy, energy and community surrounding this World Cup, breaks down the U.S. men’s heartbreaking exit and gets candid about what was missing when the pressure was highest. Then, the ’99ers and 2015 champions share emotional, hilarious and rarely heard stories from their own World Cup runs, from the moment they realized an entire country was behind them to the goals, saves, locker-room memories and lifelong sisterhood that changed women’s soccer forever. It’s a celebration of the players who built the game, the generations who carried it forward and the unforgettable feeling of representing your country on the world’s biggest stage. Follow the 99er’s movie and celebrate all things 99ers: https://www.instagram.com/the99ersteam/ Becky Sauerbrunn - Catch Teaming Up With Becky Sauerbrunn weekly podcast (part of Sam Mewis’s The Women’s Game podcast). https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtNimwVrgGBLKQYK-7MgDDmZFIywBhKrx And follow Becky on social @reeba04 https://www.instagram.com/reeba04/  Julie Ertz - Listen to Julie’s amazing new podcast Style of Play, co-hosted with Kealia Watt - https://styleofplayshow.com/ - And follow Julie on social @julieertz - https://www.instagram.com/julieertz/  Michelle Akers - Co-founder of Storied Sports, a storytelling and athlete IP company - https://www.storiedsports.com/team-2 - And follow Michelle on social at @officialmichelleakers - https://www.instagram.com/officialmichelleakers/  Briana Scurry - Follow Briana at https://briscurry.com/ - And follow Briana on social, @briscurry - https://www.instagram.com/briscurry/  Mia Hamm - Co-founder of the Mia Hamm Foundation and part-owner of Angel City FC - https://www.miafoundation.org/ - And follow Mia on social, @miahamm - https://www.instagram.com/miahamm/  Kristine Lilly - Runs the Kristine Lilly Soccer Academy, Author of POWERHOUSE, and member of the NWSL team Boston Legacy’s Athlete Advisory Board. - https://kristinelilly13.com/book/ and https://kristinelilly13.com/klsa-camp/ - And follow Kristine on social, @kristinelilly - https://www.instagram.com/kristinelilly/  Brandi Chastain - Co-founder of NWSL team, Bay FC. - https://bayfc.com/ - And follow Brandi on social, @bchastain6 - https://www.instagram.com/bchastain6/ Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Thank you to our sponsors: Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  17. How Sarah Spain Used Traditional Sports Media to Build the Future

    Aug 18

    How Sarah Spain Used Traditional Sports Media to Build the Future

    Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist and Good Game host Sarah Spain finally joins the party! Sarah gets into why she’s betting big on women’s sports, literally, what she learned from becoming a team investor, and why leaving the daily grind of men’s sports coverage has brought more joy and purpose to her work. She also opens up about navigating sexism throughout her career, the growing tension between journalism and rage-bait, and why trustworthy, thoughtful coverage will be essential as women’s sports continue to explode. Then, Sarah introduces Abby and Julie to the idea of “collective effervescence”, the shared energy we feel when we experience something together and perfectly explains why women’s sports can feel like so much more than sports. Plus: Kelsie Whitmore’s post-WTTP home run tear, a legendary weekend for women’s basketball, an unforgettable WAFCON run, the Maryland Charm make history, Sarah flexes her improv skills, and the Party tries the impossible: stumping Sarah Spain.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store    Keep the Party Going: Get your daily women’s sports fix; listen to The Good Game with Sarah Spain: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-game-with-sarah-spain/id1752100672 More Spainer in your feed? Yes please. Follow: https://www.instagram.com/spain2323/ Want to go deeper on “collective effervescence”? Read Jia Tolentino’s: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/05/27/losing-religion-and-finding-ecstasy-in-houston Gio Canali’s possible goal of the year: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db9poIHtl_O/ The Welcome to the Party effect is real! Here’s where it all started with Kelsie Whitmore: youtube.com/watch?si=EO3coHz3Wc-MxVAt&v=0rcw12-cvwc&feature=youtu.be Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  18. How Kelsie Whitmore Became the #1 Overall Pick in Women’s Pro Baseball History

    Aug 13

    How Kelsie Whitmore Became the #1 Overall Pick in Women’s Pro Baseball History

    Welcome to the Party is launching its first-ever Book Club with Billie Jean King’s new book, See It to Be It, co-written with Liz Robbins and featuring 11 athletes who are changing what the next generation can imagine. Then, one of those athletes joins the party: history-making baseball player Kelsie Whitmore. The Savannah Bananas star and first overall pick in the new Women’s Pro Baseball League opens up about growing up as the only girl on the field, the isolation and pressure that came with competing in male-dominated spaces, and the emotional moment she finally stepped onto a field surrounded by women who understood that experience. Kelsie also shares what it meant to receive the torch from baseball pioneer Maybelle Blair, why she never gave up on the game she loved, and her message to the next generation: dream big, believe in yourself, and never let anyone else define the version of you that belongs. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store    Keep the Party Going: Billie Jean King’s new book, See It to Be It: https://a.co/d/0axjnoVJ Books By Billie Jean King: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/74527.Billie_Jean_King WPBL Baseball Schedule: https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/schedule/ Follow Kelsie Whitmore:https://www.instagram.com/kelsie_whitmore/?hl=en Maybelle Blair throwing out the first pitch:https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbl60zFGVeI/ At 95, Maybelle Blair came out to the world, her incredible Story:https://www.mlb.com/news/maybelle-blair-on-coming-out-at-95-and-a-new-league-of-their-own   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  19. Iva Jovic’s US Open Rise and Her Plan to Become World No. 1

    Aug 27

    Iva Jovic’s US Open Rise and Her Plan to Become World No. 1

    At just 18 years old, Iva Jovic has surged from No. 389 in the world to entering her first US Open as a seeded player and she has no intention of stopping there. The American tennis phenom joins Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy and Billie Jean King to talk about her goal of becoming world No. 1, the “healthy delusion” it takes to believe you can beat anyone and why her secret to success is surprisingly simple: show up every day. Iva opens up about how her parents’ immigration story shaped her drive, the sibling rivalry that made her fiercely competitive and the routines helping her stay grounded and avoid burnout. Plus, she reveals why soccer is still her favorite sport, while Billie Jean challenges Iva and the next generation to lead women’s tennis forward on and off the court.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store    Keep the Party Going: Keep up with Iva Jovic. Follow the 18-year-old rising star on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iva_jovic07/?hl=en Party People, follow Iva at the US Open! Check the official schedule and results as she takes on New York: https://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/schedule/index.html Iva gave it a rave review, so now it’s on our list too: WATCH Novak Djokovic: The Wolf in Winter on Prime Video: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H7KQQLWW?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  20. Inside the Mind of England’s Greatest Footballer

    Jul 28

    Inside the Mind of England’s Greatest Footballer

    Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy are back from vacation with family reunions, wakeboarding injuries and one very bold Tahoe bear, then it’s straight into a packed week in women’s sports. They break down the biggest moments from WNBA All-Star Weekend, celebrate new champions in softball and women’s tackle football, catch up on the U.S. track and field championships and unpack the World Cup Google searches that had everyone asking the important questions…like whether Europe has ranch. Then, live from Gotham FC’s record-breaking Queens Classic at Citi Field, Abby and Julie sit down with English football legend Lucy Bronze. The most decorated English footballer of all time opens up about watching the women’s game transform around her, the childhood Google search that led her to UNC, playing through the Euros with a broken leg and why “Tough” is quite literally her middle name. Lucy also reflects on her autism and ADHD diagnoses, the response she received after speaking publicly about them, the future of women’s football and whether an NWSL chapter could ever be in the cards. It’s a conversation about toughness, visibility, untapped talent and the barriers women’s sports continue to smash, one record-breaking night at a time. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store    Keep the Party Going: Follow Lucy Bronze: https://www.instagram.com/lucybronze/ Gotham’s Record Breaking Queen’s Classic: https://www.gothamfc.com/schedule/washington-spirit-2026-07-16 Check out the WNBA’s Instagram for all the great highlights of the weekend: https://www.instagram.com/wnba The StudBudz excited when “The President” Caitlin Clark stops by the Stream to drop off her new Nike Caitlin 1 shoe: https://x.com/sluggahjells/status/2081147650900922446?s=48 President Obama dropping by the WNBA All Star Practice: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DbLj6QfxQVO/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

Billie Jean King on Apple