It’s possible that people might’ve missed the second-largest reveal of the week: On Monday, the Golden State Valkyries introduced their new mascot, Violet the raven, in an elaborate must-watch production. (I’m sure a dance-off with Ellie the Elephant is in the future.) Meanwhile, prepare for a hit of millennial nostalgia: A new Air Bud movie is in the works — and the search is on for the film’s star. And if you’re living for The Summer I Turned Pretty, I’m happy to report that the New York Liberty is siding with the right team (IYKYK). Now, let’s get to some sports highlights…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
Psst… Skimm Sports is going on a two-week break. Catch us back in your inbox in September. In the meantime, keep up with the latest highlights @theSkimm.
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What to look out for in our latest episode.
The Preseason Kickoff We've Been Waiting For
What's going on: The NFL preseason is underway, but all the attention is on Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. From her album announcement on New Heights to his GQ cover story (the head-to-toe fur look is really something) — fans are getting a preseason kickoff unlike any other. As Travis gets ready to play in his 13th season (could that be any more Taylor coded?), he didn’t just help with an album reveal, he also shared the kind of NFL superfan Taylor’s becoming. (Turns out, she knows the injury reports.) And while she may not have a Super Bowl ring — though the Grammys speak for themselves — Travis had this to say: “She will never tell anyone that she is an athlete. But I’ve seen what she goes through… and it’s mind-blowing,” he said.
Our take: Call them the ultimate PR couple, but Travis and Taylor’s moves are bound to put more attention on the upcoming NFL season. Even the league reacted to the album reveal, posting a two-word response. How can it not? One marketing firm found that Taylor has added almost $1 billion in buzz to the NFL, and her influence has shifted the league’s vibe: more young, female viewership and game-day fashion moments. The 2025 games are about to start, the album’s about to drop, and both fan bases are ready for a new season or Era, depending on how you look at it.
