The MLS Is Back Tournament (the most snoozy and literal name ever, we know) kicked off last night, meaning that, along with the NWSL’s Challenge Cup that’s already underway, it’s soccer’s time to shine. But unfortunately, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for the world’s most popular game.

This week co-hosts Ellen and Steph talk sports returning to play. From leagues that are already underway like the NWSL, to the NBA (that’s still going to Disney World), to the NHL (that finally has a plan), Ellen and Steph cover it all. And bonus: they give you #thegist of what each of the leagues, and players, are doing (or not doing) for the Black Lives Matter movement. Tune in, won’t you?

Remember when we thought the NHL would announce their bubble cities by June 22nd? Oh, how young and naive we were.

To play or not to play: that is the question many athletes are currently asking themselves as several leagues gear up to start (or restart) their seasons.

The NWSL’s Challenge Cup is well underway, and not to brag or anything, but the North Carolina Courage are kicking ass and taking names, just as we predicted.

As the musical version of Alexander Hamilton said (by way of Lin-Manuel Miranda, because yes, we’re obsessed), “This is not a moment; it’s a movement.” And he was totally right. Ongoing protests and calls for equality and diversity are leading to great change in the sports world.

On June 24th, Sky Blue FC's Mallory Pugh broke the news to Emily Mason of Hunterdon Central Regional High School that she is the 2019-20 Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year. The Gatorade Player of the Year award is the most prestigious award in high school sports because it recognizes the nation's most elite high school athletes for their accomplishments on and off the field.

If you were left feeling hella confused after Friday night’s NHL Draft Lottery, don’t worry: you aren’t alone. This is where we come in, to give #thegist of this year’s very unusual lottery.

With all of these sports coming back, it’s hard to believe that we’re still in the middle of a pandemic, but it’s true. Here’s a quick round-up of what’s going on in a few other sports.

With less than five weeks to go until the beginning of the end of the NBA season, we finally have a schedule and some important games to mark along with it.

After taking a hiatus, sports are now making their comeback. But you know what never went away? COVID-19. And in some places (we’re looking at you, Florida), it’s as bad as it’s ever been.

The moment we’ve all been waiting for has almost arrived: North American pro team sports will finally be back in action on Saturday, thanks to the NWSL. As they say, ladies first.